2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 15, 2023 · 11 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Beetle Convertible years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 11 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. That ranks 2nd out of 11 Beetle Convertible model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (11 complaints, 100%). There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags11
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags11100%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleDec 21, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V945000 · 37,558 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.

Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module; steering:column locking:anti-theft deviceAug 22, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact…

Air Bags · received Sep 15, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11544690

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…

Air Bags · received Sep 15, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11544720

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…

Air Bags · received Aug 25, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11540693

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…

Air Bags · received Jul 10, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11531284

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…

Air Bags · received Jul 3, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11530113

Other Volkswagen Beetle Convertible years

← 2015 Beetle Convertible · 2017 Beetle Convertible →

See all Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems by year, every Volkswagen model, or the Volkswagen VIN decoder.

Similar Volkswagen models

Embed this 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?

Owners most often report air bags problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 11 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Beetle Convertible model years, the 2016 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.