2016 Volkswagen Beetle: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Beetle years.
59 owner complaints, most about air bags. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Beetle?The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has 59 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Beetle years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Beetle?
Across the 10 Beetle model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2017) to 195 (1998). With 59 complaints, the 2016 Beetle sits about the same as the model's median of 59.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Beetle
electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
Campaign 19V615000Volkswagen 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."
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 15V705000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Campaign 20E064000Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 22V945000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by maintenance expectations.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Beetle. See the full Beetle owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Beetle listings typically run $13,490–$20,477 across 2012 to 2019 model years.
Other Beetle model years
Compare every Beetle year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Beetle against its rivals
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