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2012 Volkswagen Beetle Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, most often about the visibility and wipers (32% of complaints, typically around 4,000 miles). It is 10th of 19 Beetle model years by number of complaints and has 6 recalls.
Most common 2012 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Visibility and wipers
21 complaints · 32%Half of these problems showed up before 4,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield, rear window wiper/washer, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
The power window do not go up right. When window are down trying to put up window they go up and stop one third of the way and spring back down push switch to go up window go up half up spring back down this go on two to three time if you hold switch in up they go up and smell like smoke. The dealer said v.w. Is…
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the electronic windows failed and would open and close independently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection where they advised that the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer…
Electrical
12 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 1,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel.
Driver and passenger windows require multiple attempts to close completely. Several problems exist---first is that as the windows are raised, they travel upwards, stop, then retract several inches. On subsequent attempts to raise the window, they continue to bind within the door mechanism, requiring additional…
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving various speeds, the vehicle experienced total electrical failure. The contact had to restart the vehicle to resume normal operation. There were no warning indicators illuminated; however, the contact heard a beeping sound prior to the failure. The dealer and…
Air bags
12 complaints · 19%The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer multiple times where the air bag sensor was repaired; however, every few thousand miles, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 20,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. While parked, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle traveling 15 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and back that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was…
Steering
7 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 26,500 miles. Parts named most often: rack and pinion.
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure…
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle would veer to the right abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there was a problem with the alignment machine. The vehicle was not aligned. The manufacturer was notified of the issue who…
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 9%The timing tensioner broke causing damage to the engine. Volkswagen paid for timing and 60% of engine work. Shortly after I noticed I needed to add oil and right after an oil change the oil would be low. Meanwhile the oil light never came on. Now Volkswagen dealership says the pvc is bad and when questioned about it…
While the car was in motion the steering locked up, preventing any kind of turning of the steering wheel, causing a catosrophic crash injuring the driver on a city street.
Engine
6 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 44,500 miles.
I was driving and the epc light came on. At the dealership I was told the car needed a carbon cleaning which is a $900 job. Being that my car is only 5 years old and only has 40k miles I was shocked. After doing research and talking to the dealership I learned that all 2012 bettles with this direct fuel injection…
Purchased the 2012 vw turbo Beetle from cutrubus of layton utah [phone] with $3,200 of own money..golden west credit union loan $10,500.. Cutrubus has maintenance department that inspected and emessioned the vehicle.. Took the 2012 vehicle off the lot and car staled and engine light went on.. Took it to my parents…
Body and structure
5 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: body.
I noticed a set of cracks near the top of my windshield, approximately at the point where the rear view mirror attaches and extending up to the roof line edge. The cracks were approximately 6" - 8" in length. I have no idea when or how it occurred as I do not recall any stone or other road debris hitting the…
Driver and passenger windows require multiple attempts to close completely. Several problems exist---first is that as the windows are raised, they travel upwards, stop, then retract several inches. On subsequent attempts to raise the window, they continue to bind within the door mechanism, requiring additional…
Fuel system
4 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH and noticed the catalytic converter warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician detected a fuel vapor leak in the evap control system and an…
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. While the vehicle was stationary, fuel leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was diagnosed as having a leaky detection pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle recalls
Air bags: frontal
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began march 19, 2021. Owners may contact volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69bc.
Full defect summary
Volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 volkswagen beetle and beetle convertible 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.
Other: unknown or other
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began november 6, 2019. Owners may contact volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01d7. Note: this recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18v-329.
Full defect summary
Volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 volkswagen passat, 2018 tiguan lwb, 2007-2009 jetta sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 jetta, 2013 jetta hybrid, 2008-2009 jetta sportwagen, 2015 golf sportwagen, 2013 golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 beetle and beetle convertible, 2008-2010 beetle, and beetle convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Electrical: control module
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Suspension: rear
Risk: The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began april 7, 2015. Owners may contact volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Full defect summary
Volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 jetta vehicles manufactured march 1, 2010, to november 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 beetle vehicles manufactured march 1, 2011, to july 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk: If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2013. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Full defect summary
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 beetle vehicles, manufactured from february 2012, through august 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
Wheels and tires: tires
Risk: Due to an error at the factory, the affected vehicles were produced with summer tires that are possibly not in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards 110 "tire selection & rims" and 139 "new pneumatic tires for light vehicles." in addition, customers may be unaware that their vehicle is equipped with summer performance tires. Summer tires have different grip and performance characteristics. These issues may lead to an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the noncompliant tires, free of charge. The safety recall began on september 12, 2012. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Full defect summary
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 beetle vehicles. Some vehicles may be equipped with summer tires that fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards 110 "tire selection and rims" and 139 "new pneumatic tires for light vehicles."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: visibility and wipers (21 complaints, typically around 4,000 miles); electrical (12 complaints, typically around 1,000 miles); air bags (12 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 16, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Volkswagen Beetle?
- It is 10th of 19 Beetle model years by number of complaints, with 65 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.