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Model-year record

2018 Volkswagen Beetle
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Volkswagen Beetle

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

16

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

4

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

29

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (38% of 16 reports), followed by electrical system (31%).

Air Bags38% · 6 reports
Electrical System31% · 5 reports
Unknown Or Other13% · 2 reports
Engine6% · 1 report
Forward Collision Avoidance6% · 1 report
Fuel System6% · 1 report

Share of all 16 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11689418, ODI 11689513, ODI 11682944, ODI 11652966, ODI 11627501.

Individual complaint reports(16)

Showing the 16 most recent reports
Air BagsSep 2025 · ODI 11689418Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11689418 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2025 · ODI 11689513Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 amount of time for the recall repair. The contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11689513 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2025 · ODI 11682944Details +

The contact's wife owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact’s wife received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11682944 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2025 · ODI 11677002Details +

The ignition failed to release the key and turn off the engine. According to the service writer at New Century Volkswagen in Glendale, CA, this is a known problem with older model Volkswagens. The part which will fix the ignition, is back-ordered for six months, leaving many vehicles in a dangerous state. I have written to.volkswagen of America customer service but no solution or resolution was provided.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11677002 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemJul 2025 · ODI 11672219Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The towing agent informed the contact that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a major fuel leak. The mechanic replaced an unknown part with a part purchased from a Volkswagen dealer. The contact stated that the fuel leak was corrected; however, an unknown repair needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer the vehicle was purchased from, was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing and repair. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11672219 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2025 · ODI 11652966Details +

I've owned this car for nearly two years. On April 3, 2025, I took my car to Niello VW. A service person told me he'd just had a VW Beetle with the same problem, just the passenger's side. Since there was nothing jamming the glide rails, there was no reason for the seat to be stuck. I took the car to a car upholstery shop because they specialize in removing car seats. The person had a hard time removing my seat, but he did. He said one of metal teeth like glides or steel buttons was broke. There are three on each side of the car seat. It was only on the right side of the driver's seat. The driver's seat is stuck and unable to be adjusted to the driver's leg length. There was nothing jammed in the lock that caused this to be stuck. I have owned 4 VW Beetles and I've never had a problem like this. It's very expensive about $1000 to repair. Mine is 2018 VW Beetle. I should not have a problem like this. I am reporting this because other VW Beetle owners have had to same problem. I did have the air bags repaired a recall.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11652966 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2024 · ODI 11627501Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11627501 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2024 · ODI 11626239Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11626239 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2022 · ODI 11449170Details +

Driver and passenger windows go down all by themselves without the key even being in the ignition. Yes it is available to be fixed. My safety could be at risk if the window goes down and i'm not at home and some stranger lets themselves in my car and waits for my return. I've gone to break and i go out to my car and the window is half down. Dealership replaced something related to the windows unknown to exactly what. No bells or whistles its happened at least 6 times now once on the passenger side the rest on the drivers side. Started when it got really really cold out.

Reported
Jan 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11449170 at NHTSA →
Forward Collision AvoidanceOct 2021 · ODI 11436111Details +

At normal speeds driving down the road traction control will come on and break the vehicle and jerk the steering Will.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11436111 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2021 · ODI 11432645Details +

2018 Beetle with 2.0 TSI. Vehicle is extremely well maintained and all work has been done by VW dealers. This is not our primary vehicle and, as a result, it only has about 8600 miles. Stopped at a store for a few minutes. Vehicle would not restart. Many fault lights appeared on the dash (e.g., battery, check engine, EPC). Pushed vehicle into another area of the parking lot where there was more room in case it needed to be towed. Waited a few minutes and tried to restart. Vehicle sputtered and seemed to be running on only 1 or 2 cylinders for a few seconds. Gave it a little gas, all lights went off, full engine power resumed. Sat there a few minutes evaluating engine performance, everything seemed fine. Decided to head to the dealership instead of going home. After about 2 miles engine stopped running. Many fault lights appeared including battery, EPC, check engine, and so many others I can’t even recall. Had almost no steering. Struggled to coast vehicle to shoulder. Weather was very hot and traffic was heavy, not a pleasant situation or place to get stranded. Waited a minute or two. Tried to restart. Vehicle coughed, sputtered, and shook like it was only running on 1 cylinder. Shut vehicle off and sat. Tried to restart 2 or 3 more times without success. On next attempt vehicle sputtered to life, lights went off, and full power resumed. Tested engine performance and it seemed fine. EPC light came on. Still heading to the dealership. Got another 1.5 miles or so. EPC and check engine light came on. Another engine failure. Super heavy traffic on a 6-lane highway. Luckily I had enough speed to coast off the road and into a dirt parking lot. Many fault lights on the dash. Waited a few minutes. Tried to restart vehicle, no luck. Vehicle was towed to closest VW dealership. Absolutely terrifying and horrific 3 hours.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Sep 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11432645 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2021 · ODI 11421571Details +

Center dash screen goes black occasionally which prevents using the backup camera, radio, and phone. Sometimes it will reboot by itself after several minutes, other times I have to shut the car off, wait, and restart the car. It doesn’t always reboot the first time. This has happened at least 6 times.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11421571 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2021 · ODI 11398926Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOWS WOULD LOWER AND RAISE INDEPENDENTLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPC WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER WHEN LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000.

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11398926 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2020 · ODI 11297097Details +

THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IS DEFECTIVE. THE WINDOW SHUTTERS UP & DOWN ALL BY ITSELF, BOTH IN PARK, AND WHILE DRIVING. WHEN IT DOES THIS, I CAN'T SHUT THE WINDOW USING THE WINDOW UP & DOWN BUTTON. THE WINDOW GOES DOWN 1/2 WHILE DRIVING AND THEN LOCKS. I HAD IT TO TYNANS DEALERSHIP IN AURORA CO 3 TIMES NOW. THEY REPLACED THE LOCKING MECHANISM BACK IN OCT. IT HELPED FOR ABOUT A MONTH. NOW IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. THERE ARE TIMES I HAVE GONE INTO THE STORE, CAME BACK OUT, AND MY WINDOW WAS DOWN 1/2 WAY - AND I NEVER ROLLED IT DOWN! I NEVER LEAVE MY WINDOWS DOWN WHILE AWAY FROM THE CAR. I WISH I COULD ATTACH VIDEO - HERE IS THE YOUTUBE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=_Q6OWMB_F5I

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11297097 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2019 · ODI 11258975Details +

THE WINDOW KEEPS SHUTTERING UP & DOWN AFTER GETTING IN THE CAR AND SHUTTING THE DOOR WITH IGNITION ON.. THE WINDOW DOESN'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY, AND THE AUTO DOOR LOCK DOESN'T WORK. THE WINDOW SHUTTERS UP & DOWN ALL ON ITS OWN. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE DOOR LOCK. THIS STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE A VIDEO SHOWING THE ISSUE AFTER THE DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11258975 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2018 · ODI 11129732Details +

SINCE PURCHASING MORE THAN 7 MONTHS AGO, VEHICLE'S BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM FAILS TO RECOGNIZE APPROACHING VEHICLES AND DOES NOT HAVE AN AUDIBLE ALERT INSIDE THE VEHICLE MAKING IT NEARLY UNUSABLE AND UNSAFE. REAR-CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT SYSTEM GOES CRAZY (INCESSANT BEEPING) AND UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. EVEN IF THERE ARE NO VEHICLES AROUND AND THERE IS NOTHING SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE THE SYSTEM WILL GO OFF AND BEEP FRANTICALLY. REAR-CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT FREQUENTLY WILL NOT IDENTIFY OR WARN OF VEHICLES PASSING BEHIND, SUCH AS WHEN TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. VEHICLE'S IN-DASH DISPLAY WILL PERIODICALLY GO BLACK WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED. VEHICLE'S RADIO SYSTEM WILL DISPLAY RANDOM CHARACTERS FOR THE SONG OR ARTIST, OR DISPLAY THE SAME SONG AND ARTIST FOR 10 MINUTES OR LONGER EVEN THOUGH THE SONG, ARTIST, OR STATIONS HAVE CHANGED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. VW CORPORATE WAS CONTACTED AND RESPONDED QUICKLY AND WITH CONCERN, BUT DEALER WAS STILL UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES.

Reported
Sep 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11129732 at NHTSA →

Recalls(4)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Service BrakesJan 2018 · 18V369000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical System · 19V615000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Service Brakes · 20E064000Details +

Tenneco 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.

Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air Bags · 24V834000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Side
Not rated
Rollover

2018 Volkswagen Beetle C FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Beetle2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive263329

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Volkswagen Beetle: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?

Owners filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (38% of complaints) and electrical system (31%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle have?

4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle, covering components such as service brakes. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle at 29 mpg combined.