2019 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2019 Volkswagen Final Edition SE Beetle’s rear trunk latch/lock will fail and not open from the outside with the car unlocked and using the key fob due to it being jammed closed. In an emergency situation, there’s no manual way to open the rear hatch, and there are no visible markings showing where the override is to be or what to do to open it up from the inside in an emergency. Further, after reading the owner’s manual, it shows several different ways it can be opened depending on the year the vehicle was built, and the 2019 says to stick the flat end of your key into a slot on the right and slide it to the left to which mine failed and did NOT work. Dealership Service Technician showed me the plastic part that failed within the latch; however when I asked him not to replace the latch at a total price of $1500.00, the part was damaged for some unknown reasons. This would be a tragic event waiting to happen in an emergency!!! It could be the same in several other 2019 VW models I took the vehicle to my local dealership, and costed me $200.00 for a diagnostic and to have them open it, to which they said took them 3-hours… FROM THE DEALERSHIP: COMMENTS, BODY ELECTRICAL C/S - REAR HATCH WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE & OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE FOUND THE REAR LATCH FAILED. FOUND WHOM EVER TRIED TO USE THE EMERGENCY RELEASE DAMAGED THE LATCH. REMOVED THE INTERIOR TRIM WITH THE HATCH CLOSED. WAS ABLE TO GAIN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ACCESS TO THE BACK OF THE LATCH. SEPARATED THE PLASTIC HOUSING FROM THE LATCH HOUSING IN ORDER TO USE A PICK TO RELEASE THE LATCH TO GET HATCH LID OPEN. CUSTOMER DECLINED LATCH REPLACEMENT. CUSTOMER REQUESTED TO NOT REINSTALL THE TRIM AND THE FAILED LATCH. PLACED THE TWO SCREWS FOR THE TRIM AND THE TWO BOLTS FOR THE LATCH IN THE CUP HOLDER. PLACED THE LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. PLACED THE TRIM IN THE TRUNK AREA. CUSTOMER TOOK THE VEHICLE WITH OUT REAR TRUNK LID LATCH INSTALLED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Hello, We have owned this vehicle since new. Today it has 28,945 miles. We started hearing a clunking sound from the front left side. We subsequently stopped and verified the suspension and discovered the broken front right suspension spring. Very disappointing to know that a suspension spring would brake at such low mileage. Our internet search found that we are not the only one with such a significant safety problem.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

A message is continually (every few seconds) displayed on the dashboard stating that the "coolant temperature is 195 degrees" as if it is a warning. It does not seem plausible that the coolant would have reached 195 degrees when the vehicle was just started.

Reported

Dec 2023

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On Sept. 21, 2023, I was in my 2019 Beetle and pulled into a parking place at a store. When parked, I pressed the electric start button to shut off the vehicle. When the vehicle was shut off, I got out of the car to go into the store. Luckily, I turned my head in the direction of my vehicle and saw it rolling backwards out of the parking space. In a panic, I raced back to the vehicle and jumped into the car. At that point, I had realized that I had not placed the vehicle in Park when I parked the car and it was still in Drive. At that point, I reparked the car, this time placing it in Park before I shut off the vehicle. When I came home, I told my husband what happened. He said it should be impossible to shut off a vehicle when it is in Drive. We went outside and recreated the scenario. In summary, we were able to shut off the vehicle while it was in Drive - and - when the car was placed on a slight incline, it rolled backwards all by itself. There is no alarm warning the driver that the vehicle was left in Drive. The only warning is a small message that shows up on the dash that reads " Move selector lever to position p1". It is very easy not to notice this mesage. As I had an appointment scheduled at the dealer on Oct. 4, 2023 for my NYS inspection, I expressed my concern to Basil Volkswagen in Lockport, NY. They investigated my concern and concluded that the car can be shut off when in Drive and, if parked on an incline, it will roll backwards. They stated it was my fault as I left the car in Drive. On Oct. 5, 2023, I called Volkswagen Customer Care. Candace stated I would receive an email responding to my complaint in 24 hrs. No email was received. I think this is a serious safety issue as when the car was rolling backward, it could have hit someone or another vehicle. In my eyes, there should be a mechanism in place to prevent the driver from shutting off the vehicle if it is in Drive. At a minimum, there should be an audible alarm.

Reported

Oct 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The key in the key cylinder or tear lock would not remove. The automobile would not shut down. I looked in YouTube tube and found out that since 2010 this incident has been occurring in Volkswagen beetles I had to extract the fuel pump fuse to stop the engine. And then disconnect the battery. It appears that this problem is pandemic to this automobile if I had been in a remote area it would’ve been a serious problem. AutoNation Volkswagen in Columbus has estimated the cost to be $1500 to replace the tear lock the cylinder and the bolt.

Reported

Jul 2023

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My VW Beetle has pushbutton start. The ignition can turn off when not in park. This was called a rollaway problem in keyed ignition models, but not pushbutton. I took it to dealer and they said not covered by warranty and no recall. This is as dangerous as in the keyed ignition model. I saw a report of a similar rollaway that VW refused to cover. Also, apparently pushed button while underway. Engine stopped while in traffic. Rolled to side of road and restarted without incident.

Reported

Jul 2022

Incident date

Jul 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2019 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE BOUGHT BACK OR REPLACED. *JS

Reported

Nov 2021

Incident date

Nov 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Wheel Hubs and Wheel Bolts. All four wheels and almost all the bolts affected. Replaced rear Hubs & all Bolts, after a three bolts were unable to be removed without extra effort by a mechanic. I have one bolt that indicates the bolt threads were deformed. The issue could impact the ability of the bolts to hold the wheels on safely.

Reported

Oct 2021

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2019 VW Beetle, AT, keyless entry was parked in a store parking lot. When I left the vehicle it wouldn't lock. I thought my fob battery died. I came out of the store about 30 minutes later and my car had rolled away. It came to rest about 50 feet away, up against a fixed object light pole. I was shocked! My rear bumper sustained damage. I got in my car and saw it was in D. I guess I left it in D, turned off the push button start/stop and it rolled away after I left it. I then did some checking and found that when push button start/stop tech is installed in many cars with the added safety features of audible sounds or transmissions ratcheting into park when stopped with transmission in Drive, which are standard safety features on most newer cars, but were not standard on my car. The car did not alert me to anything being wrong. This is a safety hazard. I noted that VW recalled their keyed entry Beetles for Rollaway Risks, but did not include key-less entry vehicles. A call to VW ensued and a case number was assigned, #04874410. Regional personnel Cathy was coordinating the case which she said caused an internal report to be filed. On Sept 3 at approximately noon, she called me to say that the accident was my fault, for parking incorrectly, VW would not pay to have my rear bumper fixed, nor would they take any responsibility. This Rollaway Risk could have been deadly, it could have been worse. I would hate to see someone killed for being in similar circumstances. VW is negligent in their response, these cars should be recalled for being a safety hazard to the general public. I am deeply concerned with the nonchalant attitude of VW. My husband's Lincoln ratchets into Park when he stops the car using the button if left in Drive. Ford does the same thing. Nissan makes an audible noise alerting the driver to something being amiss. VW is not even on the ballpark on this, what a shame!

Reported

Sep 2021

Incident date

Aug 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

WITH THE DEFROSTER ON WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE UPPER CORNER PASSENGER SIDE.

Reported

Feb 2021

Incident date

Feb 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPEN A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES OVER A 10 DAYS.

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

FUSE THAT CONTROLS READING OR MAP LIGHT IN CABIN AND EXTERNAL LIGHTING OUTSIDE FOR NIGHT DRIVING CONTINUALLY FAILS (3). SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE REAR LIGHTS AT NIGHT ONLY COME ON WHEN BRAKES APPLIED.

Reported

Mar 2020

Incident date

Mar 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

MY NEW 2019 VOLKSWAGEN S COUPE HAS A SIGNIFICANT TURBO LAG. SO MUCH SO, THAT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. I WAS MAKING A TURN AT AN INTERSECTION AND IT WAS AS THOUGH THE CAR LOST ALL POWER WHEN I EXCELLERATED. IT GOES FROM NO EXCEATION WHEN MOVING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO SURGING VERY FAST UPON THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND THAT MY LIFE MAY BE AT RISK. IT SEEMS THE ACCRETION CANNOT BE CONTROLLED!! THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM WHEN I AM STOPPED AND HIT THE EXCELLERATOR TO GO FORWARD . I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT A SERIOUS CRASH!!

Reported

Dec 2019

Incident date

Dec 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BEAM HAS A DISTINCTIVE BLIND SPOT ON THE LEFT SIDE AND A DOUBLE NOTCH ON THE RIGHT SIDE. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS AS THEY SAY IT'S BY DESIGN THOUGH I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER BEETLE, SAME MODEL YEAR WITH THE SAME HIDS, HAVE A COMPLETELY NORMAL HEADLIGHT BEAM. WITH THE BEAM LIKE IT IS, IT MAKES DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY ON BLACK ASPHALT ROADS. I'VE ESCALATED THIS TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY INSIST THIS IS BY DESIGN AND IS DUE TO THE SHUTTER THAT COMES DOWN WHEN USING THE NORMAL HEADLIGHT BEAM. OUR OTHER VEHICLE IS A GMC ACADIA WITH THE SAME SYSTEM AND IT DOES NOT DO THIS. ON THE BEETLE THE IF I SWITCH IT TO HIGH BEAMS THE BLIND SPOT AND NOTCH GO AWAY. ALSO VOLKSWAGEN CLAIMS THAT THE LEFT HEADLIGHT IS AIMED LOWER ON PURPOSE AS TO NOT BLIND ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR SITS SO LOW I DON'T SEE HOW THAT'S NEEDED, ESPECIALLY WHEN OUR ACADIA WHICH SITS UP HIGHER DOESN'T DO THIS. I DID TAKE A LOOK AT A COUPLE OF OTHER 2019 BEETLES AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THE HEADLIGHT BEAMS WERE ALL DIFFERENT; STILL A BLIND SPOT AND NOTCHES BUT IN DIFFERENT SPOTS. THE BLIND SPOT AND NOTCHES ARE SEEN BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. I HAVE PICTURES AND VIDEO OF BOTH. I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AT NIGHT AS IT HINDERS THE DRIVERS VIEW ON THE LEFT SIDE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS IGNORED MY CONCERNS AND REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS. I'M VERY CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY AND MY WIFE AND I REFUSE TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS. VOLKSWAGEN'S 'REMEDY' IS TO TRADE IT IN. WE LOVE THE CAR, JUST NOT THE HEADLIGHTS AT NIGHT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. I HAVE ATTACHED TWO PHOTOS; ONE LOW BEAM AND ONE HIGH BEAM SO THAT YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE.

Reported

Nov 2019

Incident date

Oct 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when a brake system failure is detected. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 101, "Controls and displays."

Risk: If the driver is not alerted when there is a problem with brakes, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90L8.

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.

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.

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.