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Buying a used 2018 Volkswagen Beetle? Check these 4 recalls first
Four recalls on this final-generation Beetle, two critical: brake calipers that can reduce braking power, carrying a stop-driving warning, and a driver's airbag that can explode and throw metal fragments. A key that can be removed when the car is not in Park and a leaking Beck/Arnley aftermarket brake part round out the list. Only 17 unverified NHTSA complaints were filed, mostly air bags (7) and electrical (6), with no crashes, fires or injuries reported.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Run the VIN and confirm the stop-drive brake caliper recall was completed
- Verify the driver's airbag inflator was replaced, with dealer paperwork
- Try removing the key with the shifter out of Park to check that recall repair
- Open recalls are repaired free at any Volkswagen dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen and Audi brake calipers can reduce braking power · do not drive | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | critical |
| Volkswagen Beetle driver's airbag can explode and throw metal | AIR Bags | critical |
| Volkswagen key can come out when not in Park | Electrical System | high |
| Beck/Arnley brake part for VW Jetta, Beetle leaks | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
17 complaints filed for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| AIR Bags | 7 | Yes |
| Electrical System | 6 | Yes |
| Structure | 1 | None found |
| Fuel System | 1 | None found |
| Seats | 1 | None found |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | None found |