2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1) · Seats (1) · Air Bags (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Air Bags:frontal 2020-12-16 · campaign 20V785000 · 105,652 vehicles
Defect: 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.
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.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module 2019-08-22 · campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles
Defect: 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.
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.
Service bulletins (1,069)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-17 · V0116152014815_20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
suggested fuel additive
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-09 · SM 39-2026 · Other
this special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-06 · TT 00-13-04_7 · Other
permission to change daily order upgraded to red order
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-04 · V0026012081638_2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
differences between a leak and seepage
Electrical System 2026-07-15 · VOS-26-42 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a notice for software changes with the odis diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: a software fix is needed to correct the issue: da 0019 - hotfix 12-v battery test(s) – no battery diagnosis - inconclusive test result.
Engine 2026-07-09 · V1718062017813_24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
oil consumption measurement and electronic oil consumption measurement
Showing the 6 most recent of 1,069 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-10-29 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 73,000 mi“the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle convertible. the contact stated that after his wife had driven the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. additionally, the traction control and abs warning lights were illuminated. the contact called the local dealer and was informed that the warning lights were illumi…”
2023-08-08 · Seats · 70,000 mi“the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle convertible. the contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat would no longer slide backwards. the contact was concerned that the front passenger was too close to the air bag system due to the seat malfunction. additionally, the trunk door handle had malfunctioned, and the trunk door could not be ope…”
2021-03-31 · Air Bags“tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen beetle convertible. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v785000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. the contact stated that gunther volkswagen daytona beach located at 1270 n tomoka farms rd, daytona beach, fl 32124, (386) 523-050…”
2018-11-12 · Unknown Or Other“received letter for recall, instructed to call for appointment, letter .did not state what the problem was. checked your website, showed no recall for this vehicle. concerned if this is a rip off, since the letter stated it was a "manufacturer's recall"? letter was from: autonation volkswagen, las vegas, nv…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.