2017 Volkswagen Beetle Safety Report
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (14) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle with 12 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle before buying across this generation. |
Volkswagen Beetle Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Volkswagen Beetle years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Beetle | 16 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Volkswagen Beetle | 57 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Volkswagen Beetle | 12 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Volkswagen Beetle | 99 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Volkswagen onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Volkswagen onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Volkswagen onlyLatches/Locks/Linkages
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Volkswagen onlySteering,Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other issues Volkswagen onlySuspension
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Volkswagen onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Reliability Score
The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle receives a reliability score of 82 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module Volkswagen is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetles due to potential inflator module defects in the driver's frontal air bag. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System: Ignition: Anti-Theft: Control Module Volkswagen is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2017 Beetles due to potential issues with the ignition control module. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes: Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder Tenneco Automotive is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, due to potential issues with the master cylinder. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages Volkswagen is recalling certain 2017 Beetles due to potential issues with latches, locks, or linkages. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle:
Air bag issues are the most common problem, affecting 40% of the vehicles.
Electrical system issues are the second most common problem, affecting 25% of the vehicles.
Service brake issues are the third most common problem, affecting 15% of the vehicles.
Latches, locks, or linkages issues are the fourth most common problem, affecting 10% of the vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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."
Consequence: 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.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
My local dealers still do not have the parts for the recall 24V834. It has been a year since the recall. What am I supposed to do?
The contact owns a 2017 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 exp...
The contact owns a 2017 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 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. VIN tool confirm...
The safety recall with the driver’s air bag still does not have a remedy available to fix the problem. My safety is at risk every time this vehicle is driven. Nothing has occurred, but this needs to be rectified immediately.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was blinking. 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 called two other local dealers: KarMART Maui—Kahului (411 Huku Lii Pl, Kihei, HI 96753), and Tony Volk...
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that upon attempting to open the trunk, the trunk failed to open. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The contact was informed that the emergency trunk release might be the cause of the ...
Hi, one time the car wheel turned extra and the gas went extra fast. I also had several devices on my car through blue tooth that were not mine and mirror link kept checking and AUX. This is conjunction with 3 years of hacking (that I think is technically-assisted abuse) with smart home hub, surveillance, spyware on phone and hacked emails. Tried filling out IC3.gov form to no avail. Took car ...
I started to hear clanking noise on left front side (drivers side) while driving. I removed the left front tire. Upon looking inside the wheel housing I observed that spring on the suspension strut was broken and lower part of spring the was no longer inside the lower spring seat. The spring is sliding off the strut and a piece of the metal spring fell off. I have many years of experience working ...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST PALM BEACH (3001 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, ...
PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATOR WENT BAD. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY NOW. HAD DRIVER SIDE REPLACED LAST YEAR AND WARRANTY COVERED IT. 1500 MILES OVER WARRANTY NOW
NHTSA: 19V615 NOVEMBER 11, 2019, I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THIS RECALL 37M2-MICRO SWITCH ON MY 2017 VW BEETLE, WHEN I ARRIVED, I WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THIS RECALL. I AM TRYING TO SELL MY CAR AND IT IS NOT PRUDENT TO TRY TO SELL A VEHICLE WITH AN OPEN RECALL ON IT. I WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL IN AUGUST 2019 AND WE ARE NOW IN NOVEMBER 2019 AND ACCORDING TO WHAT ...
ELECTRICAL MOTOR RUNNING NOISE IN REAR AREA OF VEHICLE AFTER ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND KEY REMOVAL. OCCURS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN RAIN CONDITIONS--REGARDLESS OF SEVERITY OF RAIN. THE NOISE REMAINS FOR UP TP 15 MINUTES AFTER SHUTDOWN AND KEY REMOVAL AND OCCURS ONLY IN WET CONDITIONS. FIRST TIME THERE WAS AN ACRID ODOR AT THE TIME OF THE NOISE -- APPEARS TO HAVE CEASED SUBSEQUENTLY BUT THE "RUNNI...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES BUT WAS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER YET TO DETERMINE IF THEY MAY BE ABLE TO CHECK THE DTC TO DETERMINE A REMEDY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER...
WEATHER CONDITIONS: RAIN. AFTER RELATIVELY SHORT DRIVE GARAGED VEHICLE AND TURNED ENGINE OFF. VERY NOTICEABLE BURNING ODOR APPEARS TO COME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOUD MOTOR NOISE COMING FROM REAR AREA (ELECTRICAL MOTOR NOISE NOT ENGINE/FAN NOISE) WHICH CONTINUED FOR APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES. I AM AWARE OF THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING FOR A SECOND OR TWO WHEN I FIRST OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR UNDER NORM...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Has the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE have?
The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has 14 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE involve air bags (6 complaints), unknown or other (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints). Other affected components include latches/locks/linkages, steering,vehicle speed control,unknown or other, suspension.
How many crash reports does the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE have?
There are no fire reports for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE.
Should I buy a 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 14 complaints, 4 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE are: 1. AIR BAGS (6 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 4. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints), 5. STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
Ensure all safety recalls are addressed promptly to maintain vehicle safety. The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has 14 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE receives a reliability score of 82/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 14 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module and Electrical System: Ignition: Anti-Theft: Control Module.
What are the known issues with the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
Known issues with the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE include: Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module, Electrical System: Ignition: Anti-Theft: Control Module, Service Brakes: Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder, Latches/Locks/Linkages. These are based on patterns found across 14 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What should I do if my local dealers still do not have the parts for the recall 24V834?
Contact Volkswagen directly or seek alternative dealerships to address the recall.
What can I do if the air bag warning light is blinking?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to determine the cause and address the issue.
What should I do if the trunk fails to open?
Check for any mechanical issues and have the vehicle inspected by a professional.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Ensure all safety recalls are addressed promptly to maintain vehicle safety.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle. The data includes 14 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16