2016 Volkswagen Beetle Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 35 airbag complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 73% of all complaints filed for this year, with a related driver airbag inflator recall (22V945000). Median mileage at failure was 42,000, and one crash was reported.
- Airbags complaints
- 35
- 73% of 48
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 42,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Driver's side airbag inflator is subject to a Takata-related recall for propellant degradation that can cause the inflator to explode.
- Multiple owners report parts for the recall repair were unavailable when they brought the car in, leaving the defective inflator unreplaced for an extended period.
- One owner reported airbags failed to deploy during a three-vehicle collision, raising concern about head impact with the dashboard or steering wheel.
- One owner reported dashboard warning lights, including the airbag, ABS, stability, and tire pressure lights, coming on together along with a speed limitation to 20 mph.
- Some owners state Volkswagen did not offer alternative repair options while recall parts remained backordered.
When 2016 Volkswagen Beetle airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 5, 2019, latest Sep 3, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
- NHTSA 22V945000Dec 21, 2022Airbags37,558 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
Airbags complaints by Beetle model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have an airbag recall?
- Yes. Recall 22V945000 covers the driver's side airbag inflator, which may explode due to propellant degradation. The remedy is a free replacement of the driver's side airbag.
- How common are airbag complaints for the 2016 Beetle?
- NHTSA lists 35 airbag complaints for the 2016 Beetle, which makes up 73% of all 48 complaints filed for that model year.
- What mileage do airbag problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 42,000 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to airbag problems in the 2016 Beetle?
- NHTSA data shows one crash and zero injuries and zero fires associated with airbag complaints for this model year.
- Is the driver airbag recall a 'do not drive' recall?
- No. NHTSA does not mark this recall as do-not-drive or park-outside, but owners should still get the free replacement completed.