How many open recalls are there on the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?

There are 7 active NHTSA recall campaigns on file for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 1 of those is classified critical based on reported deaths, fires, or crash outcomes.

Are recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires manufacturers to remedy any safety recall at no cost to the owner, regardless of warranty status, mileage, or whether you are the original owner. The dealership performs the work and bills the manufacturer. You should never pay out of pocket for a recall repair.

How do I check if a specific recall has been performed on my Volkswagen?

Run your VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls or use the VIN decoder at the top of this page. The federal system shows the completion status of every safety recall on your specific vehicle, including campaigns the original owner may have addressed before you bought it.

How long do I have to claim a recall repair?

Most safety recalls have no expiration date — manufacturers must honor them indefinitely. A small subset of voluntary service campaigns and "customer satisfaction programs" do expire, typically 7-10 years from issue date. The campaigns listed on this page are full safety recalls; if your vehicle is covered, you can claim the repair at any time.

What if my dealer says they can't fix the recall?

Two situations: (1) parts shortage — manufacturers sometimes issue recalls before remedy parts are available; you may have to wait, but the dealer should give you a written acknowledgment that your vehicle is on the list. (2) Dealer error — if the dealer claims your VIN doesn't qualify when NHTSA's system says it does, escalate to NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline (1-888-327-4236). NHTSA can compel the manufacturer to honor the campaign.

When was the most recent recall on this vehicle issued?

The most recent recall in our records was campaign 19V679000, dated 2019-09-25. The oldest active campaign on file dates to 2012-11-15.

ProblemsByVin Recalls / 2013-VOLKSWAGEN-BEETLE

7 active campaigns

2013 Volkswagen Beetle recalls

Every active NHTSA recall campaign for this vehicle, ranked by severity. Each entry shows the consequence if left unfixed and the manufacturer's prescribed remedy.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Recall timeline

When were recalls issued for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle? Recalls span 2012 to 2020. No new campaigns in over five years — issues appear settled.

Critical Severe Moderate

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critical NHTSA 20V785000 December 16, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

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.

severe NHTSA 20E064000 September 23, 2020

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

If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

severe NHTSA 19V679000 September 25, 2019

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

severe NHTSA 19V615000 August 22, 2019

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

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.

severe NHTSA 14V658000 October 20, 2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

severe NHTSA 14V656000 October 20, 2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

severe NHTSA 12V540000 November 15, 2012

Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats

If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

← Back to 2013 Volkswagen Beetle overview

Recall data sourced from the NHTSA recallsByVehicle public API. Each campaign number above links to the official federal record; you can also verify the full recall history at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Volkswagen/Beetle. Campaign numbers, consequences, and remedies are reproduced from the official record. Manufacturers are required to provide the remedy free of charge for safety recalls — contact your nearest dealer with the campaign number to schedule the repair.