2012 Volkswagen Beetle Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 9%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 9% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The timing tensioner broke causing damage to the engine. Volkswagen paid for timing and 60% of engine work. Shortly after I noticed I needed to add oil and right after an oil change the oil would be low. Meanwhile the oil light never came on. Now Volkswagen dealership says the pvc is bad and when questioned about it they claim they never touched the pvc. I find that hard to believe since they replaced the upper part of my engine. The engine was fixed december of 2018. I just took it to the dealership today. May 28, 2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11210380, filed 2019-05, 75,000 miles“On 5/15/12, I parked my car at 1:20 p.m. In an off road small private parking lot (a small assisted living complex in stockton, ca), temperature less than 80 degrees, no trees overhead, perpendicular, facing the side of the building. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458748, filed 2012-05, 4,903 miles“While the car was in motion the steering locked up, preventing any kind of turning of the steering wheel, causing a catosrophic crash injuring the driver on a city street.”
NHTSA complaint #11350776, filed 2020-08, 100,000 miles“After getting in my car and turning on the ignition, I put my foot on the brake. After pulling the gear shift out of park and as I am taking my foot off the brake pedal, sometimes the car would jump a little as if has a glitch in the shifting from park to the next gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11477281, filed 2022-08“Vehicle dies while driving. Has happened on countless occasions while driving straight, turning, stopped at light, etc. No warning. Engine completely shuts off. Major safety hazard as this has happened while turning left into oncoming traffic and while traveling down a road at 50 MPH with other vehicles doing the same speed behind me. Started about 1 year ago and have been to the dealership multiple times trying to fix. So far they have tried a computer reset and replacing the crankshaft sensor, neither have worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10883378, filed 2016-07Related service bulletins
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11030841Mar 25, 2026Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- 11030838Mar 19, 2026Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors
- 11030828Mar 5, 2026Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
- 11025442Oct 6, 2025GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement
- 11018938May 12, 2025How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen.
- 11012464Dec 4, 2024Diesel Models only. Repurchase Prior to Repairs
- 11010021Oct 17, 2024Additional reporting
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 14% |
| 2018 | 4 | 24% |
| 2017 | 5 | 33% |
| 2016 | 5 | 10% |
| 2015 | 13 | 16% |
| 2014 | 4 | 8% |
| 2013 | 12 | 13% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2010 | 5 | 17% |
| 2009 | 4 | 12% |
| 2008 | 8 | 13% |
| 2007 | 5 | 9% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 6 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
21 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology