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2017 Volkswagen Beetle Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202610 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle has 16 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.0/ 10

Based on 16 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

6 37.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 25%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 6.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

1 6.2%

SUSPENSION

1 6.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 37.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 8 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle has 16 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 38% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle are AIR BAGS (6), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 10 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Volkswagen Beetle?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2016 Beetle complaints2018 Beetle complaints2015 Beetle complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 8 of 8 systems

AIR BAGS

6 Reports38% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 WAS CONTACTED, HAD NOT ISSUED ANY TSB AND NO RECALL CAMPAIGNS FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE MAY BE REPAIRED WITH A PERMANENT REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

10/31/2018

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 Volkswagen (94-1299 Ka Uka Blvd, Waipahu, HI 96797). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 manufacturer offered to assist with shipping, but the shipper declined to ship the vehicle with a recall and the warning light being illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 43,800. Parts distribution disconnect.

2/11/2025

4 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 Reports25% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 "RUNNING" NOISE REMAINS. ONLY WHEN DRIVEN IN THE RAIN. VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE NORMAL IN ALL ASPECTS WHEN DRIVING IN DRY CONDITIONS. HAVE HAD AUTHORIZED VW DEALER INSPECT WITH NO RESULTS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, REGARDLESS, THAT THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME IT RAINS. THE ONLY MOTOR I CAN THINK OF IN THE REAR AREA IS THE FUEL PUMP AND HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS OCCURS. SITUATION HAS BEEN WITH THE CAR SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE IN OCTOBER 2017.

4/6/2019

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 I AM TOLD THERE IS STILL NO FIX FOR THIS RECALL. MY QUESTION IS 'WHAT IS THE HOLD UP'? ARE YOU WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO HAVE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE IF YOU ARE, THERE WILL CERTAINLY BE LAWSUITS AGAINST VW FOR NEGLIGENCE? I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN SEND OUT A RECALL AND 3 MONTHS LATER STILL NOT HAVE THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE WHAT THEY NEED TO GET THIS REPAIRED. YOU ARE DEFINITELY LEAVING YOURSELVES OPEN FOR SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS, SO MAY I SUGGEST THAT YOU GET THIS SITUATION TAKEN CARE OF ASAP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!

11/12/2019

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 NORMAL CONDITIONS. THIS IS A QUIET HUM, HARDLY NOTICEABLE, AND NOT AN ISSUE. THE NOISE ADDRESSED ABOVE IS QUITE LOUD AND ABNORMAL ( ALMOST LIKE A BEARING RUNNING DRY). WEEK LATER ' SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS ' RAIN. RAN VEHICLE ON SHORT SHOPPING TRIP AND, AGAIN, UPON GARAGING: SAME SYMPTOMS. TOOK VEHICLE TO AUTHORIZED VW DEALERSHIP. THEIR ANALYSIS: UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. VEHICLE WAS DRY AT THE TIME AND UNDERSTAND THEY COULD NOT FIX ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT OCCUR WHILE THEY ARE CHECKING. VERY NERVOUS BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM APPEARS LIMITED TO RAIN/WATER ENCROACHMENT SOMEWHERE IN/ON THE VEHICLE DURING INCLEMENT OPERATIONS. VEHICLE APPEARS TO FUNCTION NORMALLY DURING OPERATIONS IN RAINY WEATHER'PROBLEM NOTICEABLE ONLY WHEN GARAGED AND TURNED OFF.

9/17/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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, FL 33409) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.

12/29/2020

SUSPENSION

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 on cars and have owned many vehicles and this is the first time one of my vehicles experienced a spring failure which such low mileage. The vehicle only has a little over 13,000 miles so this spring failure is not from wear and tear from driving. The left front the car and wheel housing of the car is now sagging and this make it unsafe to drive. If I was driving and the piece of the metal spring sprung out it could have caused a safety concern to other motorist. I did contact Volkswagen customer support but was told that this spring failure was not part of any recall or warranty extension. Any repairs would have to be done at my own expense.

9/18/2024

STEERING

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 twice to Volkswagan dealer in Springfield, Pa and paid $100 twice to clear the dashboard but it kept happening with ROAV-FR3 and something FM-FORMAN (cant recall names) and Keyless car detective. Then I paid to remove the car radio. Then I found a Navaro device on passenger side under seat but dealer refused to remove it and when I called Volkswagen from there they said only the dealer knows where the vehicle embedded sim is. They do not know how to check software and say 'it is uncharted territory.' I do not feel safe. There are no laws regarding car hacking and smart home abuse and I am now writing a book for women about it so they are not gas lighted and can get help. This can be a deadly mistake and there needs to be an easy inexpensive place for someone to have their car checked for malware, sim or SD card. Please help. There was a police report but I do not have it. It was on 10/20/24 with colonial Chris McWilliams State police Middletown, PA 19063. He said Navaro device was factory installed but Volkswagan said it was not. Mechanic said it was a satellite radio device

10/25/2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 twice to Volkswagan dealer in Springfield, Pa and paid $100 twice to clear the dashboard but it kept happening with ROAV-FR3 and something FM-FORMAN (cant recall names) and Keyless car detective. Then I paid to remove the car radio. Then I found a Navaro device on passenger side under seat but dealer refused to remove it and when I called Volkswagen from there they said only the dealer knows where the vehicle embedded sim is. They do not know how to check software and say 'it is uncharted territory.' I do not feel safe. There are no laws regarding car hacking and smart home abuse and I am now writing a book for women about it so they are not gas lighted and can get help. This can be a deadly mistake and there needs to be an easy inexpensive place for someone to have their car checked for malware, sim or SD card. Please help. There was a police report but I do not have it. It was on 10/20/24 with colonial Chris McWilliams State police Middletown, PA 19063. He said Navaro device was factory installed but Volkswagan said it was not. Mechanic said it was a satellite radio device

10/25/2024

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.

1/24/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle is AIR BAGS, with 6 owner reports. That is about 38% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 10 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle severe?

10 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Beetle: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
16
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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