2018 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2.0T EA888 engine timing chain tensioner fails, allowing the chain to develop slack and rattle on cold starts. If the tensioner fails completely, the chain can skip teeth, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact.

Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides with the updated revision parts. VW has updated the tensioner design multiple times. Early detection via cold-start rattle allows for a preventive repair before engine damage occurs.

The factory diverter valve diaphragm tears, causing boost leaks. Symptoms include power loss, a fluttering or whooshing sound during boost, and rough idle. The condition often worsens in hot weather.

Replace with an updated OEM diverter valve or a piston-style aftermarket unit that eliminates the failure-prone rubber diaphragm. The repair takes about 15 minutes and requires minimal tools.

The power window regulators fail frequently, causing windows to drop into the door, move slowly, or make grinding noises. The Beetle's unique curved glass design puts additional stress on the regulator cables and guides.

Replace the window regulator assembly. The repair involves removing the door panel and unbolting the glass from the regulator. OEM and aftermarket regulators are available. Some owners replace the motor separately if only the motor has failed.

The convertible top hydraulic system develops leaks and the top motor can fail, causing the top to operate slowly or stop midway. Fluid leaks into the trunk area and can damage electronics and carpet.

Replace the hydraulic cylinders, lines, or top motor as diagnosed. Flush and refill the hydraulic system. Check for and repair any fluid damage to trunk-area components.

The DQ200 7-speed dry DSG (1.8T) or DQ250 6-speed wet DSG (2.0T) develops mechatronic unit failures causing harsh shifting, gear selection errors, and loss of drive. Warning lights for the transmission illuminate.

Replace or repair the DSG mechatronic unit. Software updates may address minor shift quality issues. Regular DSG fluid changes are essential — every 40,000 miles for wet DSG, and the dry DSG also benefits from periodic service.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

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.

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

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.

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

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.

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."

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.

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.