2015–2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015–2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Recall: Driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation…
NHTSA campaign 22V945000 · Air Bags · filed Dec 21, 2022 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | Beetle | 2015, 2016 |
| Volkswagen | Beetle Convertible | 2015, 2016 |
Related recalls
More Volkswagen Beetle recalls
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Other campaigns involving Volkswagen vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 22V945000 (manufacturer number 69EM). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.