Recalls: Volkswagen A5 Beetle
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volkswagen A5 Beetle
2013 model year Volkswagen A5 Beetle DQ200 DSG: loss of power
In November 2013, a recall was issued for 2013 model year Volkswagen A5 Beetle vehicles with seven-speed DQ200 DSG transmissions. In these vehicles, electrolysis of sulphur constituents in the synthetic oil could cause them to separate and accumulate between electrical conductor paths. In turn, this could create a short circuit and blow the gearbox fuse, causing the clutch to fully open. While the majority of failures occurred on start-up when the vehicle was stationary, a failure when the vehicle was in motion would result in a sudden loss of power at the wheels. All other functions of the vehicle, however, would remain active. As part of the recall, the synthetic transmission oil was to be replaced with mineral oil (PRA 2013/13835).
2011-13 model year Volkswagen A5 Beetle: rear suspension failure
In October 2014, a recall was issued for model year 2011 to model year 2013 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. In these vehicles, the trailing arm of the rear torsion crank axle could break as a result of damage caused from impact to the vehicle such as a rear-end collision, or impact with the edge of a curb. If the damaged trailing arm broke, control of the vehicle may be lost, posing an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2014/14399).
2013-15 model year Volkswagen A5 Beetle DSG: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power
In October 2019, recall campaign 35D8 was issued for 2013-15 model year Volkswagen A5 Beetle vehicles. Due to a production fault, a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator (within the mechatronics housing) could occur. If the pressure accumulator cracked, oil and pressure would be lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. If this occurred, the transmission of engine power would be interrupted, similar to depressing the clutch in a vehicle with a manual transmission – this increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17886. AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the recalled vehicles had seven-speed DQ200 DSG transmissions.
2013-16 Volkswagen A5 Beetle: Takata airbag recall
In July 2021, recall campaign 69CE was issued for 2013-16 Volkswagen A5 Beetle vehicles. If the vehicle had been exposed to high temperatures and humidity fluctuations over a long period, the airbag inflator propellant may degrade. If the vehicle was involved in a collision which triggered the driver’s airbag, the airbag inflator made explode or rupture, projecting metal fragments from the inflator through the airbag cushion and towards vehicle occupants. These metal fragments posed a risk of serious injury or death. As part of the recall, a Volkswagen dealer was to replace the airbag inflator of the front airbag on the driver’s side. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-001676.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen A5 Beetle
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen A5 Beetle
No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Volkswagen A5 Beetle.
