NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Volkswagen Beetle Safety Ratings
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 3 recalls, and 14 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100, landing it in the Average safety band. This assessment is largely shaped by incomplete crash-test coverage from NHTSA and a low score in avoidance technology. Its defect record, however, presents a more favorable picture for a vehicle from this model year.
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100 and a 4-star NHTSA frontal crash rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 9 Coupes from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle ranks 9 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
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| NHTSA Safety Index | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 14 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 9 Coupes tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
For its final production year, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle presents a safety profile with notable omissions in federal crash test data. The absence of a side-impact rating and an overall NHTSA rating leaves key areas of crash protection unassessed. Its NHTSA Safety Index stands at 75/100, placing it in the Average band, a score driven largely by a 56 out of 70 crash-protection sub-score. This sub-score is built on 4-star ratings for frontal impact and rollover risk. However, the 2019 Beetle's avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 highlights a significant area of concern. While electronic stability control is standard, neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning systems are offered. This marks a clear deficiency in active safety features compared to many vehicles in its class for the 2019 model year. The defect record sub-score of 16.5 out of 20 reflects 3 recall campaigns. Among these is a recall addressing the frontal airbag inflator module, a component critical to occupant safety. Given this recall record, ensuring all applicable recalls are resolved is an essential step for any prospective owner of a 2019 Beetle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle achieved a 4 out of 5-star rating for frontal protection from NHTSA. Its rollover resistance also rated 4 out of 5 stars, with an 11 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. No overall safety rating or side protection rating was issued for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13676
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle carries 3 recall campaigns. The most consequential targets the frontal driver-side air bag inflator module, a safety-critical component. A second addresses the electrical anti-theft and ignition control module. A third covers the instrument cluster panel. A separate aftermarket master cylinder recall from Tenneco also applies to replacement brake parts sold for this vehicle. Owners should verify all four campaigns are resolved by VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE24V834000
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-10-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE19V615000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-08-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL19V094000
Risk: If the driver is not alerted when there is a problem with brakes, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90L8.
Reported 2019-02-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
Fourteen unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Electrical System with 4 reports, followed by Service Brakes, Engine, and Exterior Lighting at 2 reports each. One alleged crash has been reported. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
14 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. The air bag inflator module recall in particular demands confirmation of completed remedy. Do not assume a used-car dealer has resolved all open campaigns.
- The 2019 Beetle is subject to a frontal driver-side air bag inflator module recall spanning 2017-2019 Beetle models, making VIN-specific recall verification essential before any used purchase.
- NHTSA awarded this model year 4 out of 5 stars for both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance, but side-impact and overall ratings were never completed, leaving gaps in the crash-test record specific to this year.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects that the 2019 Beetle, as a final-year model, launched without forward collision warning or lane departure warning, both of which were available on many segment competitors that year.
- Fourteen unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with Electrical System issues accounting for the largest share at 4 reported allegations, a pattern worth noting given the instrument cluster recall also tied to this year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle places
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Volkswagen Beetle safety questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 14 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Coupe (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Mustang Gt350r | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 88/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2019 Ford Mustang | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 6 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 | 85/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Subaru BRZ | 83/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13676), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Beetle 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 9 of 9 in the Coupe class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.