3VWFD7AT6KM7192822019 VOLKSWAGEN BeetleS, Final Edition SE, Final Edition SEL
2019 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 14 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2019 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle
2019 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 14 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 4 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Brake system recall)
- Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
14 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (29%), Engine/Powertrain (21%), Other (14%). 1 crash reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- VOLKSWAGEN
- Model
- Beetle
- Year
- 2019
- Trim / Series
- S, Final Edition SE, Final Edition SEL
- Body Style
- Coupe
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.0L 174 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- VOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
- Assembly
- PUEBLA, MEXICO
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
- Base MSRP
- $20,895
Assembly Plant Quality
Volkswagen de México (Puebla)
Builds Jetta and Taos for North America. Average quality; some Jetta recall campaigns.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Fire/ignition recall
- ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
Owners of the 2019 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2019 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
4 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 4 recalls is ~71%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
VOLKSWAGEN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
SummaryTenneco 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.Read full details...
~27% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when a brake system failure is detected. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 101, "Controls and displays."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
SummaryVolkswagen 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."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryVolkswagen 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.Read full details...
~29% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Complaint Intelligence
14 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories
35% of complaints filed in Jul & Oct — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME14 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The 2019 Volkswagen Final Edition SE Beetle’s rear trunk latch/lock will fail and not open from the outside with the car unlocked and using the key fob due to it being jammed closed. In an emergency situation, there’s no manual way to open the rear hatch, and there are no visible markings showing where the override is to be or what to do to open it up from the inside in an emergency. Further, after reading the owner’s manual, it shows several different ways it can be opened depending on the year the vehicle was built, and the 2019 says to stick the flat end of your key into a slot on the right and slide it to the left to which mine failed and did NOT work. Dealership Service Technician showed me the plastic part that failed within the latch; however when I asked him not to replace the latch at a total price of $1500.00, the part was damaged for some unknown reasons. This would be a tragic event waiting to happen in an emergency!!! It could be the same in several other 2019 VW models I took the vehicle to my local dealership, and costed me $200.00 for a diagnostic and to have them open it, to which they said took them 3-hours… FROM THE DEALERSHIP: COMMENTS, BODY ELECTRICAL C/S - REAR HATCH WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE & OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE FOUND THE REAR LATCH FAILED. FOUND WHOM EVER TRIED TO USE THE EMERGENCY RELEASE DAMAGED THE LATCH. REMOVED THE INTERIOR TRIM WITH THE HATCH CLOSED. WAS ABLE TO GAIN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ACCESS TO THE BACK OF THE LATCH. SEPARATED THE PLASTIC HOUSING FROM THE LATCH HOUSING IN ORDER TO USE A PICK TO RELEASE THE LATCH TO GET HATCH LID OPEN. CUSTOMER DECLINED LATCH REPLACEMENT. CUSTOMER REQUESTED TO NOT REINSTALL THE TRIM AND THE FAILED LATCH. PLACED THE TWO SCREWS FOR THE TRIM AND THE TWO BOLTS FOR THE LATCH IN THE CUP HOLDER. PLACED THE LATCH ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. PLACED THE TRIM IN THE TRUNK AREA. CUSTOMER TOOK THE VEHICLE WITH OUT REAR TRUNK LID LATCH INSTALLED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
Hello, We have owned this vehicle since new. Today it has 28,945 miles. We started hearing a clunking sound from the front left side. We subsequently stopped and verified the suspension and discovered the broken front right suspension spring. Very disappointing to know that a suspension spring would brake at such low mileage. Our internet search found that we are not the only one with such a significant safety problem.
A message is continually (every few seconds) displayed on the dashboard stating that the "coolant temperature is 195 degrees" as if it is a warning. It does not seem plausible that the coolant would have reached 195 degrees when the vehicle was just started.
On Sept. 21, 2023, I was in my 2019 Beetle and pulled into a parking place at a store. When parked, I pressed the electric start button to shut off the vehicle. When the vehicle was shut off, I got out of the car to go into the store. Luckily, I turned my head in the direction of my vehicle and saw it rolling backwards out of the parking space. In a panic, I raced back to the vehicle and jumped into the car. At that point, I had realized that I had not placed the vehicle in Park when I parked the car and it was still in Drive. At that point, I reparked the car, this time placing it in Park before I shut off the vehicle. When I came home, I told my husband what happened. He said it should be impossible to shut off a vehicle when it is in Drive. We went outside and recreated the scenario. In summary, we were able to shut off the vehicle while it was in Drive - and - when the car was placed on a slight incline, it rolled backwards all by itself. There is no alarm warning the driver that the vehicle was left in Drive. The only warning is a small message that shows up on the dash that reads " Move selector lever to position p1". It is very easy not to notice this mesage. As I had an appointment scheduled at the dealer on Oct. 4, 2023 for my NYS inspection, I expressed my concern to Basil Volkswagen in Lockport, NY. They investigated my concern and concluded that the car can be shut off when in Drive and, if parked on an incline, it will roll backwards. They stated it was my fault as I left the car in Drive. On Oct. 5, 2023, I called Volkswagen Customer Care. Candace stated I would receive an email responding to my complaint in 24 hrs. No email was received. I think this is a serious safety issue as when the car was rolling backward, it could have hit someone or another vehicle. In my eyes, there should be a mechanism in place to prevent the driver from shutting off the vehicle if it is in Drive. At a minimum, there should be an audible alarm.
The key in the key cylinder or tear lock would not remove. The automobile would not shut down. I looked in YouTube tube and found out that since 2010 this incident has been occurring in Volkswagen beetles I had to extract the fuel pump fuse to stop the engine. And then disconnect the battery. It appears that this problem is pandemic to this automobile if I had been in a remote area it would’ve been a serious problem. AutoNation Volkswagen in Columbus has estimated the cost to be $1500 to replace the tear lock the cylinder and the bolt.
My VW Beetle has pushbutton start. The ignition can turn off when not in park. This was called a rollaway problem in keyed ignition models, but not pushbutton. I took it to dealer and they said not covered by warranty and no recall. This is as dangerous as in the keyed ignition model. I saw a report of a similar rollaway that VW refused to cover. Also, apparently pushed button while underway. Engine stopped while in traffic. Rolled to side of road and restarted without incident.
2019 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE BRAKES WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE BOUGHT BACK OR REPLACED. *JS
Wheel Hubs and Wheel Bolts. All four wheels and almost all the bolts affected. Replaced rear Hubs & all Bolts, after a three bolts were unable to be removed without extra effort by a mechanic. I have one bolt that indicates the bolt threads were deformed. The issue could impact the ability of the bolts to hold the wheels on safely.
My 2019 VW Beetle, AT, keyless entry was parked in a store parking lot. When I left the vehicle it wouldn't lock. I thought my fob battery died. I came out of the store about 30 minutes later and my car had rolled away. It came to rest about 50 feet away, up against a fixed object light pole. I was shocked! My rear bumper sustained damage. I got in my car and saw it was in D. I guess I left it in D, turned off the push button start/stop and it rolled away after I left it. I then did some checking and found that when push button start/stop tech is installed in many cars with the added safety features of audible sounds or transmissions ratcheting into park when stopped with transmission in Drive, which are standard safety features on most newer cars, but were not standard on my car. The car did not alert me to anything being wrong. This is a safety hazard. I noted that VW recalled their keyed entry Beetles for Rollaway Risks, but did not include key-less entry vehicles. A call to VW ensued and a case number was assigned, #04874410. Regional personnel Cathy was coordinating the case which she said caused an internal report to be filed. On Sept 3 at approximately noon, she called me to say that the accident was my fault, for parking incorrectly, VW would not pay to have my rear bumper fixed, nor would they take any responsibility. This Rollaway Risk could have been deadly, it could have been worse. I would hate to see someone killed for being in similar circumstances. VW is negligent in their response, these cars should be recalled for being a safety hazard to the general public. I am deeply concerned with the nonchalant attitude of VW. My husband's Lincoln ratchets into Park when he stops the car using the button if left in Drive. Ford does the same thing. Nissan makes an audible noise alerting the driver to something being amiss. VW is not even on the ballpark on this, what a shame!
WITH THE DEFROSTER ON WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE UPPER CORNER PASSENGER SIDE.
CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPEN A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES OVER A 10 DAYS.
FUSE THAT CONTROLS READING OR MAP LIGHT IN CABIN AND EXTERNAL LIGHTING OUTSIDE FOR NIGHT DRIVING CONTINUALLY FAILS (3). SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE REAR LIGHTS AT NIGHT ONLY COME ON WHEN BRAKES APPLIED.
MY NEW 2019 VOLKSWAGEN S COUPE HAS A SIGNIFICANT TURBO LAG. SO MUCH SO, THAT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. I WAS MAKING A TURN AT AN INTERSECTION AND IT WAS AS THOUGH THE CAR LOST ALL POWER WHEN I EXCELLERATED. IT GOES FROM NO EXCEATION WHEN MOVING FROM STOPPED POSITION TO SURGING VERY FAST UPON THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND THAT MY LIFE MAY BE AT RISK. IT SEEMS THE ACCRETION CANNOT BE CONTROLLED!! THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM WHEN I AM STOPPED AND HIT THE EXCELLERATOR TO GO FORWARD . I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT A SERIOUS CRASH!!
THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BEAM HAS A DISTINCTIVE BLIND SPOT ON THE LEFT SIDE AND A DOUBLE NOTCH ON THE RIGHT SIDE. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS AS THEY SAY IT'S BY DESIGN THOUGH I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER BEETLE, SAME MODEL YEAR WITH THE SAME HIDS, HAVE A COMPLETELY NORMAL HEADLIGHT BEAM. WITH THE BEAM LIKE IT IS, IT MAKES DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY ON BLACK ASPHALT ROADS. I'VE ESCALATED THIS TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY INSIST THIS IS BY DESIGN AND IS DUE TO THE SHUTTER THAT COMES DOWN WHEN USING THE NORMAL HEADLIGHT BEAM. OUR OTHER VEHICLE IS A GMC ACADIA WITH THE SAME SYSTEM AND IT DOES NOT DO THIS. ON THE BEETLE THE IF I SWITCH IT TO HIGH BEAMS THE BLIND SPOT AND NOTCH GO AWAY. ALSO VOLKSWAGEN CLAIMS THAT THE LEFT HEADLIGHT IS AIMED LOWER ON PURPOSE AS TO NOT BLIND ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR SITS SO LOW I DON'T SEE HOW THAT'S NEEDED, ESPECIALLY WHEN OUR ACADIA WHICH SITS UP HIGHER DOESN'T DO THIS. I DID TAKE A LOOK AT A COUPLE OF OTHER 2019 BEETLES AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THE HEADLIGHT BEAMS WERE ALL DIFFERENT; STILL A BLIND SPOT AND NOTCHES BUT IN DIFFERENT SPOTS. THE BLIND SPOT AND NOTCHES ARE SEEN BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. I HAVE PICTURES AND VIDEO OF BOTH. I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AT NIGHT AS IT HINDERS THE DRIVERS VIEW ON THE LEFT SIDE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS IGNORED MY CONCERNS AND REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS. I'M VERY CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY AND MY WIFE AND I REFUSE TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS. VOLKSWAGEN'S 'REMEDY' IS TO TRADE IT IN. WE LOVE THE CAR, JUST NOT THE HEADLIGHTS AT NIGHT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. I HAVE ATTACHED TWO PHOTOS; ONE LOW BEAM AND ONE HIGH BEAM SO THAT YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 14 NHTSA complaints on file for the VOLKSWAGEN Beetle — a relatively low volume that spans from 2019 to 2026.
The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 89/100 in 2021.
Notably, despite 14 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2021, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $29,557 (~$493/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Estimated Market Value
Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP
Based on original MSRP of $20,895 with sports depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2019 VOLKSWAGEN Beetle — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 3VWFD7AT6KM719282. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
VOLKSWAGEN has been fined $19000M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2017: Criminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 3VWFD7AT6KM719282 |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Make | VOLKSWAGEN |
| Model | Beetle |
| Trim | S, Final Edition SE, Final Edition SEL |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Doors | 2 |
| Seat Rows | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.0 |
| Horsepower | 174 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | VOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV |
| Assembly City | PUEBLA |
| Assembly Country | MEXICO |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 3VW |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 6 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | K |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | M |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 719282 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 4 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 14 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 4:23:02 PM.