Volkswagen Recalls 2012 Beetles for Non-Compliant Summer Tires
Volkswagen is recalling 2012 Beetles because some were equipped with summer tires that do not meet federal safety standards, potentially increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (non-compliant tires) where the source text explicitly states an increased risk of a crash, but no specific injuries or fatalities are reported.
Plain-English summary
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012 Beetle vehicles. The recall addresses vehicles that may be equipped with summer tires that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 110 ("Tire Selection and Rims") and 139 ("New Pneumatic Tires for Light Vehicles").
Due to a factory error, these non-compliant tires were installed on the affected vehicles. Additionally, customers may be unaware that their vehicles are equipped with summer performance tires, which have different grip and performance characteristics than standard tires. These issues may lead to an increased risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners and replace the non-compliant tires free of charge. The safety recall began on September 12, 2012. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
- Brand
- VOLKSWAGEN
- Manufacturer
- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Category
- Vehicle — Tires
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 83
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- BEETLE
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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