1973 Volkswagen Beetle recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1973 BEETLE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 73V006000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: VOLKSWAGEN CAMPAIGN NO T-8/73. SUPER BEETLE MODEL 133. POSSIBILITY THAT THEREINFORCEMENT ELEMENT FOR FRONT BUMPER WAS OMITTED IN PRODUCTION. ALSO, THEMATERIAL THICKNESS OF THE REAR BUMPER WAS INADEQUATE. (CORRECTBY INSPECTINGAND REPLACE WITH PROPER BUMPERS. )
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1973 BEETLE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 73V133000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: BEETLE AND SUPERBEETLE. POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING BRACKET OF THE SEAT BELTRETRACTOR MAY DEVELOP CRACKS AND THE BOLTS HOLDING THE MOUNTING BRACKET MAY NOTHAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. ALSO THE CONTACT IN THE SEAT BELTBUCKLE DESIGNED TO ACTIVATE THE WARNING SYSTEM MAY BE DEFECTIVE. (CORRECT BYINSPECTING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE SEAT BELT AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES).
3. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle.
What could happen:
The fix:
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1973 BEETLE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 72V257000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: VOLKSWAGEN CAMPAIGN NO BJ. SUPER BEETLE. INCORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS WEREAFFIXED WITH INCORRECT CHASSIS NUMBERS. (CORRECT BY INSTALLING CORRECTNUMBERED LABELS).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
12/20/1998 · Vehicle Speed Control
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BREAKS REPEATALY AT THE PEDLE. THERE IS NOTHING RUBBING AGAINST IT TO WEAKEN THE CABLE TO BREAK.