Toyota Corolla vs Volkswagen Beetle
For 2005–2019 models, the Toyota Corolla has 15.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.8 for the Volkswagen Beetle. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2019), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Toyota Corolla
15.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
38% fewer than the Volkswagen Beetle
- Complaints
- 7,522
- Sold
- 4,863,299
- Recall campaigns
- 31
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2005 and 2009–2011. Fewest: 2015–2018. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 69,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 28,394 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 54,650 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 20,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 1,700 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Volkswagen Beetle
24.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.6× the Toyota Corolla’s rate
- Complaints
- 876
- Sold
- 352,627
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005 and 2015–2016. Fewest: 2011 and 2017–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 73,525 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 50,100 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 47,364 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Toyota Corolla or the Volkswagen Beetle?
For 2005–2019 models, the Toyota Corolla has 15.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Beetle has 24.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Corolla is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 69,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Beetle is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 73,525 miles.
Which Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Beetle years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Toyota Corolla: 2005 and 2009–2011; Volkswagen Beetle: 2005 and 2015–2016.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.