The rear view camera stopped working (black screen.) I have tried to soft reset the infotainment display unit as well as a hard reset by disconnecting car battery to no avail. The trunk lock mechanism is operational (the rear view camera unit is located in the same unit.)
Volkswagen Beetle backup camera problems
13 of the 2,588 owner complaints about the Volkswagen Beetle describe backup camera failure, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 13
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 50
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20181
- 20171
- 201511
Often reported together
What owners say
Center dash screen goes black occasionally which prevents using the backup camera, radio, and phone. Sometimes it will reboot by itself after several minutes, other times I have to shut the car off, wait, and restart the car. It doesn’t always reboot the first time. This has happened at least 6 times.
Have had issue with backup camera for 3 years. Have told vw about this for 3 years when turning in car for maintenance and they keep telling me nothing is wrong. Finally it quit working completely. Took it in and they told me it will take 4 to 5 months to get parts. They say it's not their problem but the supplier. Keep checking back with status after turning it in and found out parts weren't even on order till 2 weeks after turning car in for problem. It's been 2 1/2 months and no status as of yet for parts. They say they checked around the country for parts and theres none. I found a system on the internet that can be purchased to fix the problem..they will not go that way.
Well since I got my car, the new backup camera doesn't have the option to make it brighter, which is a hazard when you try to use it and you can't see anything, because the camera doesn't contrast with the outside brightness the other models with navigation have the option to adjust it I asked and call the volkswagen of america and file a complaint after weeks I got a response nothing is been updated so is nothing w can do with your complaint if we update system, you will know almost a yard hav past
The rear view camera is almost completely dark when reversing, making is almost useless in seeing and avoiding anything behind you. Vw dealer refuses to replace, saying that's how it is supposed to be. A bad safety flaw.
The backup camera on the vehicle is so dark to be almost unusable. It is supposed to be a safety device, but you cannot identify what is in your path. It has been back to the dealer for this and they cannot find a fault or a way to adjust the image. They contacted volkswagen tech support who offered no solution and do not seem to be interested. I have asked to contact volkswagen directly, but they have no way for the consumer to do that. This car has the "premium 8" radio and no navigation. It appears to be an odd combination as I have not been able to locate one for comparison within a 50 mile radius. Again, this is a safety issue that should be addressed before someone backs over a child or something else.
The backup camera is so dim it is useless. Although some vw cameras have adjustable brightness, my model does not and even the dealer said it was useless. Was shown other models with same problem. I have contacted dealer and vw of amer. And was told nothing could be done. Needs new sensor or replacement. A real safety issue.
The backup camera on my vw beetle convertible is so dark that is is virtually useless. We have had it to the dealer multiple times and the manager agreed there was something wrong. He replaced the camera and the same thing happened. Then the manager left and another one came on board we reported the problem to vw and they spoke with the manager onsite. He told them that it was ok because all of the cameras were like that. We have owned cars previously with back up cameras and never had a problem. The cameras with GPS do not have the same issue. The dealer told me I could pay for a unit with GPS. I have a hand held GPS so have no desire to put more money into it. I paid extra for the backup camera and did not get my money's worth. This is a major safety issue since the back window in the convertible allows for only limited sight.
Purchased a 2015 vw bettle for my daughter. One requirement we had was a backup camera. Test drove car in a storm and took it home same day. Thought camera was dark due to the weather. We were wrong. Picture quality is very poor. Screen is dark. Brightness can not be adjusted. This is a major safety issue. Why have a camera on a vehicle that is so poor? Spoke to dealership who mentioned brightness can not be adjusted and to someone on vw chat who mentioned same thing. Definitely a rip off and safety issue. Vw should replace these cameras with ones that work. Other complaints on this site about same issue.
The backup camera on my 2015 beetle is useless most of the time. The image is very dark. I complained to the dealer and they said there is nothing they can do. Please let me know if you have a solution to this safety problem,
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen 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."
- 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.
Recall number 19V615000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The electrical wiring located in the engine compartment was routed too close to the endge of the vehicle's battery tray. The wiring can become damaged over time by chafing and the air-conditioner compressor and/or the fuel pump can malfunction.
- Risk
- A malfunction of the fuel pump can cause the vehicle to stall, and in some instances, could also result in a wiring fire in the engine compartment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a modified battery tray and inspect, properly route, and securing the wiring in accordance with the recall repair instructions.
Recall number 98V100000 · Recall details
Questions about the Volkswagen Beetle backup camera
Which Volkswagen Beetle years have backup camera failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (11 complaints), 2017 (1 complaints) and 2018 (1 complaints).
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