The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models.
Applies to the transmission MQ200, MQ250.
vinkodex.Volkswagen Beetle 5C.5 common faults.
2016–2018. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
What to watch for
What can go wrong on this car?
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
expensive7
The solenoids of the mechatronics unit wear out: slow or harsh shifting, then limp mode.
Applies to the transmission DQ250.
A thin wall of the mechatronics valve body can crack, which causes a loss of pressure.
Applies to the transmission DQ200.
In the EA211 the water pump and the thermostat are one plastic module, and the pump is driven not by the timing belt but by a separate toothed belt behind the exhaust camshaft.
Applies to the engine CJZA, CZDA, CZEA and 2 more.
The combined housing of the water pump and the thermostat is plastic, and it is bolted directly to the hot engine block.
Applies to the engine CHHB, CXDA.
The crankcase ventilation (PCV) of the third generation 1.8/2.0 TSI fails less often than its predecessors, but it is not faultless.
Applies to the engine CHHB, CXDA.
With direct injection the fuel does not wash the intake valves: the petrol goes into the cylinder, not behind the valve.
Applies to the engine CHHB.
cheap repair1
The crankcase breather carries the vapour that forms inside the engine back to the intake, and a rubber membrane regulates the pressure.
Applies to the engine CHHB.
Repair: 80–400 EUR
2 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
Official recall2 recallsShowThe manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 21 December 2022
22V945000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE21 December 2022 · NHTSA (USA)Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
SR/00793/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
5C.5 · 2016–2018
Pick the version.
The fault list opens on the version page.
12 versions
EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CJZA · MQ200
Cabrio 1.2 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Cabrio 1.2 TSI Dune
105 HPpetrol · manualconvertible1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CJZA · MQ200
Cabrio 1.2 TSI Exclusive Series
2016–2018 · Cabrio 1.2 TSI Exclusive Series
105 HPpetrol · manualconvertible1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CJZA · MQ200
Coupé 1.2 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Coupé 1.2 TSI Dune
105 HPpetrol · manualhatchback1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CJZA · MQ200
Coupé 1.2 TSI Exclusive Series
2016–2018 · Coupé 1.2 TSI Exclusive Series
105 HPpetrol · manualhatchback1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CHPB · CUKB · DQ200
Cabrio 1.4 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Cabrio 1.4 TSI Dune
150 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CHPB · CUKB · DQ200
Cabrio 1.4 TSI Exclusive Series
2016–2018 · Cabrio 1.4 TSI Exclusive Series
150 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CHPB · CUKB · DQ200
Coupé 1.4 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Coupé 1.4 TSI Dune
150 HPpetrol · automatichatchback1.4 l · 1395 cm³
CHPB · CUKB · DQ200
Coupé 1.4 TSI Exclusive Series
2016–2018 · Coupé 1.4 TSI Exclusive Series
150 HPpetrol · automatichatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CHHB · CXDA · DQ250
Cabrio 2.0 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Cabrio 2.0 TSI Dune
220 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CHHB · CXDA · MQ350
Cabrio 2.0 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Cabrio 2.0 TSI Dune
220 HPpetrol · manualconvertible2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CHHB · CXDA · MQ350
Coupé 2.0 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Coupé 2.0 TSI Dune
220 HPpetrol · manualhatchback2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CHHB · CXDA · DQ250
Coupé 2.0 TSI Dune
2016–2018 · Coupé 2.0 TSI Dune
220 HPpetrol · automatichatchback
Neighbouring generations
5C.5 · 2016–2018
5C facelift. If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
About this generation
Which years does this page cover?
2016–2018. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
Does the fault apply to every car like this?
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
Is it free?
The fault list is.
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.