Can't get key out of ignition of 2013 VW bug

Asked by Mark Jul 06, 2015 at 04:28 PM about the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a terrible time getting the key out of the ignition or turning it at all. It is not the steering wheel lock that's doing it, hard to get the key to turn, to turn it on or turn it off or get it out of the key ignition switch.

9 Answers

430

Hi Mark. I absolutely HATE VW because of this!!! I just purchased a 2010 Beetle a month ago and it has this same exact problem already!!!. The car is adorable. I've always wanted to drive a Beetle but now I hate it. I sit in my smoldering car in 90 degree heat UNABLE to turn the key in the ignition. Yes, I have jiggled the steering wheel forcibly, turned the wheel gently, talked to the key and even begged it to turn! Still nothing happens-- except I keep sweating and hating the car. I hate VW as a company now. Does anyone out there know how to solve the problem before I just sell this frustrating adorable car???

26 people found this helpful.
60

Finally - someone who experiences the same thing. For me, it only happened in the summer - and now after the 5th summer of this very irritating situation and all the jiggling and other self- help nonsence, my car has been with the dealer 6 weeks and counting because the key would not turn over a 24 hour period. VW acts clueless. I agree they are cute - I will NEVER purchase another VW and will pass along the cronic defects experienced in 4 VW/Audi owned in my lifetime.

6 people found this helpful.
430

I actually had the used car dealer install a new ignition cylinder since the car was under warranty. I couldn't believe it when I STILL HAD (and HAVE!) the same problem even with a new ignition cylinder!!! I found that if I turn the ignition key with TWO hands placed on opposite sides of the key, this will turn the key and start the car. I know it's ridiculous, but this is what I now live with!

6 people found this helpful.
60

I am having the same issue with my 2012 Beetle right now and at this right moment my car is running parked on my driveway, cannot turn it off. Called the dealer and they want from $500 to $700 to replace the cylinder. I hate VW with my entire being, this is not the first problem I have with my car. The door check broke, the AC is not working and of course they want thousands of dollars to fix it. I am so frustrated.

6 people found this helpful.
175

This problem has been existing in VW cars for a long time.I cannot believe that there was not recall for this and it still happens so often. Now I know why VW does not sell that many cars in US. My wife have a 2012 Beetle. It has been difficult to turn off the car and get the key out for over a month, and finally I could not turn it off at all yesterday. I did some research, and found two ways to turn off the ignition and get the key out. Method 1: Follow this youtube clip, https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=m87ZQawcrPc You turn the key all the way forward as if you are starting the ignition, then release quickly to let the spring bounce the key backward. Method 2: Hold some force on the key to turn it towards you as if you are turning the ignition off while using a small hammer or something similar to tap the end of the key in the direction to push the key into the steering wheel. As the the key was knocked, it shall find its sweet spot to turn off the ignition. I am absolutely done with VW vehicles!

12 people found this helpful.
20

I am having the same problem, now I can't get the key out . I had to get someone to unhook the barrier so the car will go off

2 people found this helpful.
30

VW just sent out letters extending the warranty on this issue. I had to replace my ignition housing last year because i could not get the key out of the ignition at all...and was afraid of running out of gas somewhere. it was a nightmare and wound up costing me $450. The dealer wanted over $800!!!

3 people found this helpful.

Since about sep 2019 haven't been able to get key out I learned how to jerk it so it could turn off both keys are broke off the fob today it started but cut off a few times it finally started but still key won't come out I've had my recall work done so now have to find out what's the deal and I hope it just starts so I can get to work everyday 2020 please don't let me down with this car

Does Anyone know if this is a part of the recall that was just sent out for 2012 beetle? I lost my paperwork and I have no idea what the recall is for I’m also having a problem with the manifold flap

Your Answer:

Beetle

Looking for a Used Beetle in your area?

CarGurus has 185 nationwide Beetle listings starting at $1,495.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,190
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,930
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,110
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used MINI Cooper
23 Great Deals out of 613 listings starting at $3,999
Used Honda Civic
192 Great Deals out of 4,047 listings starting at $440
Used Jeep Wrangler
142 Great Deals out of 5,984 listings starting at $6,500
Used Ford Mustang
41 Great Deals out of 1,643 listings starting at $7,999
Used Toyota Corolla
138 Great Deals out of 2,314 listings starting at $103
Used Toyota Camry
44 Great Deals out of 1,134 listings starting at $4,795
Used Volkswagen Jetta
80 Great Deals out of 1,959 listings starting at $379
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
154 listings starting at $8,496
Used Volkswagen Golf
44 Great Deals out of 524 listings starting at $4,880
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
15 Great Deals out of 530 listings starting at $1,704
Used Chevrolet Camaro
14 Great Deals out of 468 listings starting at $10,995
Used Honda Accord
57 Great Deals out of 961 listings starting at $2,995
Used FIAT 500
10 Great Deals out of 118 listings starting at $3,995
Used Ford F-150
325 Great Deals out of 13,693 listings starting at $3,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.