The book concluded that "the Volkswagen Beetle is the most hazardous car currently in use in significant numbers in the United States" and that "the VW microbus or van is so unsafe that it should be removed from the roads entirely."
Defects noted in all Volkswagens included: faulty door latches, a poorly designed fuel system and gas filler cap, a swing axle suspension combined with the rear engine that caused hazardous handling, weak seatbacks, sensitivity to side winds, and side impact vulnerability.
Additional defects noted in the VW bus included poor acceleration, inadequate protection in front end crashes, and frequent horn failure.
The article concluded that "Ralph Nader [should] observe the 'ethical imperative' to recall the VW Report and publicly retract its inaccuracies."
The book was most notably featured in hearings held by the United States Senate on requiring auto manufacturers to provide free repairs on mandatory recalls.