Volkswagen Beetle — All Years
We have Volkswagen Beetle specifications on file for 9 model years, 2010–2019, covering coupe trims. Across those years EPA data lists 3 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 28 to 40 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 0 of the 1 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.
| Year | Engine(s) | Fuel | MPG (UK) | CO₂ g/km | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 35 | 191 | — | 4 | 14 |
| 2018 | 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 35 | 190 | — | 4 | 17 |
| 2017 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 31–34 | 200 | — | 4 | 15 |
| 2016 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 31–34 | 198 | — | 4 | 59 |
| 2015 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo | Diesel | 30–40 | 190 | — | 6 | 99 |
| 2014 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl | Diesel | 28–37 | 206 | — | 6 | 54 |
| 2013 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl | Diesel | 28–38 | 199 | — | 7 | 101 |
| 2012 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl | Premium Gasoline | 29–30 | 221 | 4★ | 7 | 65 |
| 2010 | 2.5L 5-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 240 | — | 3 | 30 |
Best and Worst Volkswagen Beetle Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows
Across the 9 Volkswagen Beetle model years from 2010 to 2019 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 54 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:
Fewest owner complaints
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Engine History
- 2.5L 5-cyl — 2010, 2012–2014
- 2L 4-cyl turbo — 2012–2019
- 1.8L 4-cyl turbo — 2014–2017
Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years is the Volkswagen Beetle covered on this site?
We have data for 9 model years of the Volkswagen Beetle, from 2010 to 2019.
What engines does the Volkswagen Beetle come with?
EPA data lists: 2.5L 5-cyl (2010, 2012–2014); 2L 4-cyl turbo (2012–2019); 1.8L 4-cyl turbo (2014–2017).
Which Volkswagen Beetle year has the best fuel economy?
The 2015 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 40 mpg on its most efficient configuration.
Does the Volkswagen Beetle have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?
No model year of this car currently has a 5-star overall NHTSA rating on record here — check the individual year pages above for the exact rating available.
Which Volkswagen Beetle model years have the most recalls and complaints?
The 2012 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (7), and the 2013 has the most owner complaints (101). Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.
What body style is the Volkswagen Beetle?
The Volkswagen Beetle is classed as a coupe on this site.
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