2016 Volkswagen

Beetle

Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo

Volkswagen Beetle: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission: Manual 5-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain: GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel: RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP: 170
Power to weight: 0.055 hp/lb
Axle ratio: 3.65
Cyl: 4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration: TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system: NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 33 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City: 25 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb: 28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr: $2,200EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂: 318 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score: 7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score: 5/10
Elec. Range: 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified: Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length: 169 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width: 71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height: 59 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase: 100 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight: 3,073 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating: ★★★★★
Rollover rating: ★★★★★
Stability control (ESC): Standard
Forward-collision warning: No
Lane-departure warning: No
Recalls: 4
Owner complaints: 57

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

AIR BAGS62%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7%
SUSPENSION4%
WHEELS4%
STEERING3%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 71 total.

Volkswagen Beetle: best and worst years

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic: 4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain: 4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance: 3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance: 2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery: 8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.