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2018 Volkswagen

Beetle

Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo

Volkswagen Beetle: best and worst years
2018 Volkswagen Beetle (photo 1 of 6)
2009 photoЕкатерина БорисоваCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
174
Power to weight
0.059 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.23

Efficiency

Smog score
7/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Recalls
3
Owner complaints
17 See on NHTSA

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS30%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER17%
  • ENGINE4%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE4%
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 23 total.

Volkswagen Beetle: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

444 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0026012081638_1

    Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage

  • Mar 27, 2026ENGINEVOS-26-21

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.

  • Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0018092053065_6

    Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting

  • Mar 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV9422022066761_4

    Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors

  • Mar 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-15

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components.

  • Mar 5, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV5515032021354_9

    Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color

  • Mar 2, 2026AIR BAGSDC_VW_CF_Airbag

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.

  • Jan 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-01

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output:

  • and 436 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

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

Source: www.vw.com as of 2026-06

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.