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Volkswagen Beetle 2015-2019 (A5)

Volkswagen Beetle
Photo: M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · source
Price
$20,195–$25,995
MPG
34
  • Strength: Strong cargo & utility
  • Watch-out: Below-average passenger space
  • Watch-out: Below-average tech
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How it scores for you10 scores
Nostalgia executed with genuine Golf-based competence and a usable trunk, though airbag-recall baggage and a token rear seat temper the charm.
Reliability42

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 3 of its 10 recalls were serious. About 1% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -4 points for its wider reputation.

Safety50

Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.

Running costs65

About $2,250 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 65% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility80

15.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 80% of other coupes we track.

Passenger space30

Token rear seat and a small cabin; strictly a two-adult proposition.

Driving fun55

The Golf-based chassis is genuinely tidy, and the 210-hp turbo has real pep; steering is light.

Tech40

Later years gained CarPlay and a decent screen; driver aids stayed sparse.

Comfort50

Compliant ride and decent front seats; noise and rear access are the penalties.

Value retention55

Typical resale value for a coupe.

Capability0

No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.

Safety & recalls22 recalls

Not yet rated by NHTSA.

22 recalls · 5 common complaint areas across 2015–2019

  • Airbags — 52 complaints (2015)
  • Recall — Electrical: instrument cluster/panel; service brakes (2019)
  • Airbags — 44 complaints (2016)

2019

  • RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel; service brakes19V094000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when a brake system failure is detected. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMV

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module24V834000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure

2018

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper18V369000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake perfor

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module24V834000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure

  • Complaint clusterElectrical6 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    I am submitting a formal vehicle safety report regarding a hazardous mechanical reassembly failure involving my 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Coast. On August 14, 2026, the vehicle underwent service evaluation at Stohlman Volkswagen Tysons Corner. Immediately upon exiting the facility, a critical 'Brake Fl

  • Complaint clusterAirbags6 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was noti

2017

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels17V136000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module24V834000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure

  • Complaint clusterAirbags6 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    My local dealers still do not have the parts for the recall 24V834. It has been a year since the recall. What am I supposed to do?

2016

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine; service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum15V705000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module22V945000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature c

  • Complaint clusterAirbags44 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced an air bag failure shortly after the recall repair. The vehi

  • Complaint clusterElectrical6 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT HAS YET TO BE FIXED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS SENT TO DEALERS. Manufacturer Recall Number69EM NHTSA Recall Number22V945 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring a

2015

  • RecallVisibility: sun/moon roof assembly14V658000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail15V028000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20,

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine; service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum15V705000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module22V945000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Beetle and Beetle Convertibles vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature c

  • Complaint clusterAirbags52 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    I have been trying to get the recall fixed since I purchased my vehicle in July 2023. For nearly two years, I have received repeated letters from Volkswagen urging me to have the recall addressed. However, despite calling every two months to schedule an appointment, I am always told that the part is

  • Complaint clusterElectrical16 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Speedometer stops working. My 16 year old daughter can’t tell how fast she is going when the speedometer stops working. And the screen freezes. Cruise control does not work.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    unable to turn off car. Ignition switch is locked and key is unmovable.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Component or System Failure: The specific component that failed or malfunctioned in my 2015 VW Beetle 1.8T Classic PZEV is the timing belt, which caused bent valves resulting in the engine seizing up, rendering it inoperable. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety Implications: The fai

  • Complaint clusterEngine5 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    This vehicle experiences faults with the camshaft advance system randomly. At 70,000 miles this seems to be abnormal. At times upon start up or slow speed operation the vehicle will stumble, misfire and the engine may stall if the rpms arent increased. Fault codes indicate a faulty camshaft sensor

Cost to own$18,700 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$20,195–$25,995

Estimated used price, by model year

2019$11,400–$13,400
2018$10,000–$11,700
2017$8,700–$10,300
2016$7,600–$8,900
2015$6,600–$7,800

$2,250/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $20,195–$25,995
Efficiency34 MPG
Seats4
DrivetrainFWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

30

Highway MPG

39

Combined MPG

34

Horsepower

210 hp

Doors

2

Length

168.5 in

Width

71.3 in

Height

57.9 in

Wheelbase

100.0 in

Curb weight

3,225 lb

Cargo volume

15.4 cu ft

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