2016 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car, rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 28
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- —
- Recalls
- 4
Watch: Beetle reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Model | Beetle |
| Model year | 2016 |
| Vehicle class | Compact Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 1.8 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 24 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 28 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 320 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2200 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Beetle | 26 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Beetle | 28 MPG combined |
| Beetle | 28 MPG combined |
| Beetle | 26 MPG combined |
| Beetle Convertible | 26 MPG combined |
| Beetle Convertible | 28 MPG combined |
| Beetle Convertible | 26 MPG combined |
| Beetle Dune | 27 MPG combined |
| Beetle Dune Convertible | 27 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 24 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 33 MPG |
| Combined | 28 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 11% below the class average.
estimate — adjust to your quote
- Amount financed
- $21,600
- Total interest
- $3,758
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≈ $1,436/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE19V615000 · 2019-08-22
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 silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE15V705000 · 2015-10-26
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.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER20E064000 · 2020-09-23
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 fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE22V945000 · 2022-12-21
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 cycling.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69EM.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway).
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle costs roughly $1,436 per year to fuel, or about $7,179 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is classified as a compact car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC