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2018 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car, rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

2018 Volkswagen Beetle
© Missvain · CC BY 4.0
Combined MPG
29
NHTSA safety
Not rated
Starting price
Recalls
4

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeVolkswagen
ModelBeetle
Model year2018
Vehicle classCompact Car

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG26
Highway MPG33
Combined MPG29
CO₂ tailpipe308 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2150

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Beetle29 MPG combined
Beetle Convertible29 MPG combined
Beetle Dune29 MPG combined
Beetle Dune Convertible29 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City26 MPG
Highway33 MPG
Combined29 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Beetle29 MPG
Class average31.6 MPG

About 8% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$423/mo

estimate — adjust to your quote

Amount financed
$21,600
Total interest
$3,758
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5-year fuel cost
$6,931

$1,386/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG29
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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

NHTSA has not published NCAP crash-test ratings for this model year yet.

Recalls (4)

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V369000 · 2018-06-01

    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 performance.

    Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

  • 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.

  • 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 MODULE24V834000 · 2024-10-30

    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 to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

Compare with rivals

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?

The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway).

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle costs roughly $1,386 per year to fuel, or about $6,931 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle?

The 2018 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