DecodedCars2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, 2dr Coupe 1.8 Tsi, 2dr Coupe Tdi
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 168.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,948–3,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,225 lb (2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 18% better than the 2016 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2016
- No diesel version any more
- Best combined MPG down from 34 to 28
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Beetle →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 57.9 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,225 lb | 63/37 |
| 2dr Coupe 1.8 Tsi | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 58.7 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 2,948 lb | 63/37 |
| 2dr Coupe Tdi | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 58.7 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,073 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle Convertible | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +18% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Beetle | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +5% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Beetle | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +5% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Beetle Dune | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +2% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Beetle Dune Convertible | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +14% | $2,500 | 325 |
| Beetle Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +10% | $2,600 | 343 |
| Beetle | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 343 |
| Beetle Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +10% | $2,600 | 343 |
| Beetle | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 336 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.5% |
Similar 2016 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volkswagen Beetle (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Nissan Leaf | 107 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2016 Hyundai Accent | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 MINI Countryman | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Kia Rio | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Dec 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V945000 · 37,558 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Fix
- 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 › Engine · Oct 26, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · 91,867 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 46 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Wheels — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 29,597 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Beetle years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Beetle | 29 | 168.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2018 Beetle | 29 | 168.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
| 2017 Beetle | 28 | 168.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 17 |
| 2015 Beetle | 34 | 168.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 99 |
| 2014 Beetle | 32 | 168.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 46 |
| 2013 Beetle | 32 | 168.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 90 |
| 2012 Beetle | 25 | 168.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 38 |
| 2010 Beetle | 23 | – | Not rated | 3 | 19 |
| 2009 Beetle | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2008 Beetle | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 30 |
| 2007 Beetle | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 28 |
| 2006 Beetle | 34 | – | Not rated | 1 | 32 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →