DecodedCars2007 Volkswagen Beetle
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2007 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2007 Volkswagen Beetle is a subcompact car offered with a 2.5L 5-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 12% better than the 2007 subcompact car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2007
- No diesel version any more
- Engine dropped: 1.9L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 34 to 23
Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Beetle →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Beetle | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +12% | $2,900 | 386 |
| New Beetle | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +12% | $2,900 | 386 |
| New Beetle Convertible | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +12% | $3,050 | 404 |
| New Beetle Convertible | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +12% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2007 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2007 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Volkswagen Beetle (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Dec 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V621000 · 228,236 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
- Risk
- IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Not every 2007 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2007 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seat Belts — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 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 2007 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 |
| 2016 Beetle | 28 | 168.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 59 |
| 2015 Beetle | 34 | 168.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 99 |
| 2014 Beetle | 32 | 168.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 46 |
| 2013 Beetle | 32 | 168.5 in | Not rated | 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 |
| 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 →