DecodedCars2008 Volkswagen Beetle
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Minicompact 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
- 2 campaigns
Overview
The 2008 Volkswagen Beetle is a minicompact 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), 14% better than the 2008 minicompact car average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Beetle — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Beetle →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Beetle Convertible | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +14% | $2,900 | 386 |
| New Beetle Convertible | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +14% | $2,900 | 386 |
| New Beetle | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +9% | $2,900 | 386 |
| New Beetle | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +9% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volkswagen Beetle (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 MINI MiniE | 100 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Unknown Or Other · Sep 25, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 113 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- Risk
- If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
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 2008 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 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 2008 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 | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 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 |
| 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 →