2010 Volkswagen Beetle

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Volkswagen Beetle
Pictured: VW Beetle 1.4 TSI Sport – Frontansicht, 3. März 2013, Düsseldorf. Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
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
3 campaigns

Overview

The 2010 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), 5% better than the 2010 subcompact car average of 22 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2010

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Beetle — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Beetle →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
New Beetle2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+5%$2,900386
New Beetle2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23+5%$2,900386
New Beetle Convertible2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+7%$2,900386
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22 MPG2010 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Volkswagen Beetle under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Volkswagen Beetle (this car)23 MPGNot rated3
2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse23 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

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.
Seats · Jan 21, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V031000 · 27 vehicles

Problem
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 NEW BEETLE AND NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2010, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE BARRIER TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION," THAT WENT INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2010.
Risk
THE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET WITH REQUIREMENTS THAT WENT INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND THEREFORE MAY NOT OFFER THE PROTECTION ATTENDANT TO THOSE REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
DEALERS WILL OFFER TO REPLACE THEIR VEHICLE WITH A COMPARABLE VEHICLE THAT WAS PRODUCED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, COMPLIANT WITH FMVSS 208 REQUIREMENTS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

19Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes3
Steering3
Unknown Or Other3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Electrical System3
Exterior Lighting2
Power Train2
Structure › Body1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/02: 215/05: 115/06: 115/07: 115/11: 216/08: 116/12: 217/09: 118/02: 118/05: 119/08: 119/09: 222/03: 122/10: 124/12: 115/0215/0615/1116/1218/0219/0822/0324/12max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Steering — 3 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. 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.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Beetle years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Beetle29168.5 inNot rated315
2018 Beetle29168.5 inNot rated317
2017 Beetle28168.5 in★★★★★317
2016 Beetle28168.5 inNot rated359
2015 Beetle34168.5 inNot rated599
2014 Beetle32168.5 inNot rated546
2013 Beetle32168.5 inNot rated690
2012 Beetle25168.5 inNot rated638
2009 Beetle23–Not rated221
2008 Beetle23–Not rated230
2007 Beetle23–Not rated128
2006 Beetle34–Not rated132

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →