2013 Volkswagen Beetle
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Comfortline/Highline/Sportline/Tdi, Convertible
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 168.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,983 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 5-cyl) 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 2,983 lb (Comfortline/Highline/Sportline/Tdi).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 40 highway), 24% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2013
- New diesel version
- Best combined MPG up from 25 to 32
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Beetle →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfortline/Highline/Sportline/Tdi | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 58.7 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 2,983 lb | 63/37 |
| Convertible | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | – | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | – | 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 Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 40 / 32 | +24% | $3,000 | 321 |
| Beetle Convertible Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +41% | $3,100 | 332 |
| Beetle Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 39 / 30 | +16% | $3,200 | 335 |
| Beetle Convertible Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 39 / 30 | +36% | $3,200 | 335 |
| Beetle | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 358 |
| Beetle | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -3% | $3,300 | 351 |
| Beetle | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 354 |
| Beetle Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +9% | $3,400 | 371 |
| Beetle | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -7% | $3,400 | 371 |
| Beetle Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +9% | $3,400 | 374 |
| Beetle Convertible | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +5% | $2,900 | 378 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (6)
Air Bags › Frontal · Dec 16, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V785000 · 105,652 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible 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
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
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.
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.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Oct 20, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V658000 · 7,062 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.
- Risk
- Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.
Suspension › Rear · Oct 20, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V656000 · 442,066 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
- Risk
- The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Nov 15, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V540000 · 2,471 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
- Risk
- If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Not every 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 38 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 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 2013 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 |
| 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 →