2015 Volkswagen Beetle

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 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
Compact Cars
Body styles
Sportline 2.0 Tsi, Tdi, Trendline/Comfortline 1.8 Tsi, Convertible Trendline/Comfortline/Sportline
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 30 city / 39 hwy
Length
168.5 in
Curb weight
2,948–3,225 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2015 compact car (26.3 MPG).

Watch out for

  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 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 3,135 lb (Sportline 2.0 Tsi).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 39 highway), 29% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2015

  • Engine dropped: 2.5L 5-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 32 to 34

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Beetle →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sportline 2.0 Tsi168.5 in71.3 in58.7 in100 in62.2 / 61 in3,135 lb63/37
Tdi168.5 in71.3 in58.7 in100 in62.2 / 61 in3,073 lb63/37
Trendline/Comfortline 1.8 Tsi168.5 in71.3 in58.7 in100 in62.2 / 61 in2,948 lb63/37
Convertible Trendline/Comfortline/Sportline168.5 in71.3 in57.9 in100 in62.2 / 61 in3,225 lb63/37

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Beetle Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive30 / 39 / 34+29%$2,800302
Beetle Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 39 / 34+29%$2,800301
Beetle Convertible Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 33+39%$2,900309
Beetle Convertible Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 38 / 33+39%$2,900305
Beetle Convertible1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+14%$2,500330
Beetle1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+3%$2,500329
Beetle1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 32 / 27+3%$2,500322
Beetle Convertible2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+10%$3,150347
Beetle2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 26-1%$3,150343
Beetle2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26-1%$3,150347
Beetle Convertible2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+5%$3,300357
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2015 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle.

Similar 2015 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Volkswagen Beetle (this car)34 MPGNot rated5
2015 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated1
2015 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated2
2015 Mazda 333 MPGNot rated0
2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI35 MPGNot rated12
2015 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport31 MPGNot rated0
2015 Ford Focus34 MPGNot rated11

Recalls (5)

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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 23, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V028000 · 44,658 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

99Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
15,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags54
Electrical System18
Unknown Or Other13
Engine8
Service Brakes7
Power Train6
Steering4
Visibility/Wiper3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/03: 121/07: 122/01: 122/08: 123/02: 323/03: 823/04: 423/05: 323/06: 523/07: 423/08: 623/09: 623/10: 323/11: 224/01: 124/02: 124/06: 124/07: 125/01: 125/03: 125/04: 125/05: 125/06: 325/08: 121/0322/0823/0423/0723/1024/0225/0125/05max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 54 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 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 2015 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
2014 Beetle32168.5 inNot rated546
2013 Beetle32168.5 inNot rated690
2012 Beetle25168.5 inNot rated638
2010 Beetle23–Not rated319
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 →