2015 Volkswagen Beetle
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportline 2.0 Tsi | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 58.7 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,135 lb | 63/37 |
| Tdi | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 58.7 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,073 lb | 63/37 |
| Trendline/Comfortline 1.8 Tsi | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 58.7 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 2,948 lb | 63/37 |
| Convertible Trendline/Comfortline/Sportline | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 57.9 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,225 lb | 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 | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 39 / 34 | +29% | $2,800 | 302 |
| Beetle Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 39 / 34 | +29% | $2,800 | 301 |
| Beetle Convertible Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +39% | $2,900 | 309 |
| Beetle Convertible Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | +39% | $2,900 | 305 |
| Beetle Convertible | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +14% | $2,500 | 330 |
| Beetle | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +3% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Beetle | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 27 | +3% | $2,500 | 322 |
| Beetle Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +10% | $3,150 | 347 |
| Beetle | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 343 |
| Beetle | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 347 |
| Beetle Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +5% | $3,300 | 357 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Volkswagen Beetle (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2015 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
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.
Not every 2015 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 54 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 8 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 15,000 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 2015 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →