DecodedCars2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, 2dr Coupe 1.8 Tsi
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 168.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,948–3,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2017 subcompact car (23 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 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 3,225 lb (2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 22% better than the 2017 subcompact car average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Beetle — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Beetle →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 57.9 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 3,225 lb | 63/37 |
| 2dr Coupe 1.8 Tsi | 168.5 in | 71.3 in | 58.7 in | 100 in | 62.2 / 61 in | 2,948 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 Convertible | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +22% | $2,400 | 322 |
| Beetle | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 322 |
| Beetle Dune Convertible | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +17% | $2,500 | 331 |
| Beetle Dune | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | 0% | $2,500 | 331 |
| Beetle | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 26 | -3% | $2,600 | 349 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volkswagen Beetle 2 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.5% |
Similar 2017 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volkswagen Beetle (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2017 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Nissan Leaf | 107 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Hyundai Accent | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 MINI Countryman | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Oct 30, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V834000 · 248,330 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal 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 front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Mar 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V136000 · 797 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.
Not every 2017 Volkswagen Beetle is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Volkswagen Beetle buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 37,800 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 2017 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →