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2008 Volkswagen Beetle

US · Minicompact Cars

The 2008 Volkswagen Beetle is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
2.5L 5-cylinder
Power
Not available
Torque
Not available
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Seating
Not available
Generic outline. Published dimensions for this vehicle are not available.
Specifications at a Glance

Key Performance & Dimensions

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
2.5L 5-cylinder
Power Output
Not available
Peak Torque
Not available
Combined Economy
23 MPG US (10.2 L/100 km) · EPA
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Not available
Capacity
Not available
Exterior Dimensions
Not available
Market: US·Switch units anytime to convert horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and dimensions.
Compare 2008 Volkswagen Beetle ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
Engine2.5L 5-cylinder
Displacement2.5 L
Cylinders5
Fuel typeGasoline

Not available from our sources: Aspiration, Power, Torque.

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Manual, Automatic
Gears5 to 6
DrivetrainFWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)
City20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)
Highway29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) to 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)

Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.

Trims and configurations

4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 16, 2026.

  • 19V679000: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Reported September 25, 2019. View on NHTSA

  • 10V621000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Reported December 10, 2010. View on NHTSA

  • 08V036000: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    ON CERTAIN SPECIAL EDITION TRIPLE WHITE SEDAN VEHICLES, AN INCORRECT ADHESIVE MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO ATTACH THE ROOF SPOILER TO THE REAR GLASS OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE INCORRECT ADHESIVE WAS USED, THE SPOILER COULD BECOME LOOSE OR FALL FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.

    Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROOF SPOILER ON THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 29, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

    Reported January 28, 2008. View on NHTSA

Data sources

  • EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 16, 2026 · US Government public data
  • NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 16, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 16, 2026

Data verified: October 16, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle have?

2.5L 5-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle?

Combined fuel economy is 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 16, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.