2016 Volkswagen Beetle
US · Subcompact Cars
The 2016 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 Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.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
- Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI)
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic, Dual-clutch
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI) | |
| Displacement | 1.8 L to 2.0 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic, Dual-clutch | |
| Gears | 5 to 6 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
9 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
- 1.8L · FWD · 5-speed manual
- 1.8L · FWD · 6-speed automatic
- 2.0L · FWD · 6-speed dct
- 2.0L · FWD · 6-speed manual
- Beetle Convertible · 1.8L · FWD · 6-speed automatic
- Beetle Convertible · 2.0L · FWD · 6-speed dct
- Beetle Convertible · 2.0L · FWD · 6-speed manual
- Beetle Dune · 1.8L · FWD · 6-speed automatic
- Beetle Dune Convertible · 1.8L · FWD · 6-speed automatic
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 13, 2026.
22V945000: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported December 21, 2022. View on NHTSA
20E064000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of…
Reported September 23, 2020. View on NHTSA
19V615000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
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…
Remedy: 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…
Reported August 22, 2019. View on NHTSA
15V705000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported October 26, 2015. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 13, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 13, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 13, 2026
Data verified: October 13, 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
- 2015 Volkswagen Beetle
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel
Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged · FWD
34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) - 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI) · FWD
28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?
Varies by configuration: 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
Combined fuel economy is 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 13, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.