The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that came with a choice of 1.8L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl engines. At 10 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd, Manual 5-spd, Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 23–25 city / 30–33 highway / 26–28 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,400–$2,600 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 318–343 grams per mile |
| EPA fuel economy score | 6–7 out of 10 |
| EPA greenhouse gas score | 6–7 out of 10 |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 3,040 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 3,946–4,277 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 9 configurations: Beetle Convertible, Beetle, Beetle Dune, Beetle Dune Convertible |
| Age | 10 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
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…
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.
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.
Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle with NHTSA. 2 reports involved a crash.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr, FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 10.5% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 693 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Suggested fuel additive
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
Differences between a leak and seepage
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2016 Beetles that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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