Volkswagen Beetle reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volkswagen Beetle is a family hatchback. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 85 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 364 of 442, and 41.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (5.1% of tests).
Ranked 364 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 27 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 38,887 Volkswagen Beetles aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 41.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volkswagen Beetle is 18% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
41.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,100
Typical age at test: 13 years
Volkswagen Beetle MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volkswagen Beetle MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.1% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.5% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.3% of tests
- Rear fog lamp: not working4.3% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1% of tests
What the Volkswagen Beetle fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.7% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Suspension | 15.6% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Brakes | 9.1% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 7.6% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Body and structure | 7.0% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 6.8% | About average |
| Visibility | 6.6% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Steering | 4.8% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.7% | ▲ 1.8× as often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 29% less often |
What MPG does the Volkswagen Beetle do?
Official economy for the Volkswagen Beetle ranges from 30.1 to 65.7mpg across the 159 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2018). A typical petrol version manages 51.4mpg and a typical diesel 61.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volkswagen Beetle?
Any Volkswagen Beetle first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volkswagen Beetle registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £760 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolkswagen Beetle specs and running costs
Official figures for 159 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2018.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
30.1–65.7 mpg
CO2
113–224 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beetle 2.0 TDI 110PS Stop-Start DesignM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 113g | £200 |
| Beetle 2.0 TDI 110PS 7speed DSG Stop-Start DesignD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 61.4 mpg | 121g | £200 |
| Beetle 2.0 TDI 150PS Stop/Start R-LineM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 61.4 mpg | 119g | £200 |
| Beetle 2.0 TDI 150PS Stop/Start DuneM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 119g | £200 |
| Beetle 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG Stop-Start R-LineD6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 126g | £200 |
| Beetle 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG Stop-Start DuneD6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 127g | £200 |
| Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI 110PS Stop-Start DesignM5 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 116g | £200 |
| Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI 110PS 7speed DSG Stop-Start DesignD7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 61.4 mpg | 121g | £200 |
| Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI 150PS Stop-Start R-LineM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 61.4 mpg | 120g | £200 |
| Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI 150PS Stop-Start DuneM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 122g | £200 |
| Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG Stop-Start R-LineD6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 57.6 mpg | 129g | £200 |
| Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG Stop-Start DuneD6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 56.5 mpg | 130g | £200 |
| Beetle 1.2 TSI 105PS Stop-Start BeetleM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 126g | £200 |
| Beetle 1.2 TSI 105PS Stop-Start DesignM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 52.3 mpg | 126g | £200 |
| Beetle 1.2 TSI 105PS Stop-Start DuneM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 126g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 159 versions.
What a Volkswagen Beetle costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 51.4mpg…
- diesel, typical official 61.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volkswagen BeetleBuying a used Volkswagen Beetle?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volkswagen Beetle with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volkswagen models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Volkswagen Beetle is 18% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 85 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volkswagen Beetle?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 5.1% of tests. It fails on seat belts and airbags and steering more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volkswagen Beetle do?
Official economy for the Volkswagen Beetle ranges from 30.1 to 65.7mpg across the 159 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2018). A typical petrol version manages 51.4mpg and a typical diesel 61.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volkswagen Beetle?
Any Volkswagen Beetle first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volkswagen Beetle registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £760 a year.
›How many Volkswagen Beetles fail their MOT?
41.5% of Volkswagen Beetles aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volkswagen Beetle combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.