Model year
2002 Volkswagen Beetle
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 165 complaints for the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are AIR BAGS (32), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (15). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 23–38 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,500–$3,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 263 complaints
- 2001 203 complaints
- 2002 165 complaints
- 2003 314 complaints
- 2004 349 complaints
- 2005 261 complaints
- 2006 124 complaints
- 2007 56 complaints
- 2008 60 complaints
- 2009 33 complaints
- 2010 30 complaints
- 2012 65 complaints
- 2013 93 complaints
- 2014 50 complaints
- 2015 83 complaints
- 2016 48 complaints
- 2017 15 complaints
- 2018 17 complaints
- 2019 14 complaints
Recalls
07V063000 · Feb 20, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
06V183000 · May 24, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Complaints
165 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 13, fire flag on 4, injury field 12, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03002 | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | Apr 8, 2003 | Aug 20, 2003 |
| RQ06004 | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | Feb 28, 2006 | Aug 7, 2006 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Beetle · 1.8L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| New Beetle · 1.8L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| New Beetle · 1.8L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| New Beetle · 1.9L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 29 | 39 | 33 | — | — | $2,900 |
| New Beetle · 1.9L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel · Diesel | 35 | 44 | 38 | — | — | $2,500 |
| New Beetle · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| New Beetle · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Volkswagen Beetle at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.