48/100
2017Subcompact CarsRegular

2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

EPA ID: 38234
24
City MPG
28
Combined MPG
28MPG· Average
33
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (s6), this subcompact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2017 Beetle Convertible produces approximately 322 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Beetle Convertible performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSubcompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.8L 4-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions322 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score6/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,150
5-Year Cost DeltaN/A

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
27.4
Impact vs EPA
+$44
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$494/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$12,500
42.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,375
31.6%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,375
24.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$29,650

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #24V834000·2024-12-04
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

Campaign #20E064000·2020-10-30
critical
Component: 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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Campaign #19V615000·2019-11-19
critical
Component: 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 ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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.

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 for this recall is 37M2.

Campaign #17V136000·2017-03-30
critical
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Volkswagen Beetle Convertible configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,150

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City24 MPG
Highway33 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

64.4 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 80 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.4 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.