Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 24 model years from 89,303 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

72%

Total Tests

89,303

Highest Pass Rate

2018 (85%)

Years Covered

About the Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle was MOT tested 89,303 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 24 model years (1990 to 2018), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel and electric versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 85% from 1,642 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. With a 20 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Beetles pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 41,089 miles, while the newest (2018) averages 36,156 miles.

Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Beetle is 13 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volkswagen models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1197cc)

£1,175

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,780

Per month£148/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2018 details

How reliable is the Volkswagen Beetle?

vs average of all models-10% (82% avg)

vs Volkswagen brand average-13% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread20 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volkswagen Beetle by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	85%	1,642	36,156 mi
2017	83%	2,903	43,575 mi
2016	82%	4,498	52,150 mi
2015	80%	6,389	58,268 mi
2014	79%	7,334	65,889 mi
2013	78%	9,521	74,053 mi
2012	79%	4,871	75,723 mi
2011	74%	1,296	77,381 mi
2010	72%	4,069	82,153 mi
2009	72%	3,732	87,937 mi
2008	68%	5,007	93,584 mi
2007	67%	6,111	96,440 mi
2006	67%	6,520	102,252 mi
2005	68%	6,429	102,064 mi
2004	67%	7,230	107,318 mi
2003	65%	5,254	108,762 mi
2002	67%	2,479	106,749 mi
2001	66%	2,142	102,524 mi
2000	66%	1,513	103,321 mi
1999	73%	134	78,457 mi
1998	79%	70	66,190 mi
1997	64%	83	46,829 mi
1991	47%	38	34,927 mi
1990	71%	38	41,089 mi

Questions about the Volkswagen Beetle

Is the Volkswagen Beetle reliable?

Across its 24 model years in our data (1990 to 2018), the Volkswagen Beetle averages a 72% MOT pass rate, from 89,303 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2018 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 85%.

Which year Volkswagen Beetle has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%, a 20 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.