Model year guide

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 68 on record.

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints190
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$2,222

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle recalls 1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip NHTSA Campaign #02V031000 · 31/01/2002

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,779

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$2,222
High
$3,900

From 68 comparable 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,895
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,150
Total$15,045
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,222) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,312), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · GLX 1.8T · GLS 1.8T · GL · Turbo S · Sport · GLS TDI
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 150 hp · 1.9L 4-cyl 90 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 180 hp

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle vehicles on record

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCK21C62M422394 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCB21C82M400638 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T3VWDD21C12M403153 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T3VWCD21C02M406718 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCK21C32M441937 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T3VWDD21C62M430266 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T3VWDD21C02M402141 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S3VWFE21C12M440306 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCK21C22M439807 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GL3VWBB21C12M425098 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCB21C72M445134 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCK21C22M427835 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T3VWDD21C02M451422 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCK21C62M427725 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Sport3VWED21C72M446416 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCB21C42M450369 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCB21C12M448837 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T3VWCD21C32M458439 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T3VWCD21C02M421090 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GL3VWBB21C72M418348 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCB21CX2M453793 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCB21C82M457874 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCB21CX2M403850 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS3VWCK21C22M447003

Other Volkswagen New Beetle model years

2013 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998

2002 Volkswagen New Beetle — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle?

Based on 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle at about 27 mpg combined (24 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle worth?

Comparable 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle listings run roughly $900–$3,900, typically around $2,222 (from 68 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.