1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe 2.0L 5MT
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle in Salsa Red, Front Left, 06-17-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE China (10) by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle sedan, rear right, 09-06-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Armaturenbrett VW New Beetle 20210524 DSC09764 by PantheraLeo1359531, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe 2.0L 5MT is a 115-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 coupe with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It is rated at 23 mpg combined.
It makes 115 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 2600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L SOHC 8-valve inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2 L |
| Horsepower | 115 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 122 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm |
| Valvetrain | SOHC 8-valve |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 20 MPG |
| Highway | 27 MPG |
| Combined | 23 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded gasoline |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe 2.0L 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Volkswagen NEW BEETLE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 25, 2003 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
NHTSA campaign 03V265000
30 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 Volkswagen NEW BEETLE
Owner Complaints
30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Volkswagen NEW BEETLE (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Exterior Lighting | 9 |
| Visibility | 7 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Seats | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Fuel System | 2 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1998 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.