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2006 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible 2.5L 5MT

All Volkswagen New Beetle trims (1998–2010) → All Volkswagen New Beetle generations →
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle – front Unverified
Photo: 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle in Salsa Red, Front Left, 06-17-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the New Beetle (1998–2010); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle in Salsa Red, Front Left, 06-17-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE China (10) by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle sedan, rear right, 09-06-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Armaturenbrett VW New Beetle 20210524 DSC09764 by PantheraLeo1359531, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible 2.5L 5MT is a 150-hp 2.5-liter convertible with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It is rated at 22 mpg combined.

It makes 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Engine
Engine Type2.5L DOHC 20-valve inline-5
Displacement2.5 L
Horsepower150 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque170 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 20-valve
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded gasoline

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 2-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Volkswagen NEW BEETLE.

125 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2006 Volkswagen NEW BEETLE

Owner Complaints

125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Volkswagen NEW BEETLE (7 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 9 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train46
Electrical System14
Engine And Engine Cooling13
Air Bags10
Exterior Lighting9
Visibility9
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 8, 2024 · Air Bags, Seat Belts
“I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the…”
Apr 30, 2021 · Power Train
“WHEN IN MOTION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE GEARS AT APPROPRIATE ENGINE SPEEDS. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE REVS WAY TOO HIGH AND SLAMS INTO THE NEXT GEAR, PRODUCING DANGEROUS JOLTS. OTHER TIMES THE…”
Oct 12, 2020 · Electrical System
“FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY MELTDOWN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY”
Dec 15, 2019 · Electrical System
“THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WE TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CAUSE WAS THE WIRING GOING INTO THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE…”
Nov 7, 2019 · Unknown Or Other
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE JUST DISAPPEARED AND BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN IT BROKE BUT IT HAD TO HAVE JUST HAPPENED AS I NOTICED IT NOW MAKES AN AWFUL CRACKING NOISE WHEN THE…”

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 2006 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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