Volkswagen Beetle Oil Type & Capacity
The Volkswagen Beetle takes 0W-20 engine oil, about 6 qt with a filter change, on 2018-2019 models. Older ones take a different grade - 2017 models use 5W-40 (5.8 qt) - so check your year in the table below.
Oil by model year
| Model years | Oil type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 0W-20 | 6 qt |
| 2017 | 5W-40 | 5.8 qt |
| 2015-2016 | 5W-40 | 5.8-6 qt |
| 2014 | 5W-40 | 5.8-6.3 qt |
| 2012-2013 | 5W-40 | 5-6.3 qt |
| 2011 | 0W-40 / 10W-60 | 4.6-6.3 qt |
| 2002-2010 | 5W-40 | 4.4-6.3 qt |
| 1997-2001 | 0W-40 / 10W-60 | 4.6-6.3 qt |
Capacity is with a filter change and can vary by engine - open your exact year below for the per-engine figures and our sources.
Every Beetle year
Frequently asked
What kind of oil does a Volkswagen Beetle take?
The Volkswagen Beetle takes 0W-20 engine oil, about 6 qt with a filter change, on 2018-2019 models. Older ones take a different grade - 2017 models use 5W-40 (5.8 qt) - so check your year in the table below.
How many quarts of oil does a Volkswagen Beetle take?
About 6 qt with a filter change on 2018-2019 models, and 5.8 qt on 2017 models. Capacity varies by engine, so check your exact year for the per-engine figure - and finish on the dipstick rather than pouring in the full amount.
Does the oil type change by year on the Volkswagen Beetle?
Yes. We record 8 different factory specs across the years we cover - 2018-2019: 0W-20; 2017: 5W-40; 2015-2016: 5W-40. Use the table above and confirm against your owner's manual.