Volkswagen Beetle: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (2012 - 2019)

From 2012 to 2019 all 1.8L, 2.0L gas and 2.5L Volkswagen Beetle engines have timing chains while from 2013 to 2015 the 2.0L diesel has a timing belt. All are interference.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the Volkswagen Beetle.

Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Year	Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference
2012 - 2019	1.8L, 2.0L gas, 2.5L	Timing Chain	Interference
2013 - 2015	2.0L diesel	Timing Belt	Interference

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle engines have timing chains and are interference.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2018 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle engines have timing chains and are interference.

2018 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2017 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle engines have timing chains and are interference.

2017 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
1.8L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2016 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle engines have timing chains and are interference.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
1.8L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2015 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2015 Volkswagen Beetles with the 1.8L and 2.0L gas engines have timing chains while the 2.0L diesel has a timing belt. All are interference.

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel Turbo	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
1.8L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2014 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetles with the 1.8L and 2.5L gas engines have timing chains while the 2.0L diesel has a timing belt. All are interference.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 5 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel Turbo	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
1.8L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2013 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetles with the 1.8L and 2.5L gas engines have timing chains while the 2.0L diesel has a timing belt. All are interference.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 5 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel Turbo	Timing Belt	Interference	60k
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2012 Volkswagen Beetle - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle engines have timing chains and are interference.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.5L 5 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

Timing Belt Basics

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.