Charlene "Charlie" Watson (Hailee Steinfeld) can't know what to expect when she finds this yellow VW Beetle in the junkyard of Uncle Hank (Len Cariou) in 1987 and gets it as a gift.
While trying to start the vehicle, Charlie unwittingly sets off a homing beacon that is intercepted by two Decepticons, who then make their way to Earth and make contact with the military as supposed peacekeepers.
During further repair attempts by Charlie, the Beetle eventually transforms into B-127 (Dylan O'Brien), whom she befriends and affectionately names "Bumblebee."
When Bumblebee is captured by Sector 7 and the Decepticons, Charlie embarks on a daring rescue mission.