2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 516 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Other or unspecifiedSep 25, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Campaign 19V679000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, control moduleAug 22, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Campaign 19V615000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalAug 4, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 15V483000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearOct 20, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 14V656000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
148 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated and nearly caused a crash on the freeway. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING); one month before the failure; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with the cost for a diagnostic test and the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 12, 2025, crash
The car has turned off at idle and at low speeds, almost causing accidents and to be rear ended in busy streets and during stop and go traffic on the highway. After numerous mechanic diagnostics at both Volkswagen Dealership service departments and third party mechanic shops, no one seems to be able to give me an answer or condition to what is causing the problem. With no error codes being brought up nor any other underlying issues that could be causing this issue, with a car having minor wear. This is a problem that has been reported by many other Volkswagen Jetta owners on online forums and no one seems to have a specific answer as to what is causing this accident prone issue!
Visibility/wiper, Electrical system, Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that whenever the temperature fell below 20 degrees, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact stated that the Body Control Module (BCM) had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,900.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the compliance recall Campaign Number: 3M02 was completed. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was in drive(D), the key came out smoothly. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle and entering the key in the ignition switch, the Electronic Power Control (EPC) and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the recall failed to fix the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 21, 2024
There is an open recall on 2013 Volkswagen Jetta hybrid for known electrical and power train issues. My car was purchased last year and kept up on in maintenance . I have had it in the shop multiple times for checks due to the lights on my dashboard all going off. Nothing was found until recently the hybrid and engine light turned on out of no where and the cause was the clutch failing which is one of the known recalls. My VIN Isn’t listed under this recall and I have been in contact with Volkswagen and they are refusing to help even thought it’s a known issue with this years make and model. The car is unsafe to drive and could likely result in an accident due to the behavior of the car from these issues. The car will randomly buck when driving and when coming to a complete stop and trying to accelerate it will buck as well. I did add the open recalls on this car that are alike to my issues. There are also 4 other open recalls on this years make and model. I don’t have an exact date when the issues start I could look through my paper work but I put down 11/11 as they have been happening for awhile now
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2024
Vehicle on several occasions lost power while driving causing me to coast to the side of the road. After stopping and placing car in park, tried to restart vehicle and started up with no lights on dashboard as to this issue. Took car to VW dealer and was told they would complete the recall work to fix the powertrain issues of gearbox fluid leaking causing corrosion and leaks into transmission. Received call from dealership who stated transmission was totally damaged and replacement was $11,000.00. I went to the dealership to discuss and was told they had no specific information as to the codes received when they ran the diagnostic. They also stated they did not fix the recall and had no reason for not fixing recall other than the cost to replace the transmission was not worth it based on value of car. I strongly believe that the recall issue is the reason for any damage to the transmission as they are directly related. I have researched on-line and there are a lot of individuals with the same issue and the same responses from VW not wanting to acknowledge the recall issue and the direct relation to any transmission issues. I have driven this car and there has been issues with the automatic transmission shifting gears. I believe the cost (parts and labor) to repair the actual recall issue is the driving decision to tell customers that the transmission is bad. One post actual had a customer trade in his Jetta at the VW dealer for a VW Passat and was only given $150.00 trade-in allowance. Later the individual searched their car by VIN and found the car was for sale. VW should be required to completely fix the recall and related transmission issues and/or purchase back these vehicles at a negotiated price. I am the original owner of this car and it only has 127,000 miles. This is only about 10,000 miles per year. Please look into similar reports of these issues by others. VW also stopped production of this car knowing the defects that would occur or were occurring.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 22, 2024
I would assume the issue had something to do with the power train. 2 days after i had bought the car my wife and i were on our way to the gym and we had just came to a complete stop. Upon entering the highway the car would no longer accelerate no matter how much pressure was put on the accelerator pedal. The engine light also came on. Luckily there were no cars behind me and I was able to pull over with the car moving on its own. This is really dangerous. This has happened to me multiple times. I have taken it back to the dealership i had bought the car from and they have a private mechanic that solely works for the company. He has scanned for any codes and has told me no codes are populating so he’s not sure why the engine light is still on. It was taken to a VW dealership and the vehicle will no longer start. There was an electrical issue at some point and now might be a transmission issue along with other things.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 26, 2023
My vehicle has the Mechatronic failure that the recall is open for some 13’ Jetta hybrids but I don’t have an open recall for it. The car would start shutting on and off constantly at stop lights instead of staying off running soley on battery power. The error codes are pointing to a failure to maintain fluid pressure inside the mechatronics unit. The mechatronics unit is included in a VW recall from June 2021. There was a design flaw in the housing that caused transmission fluid to lead out under pressure. My vehicle should be included in the recall but since I don’t have an open recall for this to my vehicle I can’t get it fixed and repairs are to expensive for something VW should own up for this mistake but they won’t repair it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2023
Since I have possessed the car, the horn has been slowly going out. Until now it no longer works at all. I've checked fuses and not the problem. So this is a safety concern for me because of the alarm! If my alarm goes off, just the lights flash but NO sound??! The alarm should at least be heard, right? Otherwise I hope I can see the lights flashing if my alarm goes off!!! Because I can't hear anything. My horn does not work even if I push the steering wheel? If I have to use my horn to alert anyone then I can't!
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 13, 2023
my steering wheel locked up
Electrical system, Aug 11, 2023
The ABS dash board lights came on while driving at 70 miles an hour. At the time the Car mileage was 105,000 miles estimated.
Engine, Electrical system, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side road and was able to continue driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and unknown sensors were replaced, but the failure persisted. On another occasion while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the electrical control module was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 8, 2023
The key gets stuck in the ignition switch and the car is not able to turn off. In order to remove the key you have to jiggle it several times which could be minutes or up to an hour. Could be a safety issue if I’m somewhere and need to turn the car off immediately. Was told this is a costly repair but if this is a known issue (and it is) why is this not a recall when possible damage or injury could occur.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2023
The key will either get stuck in the ignition while the car is on, or it will occasionally not turn at all. Both of which have left me or others borrowing my car stranded. Has taken up to 2 hours of jiggling the key and finally turning to the on or off position. Some shops are saying the ignition cylinder, others the switch, and others the steering lock but this seems to be a very common complaint online from Volkswagens in this age range. It could seriously harm someone if they were unable to start their car in an emergency situation due to the key not turning.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2023
The door locks will try to auto-lock once the vehicle has passed a set speed but fail, making an audible double-lock sound. The car will continue to try and auto-lock after each stop (stop sign, stop light, etc) and continue to fail. Happens intermittently.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 11, 2022
Vehicle would not shift, OBD2 code P037B "stuck in gear 6." Vehicle towed to a auto mechanic that said they spoke with VW dealer and confirmed it was a crack in the transmission and was undriveable. I have contacted VW who have said there are recalls for many transmissions of this Jetta but not for my VIN. I have also had issues with the clock spring (replaced) and an air bag sensor (malfunction light still on) and now the transmission. There are recalls for Hybrid Jettas of this year but apparently not for my VIN. It seems like a large coincidence and feels like it should be investigated, especially considering the other issues VW was investigated for at this time of production.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to restart soon after failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle had been towed and driven to various independent mechanics and dealers and none had been unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 7, 2022
NHTSA recall no: 19V-866 Manufacturer Recall no: 34J6 Volkswagen is refusing to replace my mechatronic unit.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, May 1, 2022
The clock spring in this vehicle has failed in a vehicle that currently has less than 36k miles. There were no warnings or lights prior to failure. The controls on steering wheel and the vehicle’s horn no longer work as a result. When inspected by the local dealership, they also informed us that the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. The dealership also told us that the replacement part is backordered and that they could not provide a date that the part would be available. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive since we do not know if the airbag works or not. VW seems to be in no hurry to provide a fix.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would vibrate and jerk. The contact also mentioned that the braking system failed to function as designed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mechatronic unit and the dual clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 30, 2022
-The Jetta Hybrid relies on a control unit, called the "Mechatronic unit" to decouple the gasoline engine from the transmission. This, in turn, transfers propulsion to the electric motor, inside the transmission housing. The "Mechatronic" is a highly specialized component, the "brains" of the Jetta's hybrid powertrain, and, therefore, can only be found in the Jetta Hybrid. -Market sales data says that a scant 8,515 Jetta Hybrids were manufactured across model years 2013 - 2016. -An open NHTSA safety recall, 34J6, has been applied to a cross section of the total 8,515 Jetta Hybrids produced. -Per recall 34J6, exactly 2,149 Jetta Hybrids have been included by VIN# in this recall. -Safety recall 34J6 specifically addresses the "Mechatronic Accumulator Housing". -Recall description: Hairline cracks may develop in the accumulator housing of the transmission (mechatronic unit), leaking and leading to insufficient transmission oil pressure. If this happens, the transmission warning light will illuminate in the instrument panel. If the warning light is ignored and the vehicle is driven, the clutch may not engage. There could be a sudden loss of power to the wheels, potentially leading to a vehicle crash. -This describes EXACTLY the problem we have had TWICE with our 2013 Jetta Hybrid. -Mechatronic unit failed and had to be replaced on our dime at 70,683 miles; 30 June 2016 -Mechatronic unit has failed us again on 16 March 2022 at 142,758 mi. -Exact diagnosis from the VW dealer reads: [error code] P0841 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor / Switch. MECHATRONIC UNIT HAS FAILED INTERNALL. CAN NOT GET SEPARATE FROM TRANSMISSION. NEED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION $7,163. -Our vehicle's VIN# was NOT included as part of 34J6, despite the part that is subject of recall 34J6 having failed us twice. -$7,136 repair estimate is more than the resale value of the vehicle. -We request that NHTSA extend safety recall 34J6 to include our VIN# to compel VW to fix the vehicle. Since Volkswagen no longer stocks the "Mechatronic Unit" (attached diagnosis indicates this has failed on our vehicle), our vehicle is currently undrivable.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 18, 2022
The clock spring in the steering wheel has failed, causing the air bag and horn (along with the steering wheel-controlled electrical systems) to stop working. This has been confirmed by a local Volkswagen dealership service department. The part is under extended warranty due to a prior recall, but in reality this recall apparently isn’t worth much, as the part has been backordered for several months and won’t be obtainable for up to another 6 months, or more; no actual date has been committed to. The Volkswagen service department also stated they cannot/will not temporarily fix or ameliorate the current failure of basic safety features.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2022
The mechanics at Volkswagen found a hairline crack in my mechatronics unit for my Volkswagen Jetta hybrid 2013. They would not fix it even though it was the software that caused it. “Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission. Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing an internal transmission oil leak and a decrease in oil pressure. Consequence: A decrease in transmission oil pressure can cause the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software, free of charge. The software remedy is currently under development. The recall is expected to begin February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J6. The problem is my unit already had the hairline crack before they updated the software. They were saying it was my fault and I have to pay out of pocket.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 27, 2021
The ABS lights go on and the speedometer stopped working and all the lights have activated. the abs module has been reported that there is a defect in most of the jettas and so i believe that this should be a recall issue.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2021
1. Fuel pump control module shorted out and electrical fuse was blown. 2. Yes, the part is available for inspection. 3. Vehicle completely shut off while driving on the road without any prior dashboard indicators or symptoms of something going wrong. 4. Part #1K0-906-093-J manufactured by Kuhnke a tier 1 supplier for VW. Fuel pump control module is mounted on top of gas tank area and was melted and shorted out, and a thorough inspection, and replacement was done by the VW dealer: Diehl Toyota/VW, Butler, PA. 5. This same issue was a recalled on 281,000 VW models as per NHTSA bulletin #20AE. VW recall #17V509000. 6. VW said my VIN is not included in the recall. But, it the exact same failure, part, and manufacturer of the part for VW/Audi. So WHY? is my VIN not included. It doesn't seem to be batch related, but a design defect. 7. Vehicle would not restart and could not be driven. It was flat-bedded to the dealer.