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, Oct 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT CALLED NHTSA AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER NEEDED TO BE CONTACTED. THE CONTACT CALLED NHTSA FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE RECALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF PANAMA CITY (LOCATED AT 3605 E 15TH ST, PANAMA CITY, FL 32404, (850) 763-5495) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 6, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION. CAN'T TURN OFF ENGINE. ALSO, OFTEN DIFFICULT TO TURN KEY FROM 'OFF' TO 'ON' POSITION; KEY GETS STUCK IN 'OFF' POSITION.
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION, WON'T TURN OFF UNLESS I PULL THE FUEL PUMP FUSE TO KILL THE ENGINE. IT'S THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENS AND UNREAL HOW MUCH WE GOTTA PAY TO REPLACE IT NOT MENTIONING THE REPROGRAM KEYS, I'VE READ THE SAME THING FROM SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. MAYBE IT SHOULD CONSIDERED A RECALL.
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 31, 2019
DRIVING ON CITY STREET, THE ENGINE QUIT. THERE WAS NO POWER AND THE AUTO HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR STATION. REPAIR WAS JX1 POWER ELECTRONIC OUTPUT MODEL WHICH WAS CODED AND ADAPTED TO VEHICLE. :(PER BRUNSWICK AUTO MART DOCUMENT). IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THIS VEHICLE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED. IF THE FAILURE HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY DURING HIGH VOLUME OF TRAFFIC A SERIOUS ISSUE WOULD OCCUR.
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE. STATIONARY IN PARK.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2019
MY KEY CONSTANTLY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. MY CAR TURNS ON BUT NOT OFF WHICH LEAVES ME TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY AND TAKE OUT FUSE SO NO ONE STEALS MY CAR OVERNIGHT. A LOT OF PEOPLE I KNOW WITH JETTAS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUES. I THINK IT IS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. I ALSO HAVE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY HORN DOES NOT WORK, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID DOESNT WORK, MY PASSENGER WINDOW AS WELL! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ASAP !
Electrical system, May 30, 2019
IGNITION WOULDN'T TURN OFF. HAD TO MONKEY WITH THE KEY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THIS ISSUE. PLEASE ISSUE RECALL. ALSO NOTED THAT THE KEY HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO TURN AT TIME SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR A MONTH AGO.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2019
ON DECEMBER 8, 2016 WE PURCHASED A 2013 VW JETTA HYBRID WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY. WITHIN 3 MONTHS IT WAS LOSING POWER, JUMPY AND NOT DRIVING CORRECTLY. THIS WAS FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD SON. IT WOULD LOSE COMPLETE POWER ON THE STREET. NOT IDEAL FOR A BRAND NEW DRIVER. TOWED IT TO DEALER, TOLD NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION. FOUR WEEKS LATER WE FINALLY GOT CAR BACK. STILL NOTICED A JUMPY FEELING WHEN DRIVING BUT ASSUMED DEALER FIXED CORRECTLY. IN NOVEMBER 2017 SAME THING HAPPENED, LOSS OF POWER, JUMPY, NOT SAFE AT ALL. TOWED IN TO DEALER AGAIN AND THEY SAID VEHICLE NEEDED REPAIRS OF 12K AND NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I COULD NOT PAY THAT NOR COULD I NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT WASN'T COVERED??? DEALER SAID CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE AND THEY GAVE US 500.00. I STILL OWE 11K ON THE LOAN. PLEASE HELP, I AM JUST SICK ABOUT THE WAY I WAS TREATED AND THE DEBT I INCURRED FOR NO REASON. I REALLY FEEL LIKE THIS WAS A LEMON.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 6, 2019
THE VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY, LOSING POWER TO THE ENGINE. AT FIRST, IT BEGAN TO HAPPEN MONTHLY (50,000 MILES) ONLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY (AT STOP LIGHTS OR IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY). THE ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER AND THE BATTERY LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND THE VEHICLE COULD BE STARTED AGAIN IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED LURCHING ACCELERATION AT LOW GEARS. IT WOULD NOT TRIGGER ANY CODES (FOR EITHER ISSUE), AND MULTIPLE VW DEALERSHIPS WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE STALLING THEN OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING (70,000 MILES), CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON A FREEWAY AT 70 MPH; THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE FREEWAY BY AN OFFICER AND THEN TOWED. STILL, THE VEHICLE DID NOT PRODUCE ANY CODES. AFTER OVER 1 MONTH AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER AND REPLACEMENT OF 4 DIFFERENT WIRES THAT APPEARED CORRODED, AND THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY, THE SAME ISSUES PERSISTED. THE STALLING BEGAN TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY, BOTH WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING, AND BEGAN TO TRIGGER THE EPC LIGHT (80,000 MILES). BY THIS TIME IT WAS CLEARLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NOT WILLING TO RENT A CAR FOR AN UNKNOWN DURATION FOR THE SERVICE CENTER TO ATTEMPT TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, I WAS FORCED TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 8, 2019
TWICE STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, CURRENTLY HAS ENGINE MALFUNCTION CODE P2015 FOR INTAKE FLAP VALVE FAILURE. VW STATES IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THE CCTA ENGINE CODE FOR 2011-2012 VW 2.0T TSI ENGINES. HOWEVER SINCE IT WASN'T EXTENDED TO MY VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE THE SAME THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE NHTSA DIDN'T IDENTIFY MY VEHICLE YEAR YET.
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2019
FAULTY HORN IN BOTH STATIONATY AND MOVING POSITIONS. WILL WORK AND THEN SUDDENLY STOP WORKING. REPLACED HORN RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE, BUT CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS LATER.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 29, 2018
MY CAR WHILE ON THE BUSY INTERSTATE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. IT WAS RUNNING BUT PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL DID NOTHING. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE SHOULDER. I SHUT THE CAR OFF, WAITED 5 MIN, & TURNED IT BACK ON. THE EPC LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS ABLE TO THEN MANEUVER SLOWLY TO A NEARBY TRUCK STOP TO CALL FOR A TOW. THE CAR SURGED THE WHOLE TIME. 1 WEEK LATER THE VW DEALERSHIP SAYS ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS FAILURE & THAT IT WILL COST ME $1200. OF COURSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY & NO RECALLS. THIS IS DANGEROUS & COSTLY.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 16, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR CUT OFF THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON . I MANAGED TO RESTART AND PULL OVER AND THEN AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS THE CAR STARTED AND STAYED ON . THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY THE CAR REPAIR SHOP THAT I WAS NEAR OUT OF FEAR OF DRIVING; BUT NO SOONER DID I GET THE CAR BACK THE SAME THING STARTED HAPPENING TO THE VEHICLE( WHILE IN MOTION THE CAR STALLS NO LIGHT NECESSARILY COME ON WITH EXCEPTION OF THE EPC LIGHT WHICH DOES NOT STAY ON. OPPOSE TO ME POURING MONEY INTO THE CAR I READ ABOUT RECALLS AND THIS SAME THING IS HAPPENING IN OTHER MODELS BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED AND I WANT IT INCLUDED THIS IS DANGEROUS AND INCONVENIENANT PLEASE HELP ME
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2018
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE (VEHICLE STATIONARY).
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2018
IGNITION SWITCH GETS STUCK IN ON POSITION, CAN'T TURN CAR OFF
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Aug 31, 2018, crash
TAKATA RECALL VW JETA WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO FREEZING RAIN IN JANUARY 2017 (KNOXVILLE, TN). VW SLID INTO ANOTHER CAR CAUSING IN EXCESS OF $5,000 DAMAGE; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. COMPLETE FAILURE IN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM/COMPRESSOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOCKS/UNLOCKS DOORS WHILE DRIVING. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ROLLS DOWN WINDOWS FOR NO REASON. THIS BEGUN 70K MILES
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2018
THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER WITH THE CAR ON AND CANNOT BE TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 22, 2018
THE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT LOCK PROPERLY, ALL THEY DO IS CLICK TRYING TO LOCK AS I DRIVE - FROM TIME TO TIME, IF THEY DO LOCK - I CAN'T UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM INSIDE THE CAR, AND HAVE TO CRAWL OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN THE EVENT I NEED TO EXIT THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY. I HAD THE SAME ISSUE ON A 2009 JETTA - AND I IF YOU LOOK ON THE INTERNET - THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL IT'S A DESIGN FLAW FROM VW - AND IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW - AND I'M SURE VW KNOWS ABOUT IT, BUT HAS FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. I FEEL THE ONLY WAY VW WILL FIX THE ISSUE IS IF THE NTSB FORCES THEM TO DO A RECALL - PLEASE HELP US ? ALSO, I'M NOT ABLE TO LOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE CAR. THANK YOU, *TR
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2018
KEY WILL NOT TURN BACK TO OFF POSITION TO SHUT OFF THE CAR WHILE PARKED.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HORN MODULE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,137.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2018
CAR KEEPS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING AT 10MPH. HAD MY RIGHT REAR LATCH REPLACED, NOW MY LEFT REAR IS DOING THE SAME THING