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, Jul 26, 2018
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS 5X WITHIN THE LAST 4 YEARS. WHEN REPLACE ONLY WORKS FOR ABOUT 6-9 MONTHS THEN I HAVE TO REPLACE IT AGAIN. ONE TIME I WAITED FOR 1YR TO REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT AND MAGICALLY IT CAME BACK ON. I WAS LIKE WOW, REALLY. NOW MY DOORS AND HORN IS GONE OUT. MY HORN ONLY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. MY DOORS LOCK BUT IT TAKES A WHILE FOR IT TO FIGURE IT OUT. YOU HAVE TO HIT THE BOTTOM LIKE 3X BEFORE IT WORKS.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 12, 2018
EPC LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. VEHICLE LOSES ALL THROTTLE, NO POWER. ENGINE IS ON BUT ELECTRICAL AND GAS PEDAL NO AFFECT. SHUTS DOWN. DRIVE 10-20MINS SHUTS DOWN. HAZARD
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2018
IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTION. VEHICLE WON'T TURN OFF, KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED.
Electrical system, Jul 2, 2018
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 26, 2018
LESS THAN 30000 MILES REPLACED TRANSMISSION, AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON ,NO HORN,NO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS.SAME THING RECALLED FOR JETTA, BUT NOT JETTA HYBIRDS..
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 13, 2018
TRANSMISSION REPLACED,STEERING WHEEL CONTROL NOT WORKING,MODULE FAILED
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2018
SATIONARY VEHICLE OFF, TRYING TO TURN IT ON THE IGNITION STICKS MAKING IT HARD TO TURN BACK ON.
Electrical system, May 14, 2018
CANNOT TURN ON MY CAR. THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TORMENT
Electrical system, Engine, May 9, 2018
2013 VW JETTA, 2.5 ENGINE, AT, APPROX 16,900 MILES. ON MAY 8, 2018, DURING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION NEAR OAKWOOD HILLS SHOPPING MALL, EAU CLAIRE WI. THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER CAUSED LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN INTERSECTION. AAA WAS CALLED. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RE-STARTED AND CLEARED FROM INTERSECTION BEFORE AAA ARRIVED. IT WAS DRIVEN HOME. ON MAY 9, 2018, THE VEHICLE BUCKED AND LOST POWER DURING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT MALL DRIVE AND HIGHWAY 93 EAU CLAIRE.WI. DTC'S CHECKED WITH NONE FOUND. I SUSPECT A BAD RELAY OR IGNITION SWITCH.
Electrical system, Apr 30, 2018
AFTER MY VOLKSWAGEN 3 YEARS 36K WARRANTY WAS OVER I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS REMOVING MY KEY FROM THE IGNITION. I HAD MENTIONED IT TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR WHO STATED THAT MY WARRANTY WAS ALREADY LAPSED AND I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. IN APRIL 2018, I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK HOUSING MAY DEVELOP A PROBLEM OF HARD TO REMOVE THE KEY OR NOT BEING ABLE TO REMOVE IT ALL. THIS IS THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING SINCE THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JUNE OF 2016. IN THE ATTACHED LETTER IT STATES THAT THE WARRANTY EXTENSION EXTENDED TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM WAS FOR 10 YEARS OR 100K WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. I CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 104K ON MY VEHICLE, BUT NONE THE LESS TOOK IT INTO VOLKSWAGEN OF THE WOODLANDS IN TEXAS TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED FOR THIS DEFECTIVE STEERING HOUSING ON 04/28/2018. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING HOUSING WAS IN FACT DEFECTIVE BY THE TECHNICIAN AT THIS DEALERSHIP. I WAS UNABLE TO GET RESOLUTION FROM VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CONTACTED KATHRENE FOX AT VW EXECUTIVE OFFICE TO SEE IF VOLKSWAGEN WOULD COVER THIS DEFECTIVE PART SINCE I WAS 4K OVER THERE 100K EXTENDED PART WARRANTY WHICH SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL NOT A EXTENDED WARRANTY AS OUTLINED IN THERE LETTER. I WAS TOLD BY MS. FOX THAT VW COULD NOT COVER THE STEERING HOUSING WHICH IS WITHOUT DOUBT A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I WAS NOT A LOYAL CUSTOMER AND I WAS OVER THERE WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING BY 4K. I AM WILLING TO ASSIST YOU IN YOUR INVESTIGATION IN ANY WAY TO RESOLVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE THAT INVOLVES NUMEROUS VEHICLE. THANK YOU
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2018
THE HORN STOPPED WORKING 1 WEEK AGO. I AM ALSO REPLACING BULBS EVERY 2 MONTHS. I CAN'T USE MY HORN AND THE DEALER IS CHARGING ME A CRAZY FEE TO FIX THIS. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT'S GOING THROUGH THIS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2018
OVERUSED OF SOY WIRING HAS CAUSED HUNDREDS OF NEEDLESS DOLLARS OF REPAIR WORK. WIRING IS BEING CHEWED ABOUT BY RODENTS SINCE RODENTS LIKE SOY PRODUCTS.
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 27, 2018
PASSENGER ISNT DETECTED, AIRBAGS WONT DEPLOY ON THAT SIDE. CAR RANDOMLY WONT DETECT A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT, AND WILL DEACTIVE THE AIRBAGS.
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2018
EVERY TIME I GO OVER 10 MPH THE DOOR LOCKS TRY TO LOCK BUT THEY DON'T SO WHEN I BRAKE AND GO LESS THAN 10 MPH IT HAPPENS AGAIN. DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THEY GO OFF 50 TO 100 TIMES. IT IS AN ISSUE THAT I HAVE SEEN FROM LOOKING UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. IT HAS AFFECTED EVERY DOOR IN MY CAR TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS TO BE FIXED AND I AM UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM OUTSIDE THE CAR. PLEASE HELP AND LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS.
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2018
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN, ALARM, AND DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO BEEP/OPERATE AS INTENDED WITHOUT WARNING. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 17, 2017
A YEAR AGO THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD THEN COME TO A STOP. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE. IN THE PAST YEAR THE VEHICLE WILL TURN OFF WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC OR AT A LIGHT. CAR WILL NOT DETECT KEY FOB EVEN WHEN NEW BATTERIES HAVE BEEN USED. CAR WILL SAY NO KEY.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 5, 2017
"FUEL PUMP DEFECT". MY 2013 VW JETTA HAS BEEN RANDOMLY STALLING OUT IN MID COMMUTE WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I WILL BE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE JUST CUTS OFF AND I HAVE TO CRANK THE CAR BACK ON AND BEING MINDFUL OF ONGOING TRAFFIC. THIS IS INCREASING BECOMING AN ISSUE AS I INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A RANDOM OCCURRENCE HOWEVER AS THIS HAS REPEATEDLY OCCURRED OUT OF NO WHERE WHEN I'M TRAVELING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IT HAS BECOME VERY SCARY IN AN ACCIDENT OCCURING. I SAW THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON SELECT VW VEHICLES HOWEVER IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE WHICH APPEARS SHOULD ALSO BE IMMEDIATELY INCLUDED AS THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE KEY WAS STUCK AND FAILED TO EXIT THE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRANDON VOLKSWAGEN (9816 E ADAMO DR, TAMPA, FL 33619) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND WON'T TURN OFF. VW DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF ISSUE SAY OO BY IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IGNITION CYLENDER WAS REPLACED ONCE ALREADY AT 32,000 MILES. NOW THE SAME ISSUE IS BACK AT 70,000 MILES ON THE REPLACEMENT PART.
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN POSITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. CAN'T TURN OFF VEHICLE OR REMOVE THE KEY
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE IGNITION KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF AND WAS STUCK IN THE RUN POSITION ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHPORT VOLKSWAGEN OF BATON ROUGE LOUISIANA (LOCATED AT 13940 AIRLINE HIGHWAY, 70817) TO BE DIAGNOSED. IN THE PAST, THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED BY THE DEALER TO SNAP THE KEY BACK AND FORTH IN ORDER TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE." WHEN CAR IS PARKED ANYWHERE KEY USUALLY WON'T TURN TO START CAR, EVENTUALLY DOES, BUT SOMETIMES THE KEY WILL NOT TURN TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, SO IT STAYS RUNNING TILL THE KEY DECIDES IT WANTS TO COME OUT OR RUN OUT OF GAS AFTER SAVING FOR YEARS, BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR OUR DAUGHTER, AFRAID TO DRIVE ANYWHERE. MAY GET STUCK SOMEWHERE WHERE KEY WILL NOT TURN TO START CAR. IF A CAR DOES NOT TURN OFF OR START, THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AND NOTICE IT IS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO TURN THE KEY ON OR OFF. MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE, WHICH APPEARS TO BE THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD RECALL THESE CARS FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES. THANK YOU - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 6, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2017
THE KEY GETS STUCK SO IT WONT TURN TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. IF ABLE TO GET IT TO TURN THE CAR OFF THE KEY GETS STUCK SO YOU CAN'T TAKE IT OUT. TRYING TO TURN THE CAR OFF THE KEY GETS STUCK.