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: power train
140 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Air bags, Service brakes, Jun 29, 2022
Transmission shifts hard and told to this is a common problem with the Jetta hybrids.
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
The mechatronic unit in the transmission failed without warning and caused the vehicle to not move while while in traffic. This issue plagues almost every Jetta Hybrid and VW of America will not correct this serious safety issue. This transmission has an extremely high failure rate and needs to be recalled across the board. VW has issued a recall for this issue but is not including all Jetta Hybrids that are experiencing this exact issue. An investigation needs to happen!
Power train, Apr 6, 2022
Vehicles transmission is falling in the same manner as described by the current recall. VW claims the VIN is not covered. The car is experiencing the same issue. Many owners cannot get this fixed because VW claims the VIN is not covered.
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.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 23, 2022
VW issued a recall (20E064000) for the transmission failing to engage though VW is claiming vehicles within the year range specified and with the exact same problem are not included in the recall. A quick search on complaints on Safercar.gov will show VW is not actually fixing this issue but pushing customers along saying they are not covered. This is a huge safety issue that VW is skirting around. I was told my car - within the years affects and with the same problem - is not included in this recall.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Mar 7, 2022
I was driving on the street and my check engine light popped on as I was making a turn at about 35 miles an hour my car kicked into neutral and when pressing the gas just revved the engine. I was fortunate there was no oncoming cars as I made the turn or I would have been killed. Had this happened on the highway I could of caused a major reck killing multiple people. I was fortunate and pulled over to the side and had the car towed to a mechanic. He took a look and said there was a significant leak coming from the transmission and I should take it to a VW dealership because there are a lot of recalls for this type of stuff. I had it towed to VW and they're professional mechanic said it was a hairline crack in the transmission that caused an oil leak into the electronic gearbox which caused the loss of control and power. They said there is no recall and it would be a $12,000.00 fix. The car has 47K original miles on it, no wrecks, and I've never missed an oil change. Had I not quickly reacted I could of caused a car accident injuring or killing myself or someone else. This is unbelievable that VW is not being held responsible for this. There is a recall for this exact problem Recall Number: 34J6 but for some reason it does no include my specific Jetta. How is that possible?
Power train, Mar 2, 2022
The power train failed while driving on a busy highway at about 50 mph on 2/19/2022. The warning light on the dashboard indicated a hybrid system failure. We were able to coast to the side of the road. The service center says the transmission needs to be replaced. This is exactly the transmission problem described in recall 34J6, but that recall did not apply to our VIN. This problem has been reported online by other drivers who were also not covered by that recall.
Power train, Mar 2, 2022
I was driving to the store and my transmission disengaged and I had to coast to the shoulder. I had the Jetta towed to the dealer and they said it needs a new transmission. My vehicle has under 70k miles on the chassis and this transmission has been recalled in other countries but not in the US, this makes no sense to me and Volkswagen refuses to take any accountability for this defect even though it’s a known problem. My vin number wasn’t under the recall they claim.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2022
Transmission failing to go into gear when vehicle is in motion, gear will slip causing vehicle to lose gear and stop until vehicle is shut off and restarted. Problem could cause others to crash into vehicle when this happens from the rear or not have enough space or time to pull over to the emergency lane to shut off vehicle and restart all gears to proceed. Vehicle hasn’t been inspected and will be available for inspection upon request.
Power train, Jan 10, 2022
On 10/20/2021, the Service Hybrid System light and Check Engine light illuminated. I was able to start the vehicle and drive directly home. During the drive, I noticed the Hybrid system wasn't engaging. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who specializes in European vehicles, and he determined the cause was cracks in the mechatronics unit, causing a loss of pressure, exactly the issue Recall 19V866000 was supposed to remedy. I contacted Volkswagen and was informed that my VIN was not included in 19V866000, which was based on cracks appearing in the mechatronics unit. I find it strange that almost 25% of all Jetta Hybrids were recalled for that issue, but there are several other reports listed on NHTSA of other owners who have experienced the same issue who were also told they weren't part of the recall.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 23, 2021
E-Engine and Transmission Problem. In August of 2021, while performing normal driving, the car refused to get in gear and the engine just revved; the Check Engine and Hybrid Systems Failure lights came on, and the car would not work properly. I had it towed to a VW Dealership in Springfield, VA for repairs and was quoted $15,000 for a new E-Engine and Transmission. No Recalls, but online forums show that this is a classic failure of Jetta Hybrids and is due to the corrosive transmission oil used in the sealed transmissions of the Hybrids. Car has remained on VW Dealership lot while a decision is made on the vehicle. November of 2021 I was contacted about a different recall (38C4) for the Jetta; it is a software issue with a European Calibration instead of a US. I am looking to have that repaired to see if it fixes the problem in the car. I am inquiring about the Volkswagen recall 34J6 (or 34J6/4V) for 2013/2014 VW Jetta Hybrids. My VIN does not appear on the list. According to forums, it has experienced the same failure as others that are. This one is for hairline cracks that may form in the Transmission causing it to fail. No warning signs were given before the failure. It was a well maintained car; I was the only owner and drove it for 121,000 miles.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 21, 2021
While driving on freeway going 80mph in carpool with my toddler in backseat the car turned off losing all power to car. engine stopped, steering did not work, brakes did not work, and all lights on dash turned off along with headlights and break lights. i pulled into emergency lane and pulled key out. the car restarted back up but no lights were on dash to indicate anything was wrong with it. took the car into local mechanic they could not duplicate issue, and didnt find any codes. car was returned not fixed. it has happened 6 more times 5 times while driving and one time while sitting in a starbucks drive through each time taking key out and able to restart car. took car into vw dealership, and told them the issue with no light saying anything. checked for codes. no codes where found mechanic still now trying to duplicate issue. this is very dangerous issue that needs attention to if it wasn't for just a few cars on the freeway my son and myself would have been gone from a malfunction from the vehicle. I hope no one else encounters this issue.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 19, 2021
I was driving on the street and my check engine light came on, as I was making a turn at about 35 miles an hour my car acted like it kicked into neutral and when pressing the gas just revved the engine. I safely pulled over to the side and had the car towed to a mechanic. He took a look and said there was a significant leak coming from the transmission and I should take it to a VW dealership because there are a lot of recalls for this type of stuff. I had it towed to VW and they said it was a hairline crack in the transmission that caused an oil leak into the electronic gearbox which caused the loss of control and power. They said there is no recall and it would be a $12,000.00 fix. The car has 47K original miles on it, no wrecks, and I've never missed an oil change.
Power train, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that after stopping at a red traffic light and attempting to move off, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause for the failure. The contact had the vehicle taken to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train) which the contact believed was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Power train, Nov 2, 2021
Car was purchased recently from used car dealer Unique Imports in Tucson. Car was being driven by my wife onto I10 at about 50mph and suddenly lost drive. There was no power being transmitted either from the electric motor or the gasoline engine. With foot on the gas pedal as the car lost speed the gas engine was heard revving but there was no drive. She stopped the car put hazards on and called me. I drove to the car, swapped with her and waited an hour. I was able to start the car and by that time drive had returned so I retrieved the car and returned the short distance home. Then on 10/29 the car was being driven along Tangerine Road and the same problem recurred. A complete loss of drive without warning, necessitating a careful pull over without power onto the hard shoulder. A sudden loss of drive like this is dangerous but fortunately this did not happen on the Interstate this time. Again I drove out to the stranded car, swapped cars and waited. I was able to return home a distance of about 5 miles although the problem recurred twice on the way and each time I had to pull over on the dirt shoulder and wait with hazard signal active for some time for the transmission to restore drive. When it did, it took longer each time. I called VW North America to see if this vehicle was subject to the recall for the mechatronic unit malfunction that causes clutch drivetrain failures exactly like this one. This car had no open recalls in spite of the symptoms, failure mode and driving risk all matching NHTSA 19V-866 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V866-3182.PDF I was informed by VW NA that there was a recall work undertaken by VW North Scottsdale earlier in 2021 pertaining to this issue. The car is not safely driveable until this issue is resolved. Clearly this is not an isolated event. This dangerous failure mode is a systematic problem with this model of vehicle that should be fully addressed by the manufacturer despite the previous recall
Power train, Sep 28, 2021
This is the same as Campagin number 19V866000 (VW recall number 34J6). Hairline cracks have developed in the mechatronic unit, causing transmission oil leaks and decreases in oil pressure. Loss of power greatly increases the risk of a crash, because the issue is largest at low speeds or after stopping.
Power train, Sep 22, 2021
There is a recall on 2013-2015 VW Jetta Hybrid transmissions. I have a 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid. on September 21, 2021, the transmission malfunctioned, causing the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in the car being unable to drive. My wife was driving the car by herself on a a busy interstate in Denver, Colorado (I-25) at approximately 3 PM. She was stranded on a highway in rush hour traffic for approximately 15 minutes as our stalled car held up traffic and was dangerous for my wife to sit in the car during this time. It was a stressful situation for my wife that threatened not only her safety but of others that drove on I-25 that afternoon. After approximately 15 minutes the clutch was able to engage again and the car was able to drive. The car is available for inspection. I believe the problem has been identified because there is a recall out for the 2013-2015 VW Jetta Hybrid! They have not contacted me about repairing this recall. I asked the local VW dealer about this and they have not addressed the problem. The vehicle has been inspected by the local dealer, but not police, insurance representatives or others. No known issues occurred with this car for the 8 years I have owned it and been the sole owner.
Power train, Aug 5, 2021
The vehicle's transmission failed to go into reverse when my daughter was driving. We took the Jetta to the Dansbury Volkswagen dealer in CT.
Power train, Jul 8, 2021
I'm hoping you can help me. I have a 2013 Jetta Hybrid SE 1.4L auto pzev with 47,000 original miles. I'm the second owner and I purchased it with 19,000 original miles. I've never missed an oil change and always kept it up to date with maintenance. I was driving on the street and my check engine light came on, as I was making a turn at about 35 miles an hour my car acted like it kicked into neutral and when pressing the gas just revved the engine. I safely pulled over to the side and had the car towed to a mechanic. He took a look and said there was a significant leak coming from the transmission and I should take it to a VW dealership because there are a lot of recalls for this type of stuff. I had it towed to VW and they said it was a hairline crack in the transmission that caused an oil leak into the electronic gearbox which caused the loss of control and power. They said there is no recall and it would be a $12,000.00 fix. The car has 47K original miles on it, no wrecks, and I've never missed an oil change. Had I not quickly reacted I could of caused a car accident injuring or killing myself or someone else. This is unbelievable that VW is not being held responsible for this. There is a recall for this exact problem Recall Number: 34J6 but for some reason it does no include my specific Jetta. How is that possible?
Power train, Jul 7, 2021
What component or system failed. Mechatronics unit on 2013 VW Hybrid SEL Premium. Available for inspection. Yes Safety. Driving the vehicle with a cold engine will cause a complete loss of power Reproduced by dealer or ISC. Somewhat. They've confirmed a loss of transmission pressure which is in line with Recall 34J6 in May/June 2021, but my specific VIN doesn't apply to the 34J6 recall. Due to VW, the dealership was unable to inform me exactly what was wrong with the transmission but only that it needed to be replaced at a cost of $7400. Campaign / Recall 38C4 was applied to the vehicle 04/25/20 @ 55,579 miles. Inspected by VW Dealership. Warning Lamps: "Error Hybrid system Contact Dealer now!" "Automatic transmission malfunction" Automatic transmission malfunction (flashing wrench symbol & selector symbol)" First noticed October 2020.
Power train, Jun 11, 2021
This is a hybrid VW Jetta 2013 Transmission loss of reverse , 2nd, 4th, 6th, gears . I read there is a recall 34J6 for transmission supposedly to be in effect may 31, 2021
Power train, May 25, 2021
On 05/21/2021 while merging onto the I-5 freeway in Olympia at high speed the EPC dash light came on and the car lost all acceleration and had to swerve off onto the shoulder to avoid any collision (felt like car had stalled). Luckily it was in early AM so traffic was not as bad as normal. Once on the shoulder the car would not move. Contacted Geico and had car towed into the closest Volkswagon service center once they opened. After the inspection (05/24/2021) was told that the mechatronic unit had failed and there were metal shards throughout the transmission that couldn't be removed, so the entire transmission would need to be replaced. There was no warning of the failure; there was a check engine light on previously for a different mechanical issue (vacuum pump) that began 03/10/2021. At that time the car was closely inspected at a VW dealership and I was told safe to drive until I could get it repaired (just hybrid system would no longer function). At that time they updated some software on the car for a separate recall (38C4). The car has been inspected by two separate Volkswagon service centers, Volkswagon of Olympia (where the car is currently for the transmission failure), and back on 03/10/2021 at the Burlington WA Volkswagon dealership. Researched the issue and this particular model and production year had been recalled under #34F6, however for whatever reason my VIN number was not included in the recall. I believe this car should have been included in that recall.
Power train, Apr 28, 2021
CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR TRANSMISSION IS CRACKED AND VW WILL NOT DO ANYTHING
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2021
ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER HAVING MY FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED DUE TO A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING/IN CONJUNCTION WITH MISFIRING, I GOT THE HYBRID LIGHT. IT WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. I NOTICED RPM'S AND CHARGE LEVELS WERE FLUCTUATING ALONG PRIOR TO LOSS OF POWER. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AGAIN. SHUT OFF VEHICLE. WAITED A MINUTE. TURNED VEHICLE BACK ON THEN CONTINUED DRIVING. HAD ONE ADDITIONAL LOSS OF POWER BUT THE HYBRID LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON. THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR SHOWED A WRENCH INSTEAD OF "D" THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD DESPITE HEARING THE ENGINE REV.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 18, 2021
MY VEHICLE FOR A FEW YEARS NOW HAS STALLED OUT ON ME AND CAUSED IT TO GO IN TO LIMP MODE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I SEE THERE IS A RECALL AND NO FIX IS AVAILABLE BUT THE HYBRID SYSTEM SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN WHEN IT DOES THIS AND I CANNOT DO ANYTHING WITH THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. IT WILL HAPPEN ANYWHERE I AM WHERE IT'S A BACK ROAD OR ON THE INTERSTATE.I FEEL THAT VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD TAKE BACK THIS VEH BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY SYSTEM. I FEEL VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD PAY MY LOAN OFF SO I CAN GET IN TO ANOTHER SAFER VEHICLE.