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: steering
37 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.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2025
The key will not come out of the ignition
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 24, 2024
I am Filing a complaint against Volkswagen group of America, I called they for assistants in fixing an issue with one of their dealers to replace an ignition switch. Volkswagen said they stand by their dealer and would not let me speak to the Zone Reps for that area or the Dealer Reps that assist the customer in coming to a solution. The Ignition switch is a safety item and the dealer is trying to charge me a high price for a new key because they own a monopoly in the area.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2023
Ignition cylinder failure. Key would come out while driving, car would stay on, key would not turn in the ignition. Finally wheel locked and key will not turn at all therefore I can’t put my car in neutral.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2023
This vehicle and other vehicles of the same model have a faulty ignition cylinder lock housing causing the key to be unable to turn the car to off and be removed from the ignition. This does not allow the driver to park and leave the car as the key remains stuck and unable to turn. This problem has been reported by a dealer as an issue that is fixed weekly on other vehicles of the same make and model in shop.The vehicle has been inspected by the Volkswagen dealership and determined to be a failure within the vehicle. The key in the ignition has occasionally become stuck but, now remains in the vehicle for consistently after each drive for up to 30 minutes of trying to remove it.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 13, 2023
my steering wheel locked up
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.
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.
Steering, Feb 1, 2022
Ignition key difficult to pull out from starter. Sometimes difficult to start car, but it can be wiggled in or out with some effort. Dangerous if it can get removed and engine continues working. Key can be reinserted to turn off. Sometimes difficult to start. Taken to local (Tucson AZ) dealership and told that there is no VW recall for this issue. I believe there is a recall. Dealership refused to fix it. Not covered as part of warranty either. We had to pay to get it fixed. Dealership appeared not to know of existence of a recall for the ignition key problem. We request a refund. Please inform them that such a recall exists. Chapman Volkswagen 4426 E 22nd .St. Tucson, AZ (520) 445-4024 Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 20, 2020
IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT DOWN ELECTRICALLY, AS IF A FUSE SHORTED, ALMOST ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS TURNED ON, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND THE BRAKES WENT UNRESPONSIVE, NEARLY CAUSING A COLLISION. ONCE THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, IT WAS TURNED OFF IN AN ATTEMPT TO REGAIN CONTROL. AFTER TURNING THE CAR BACK ON, THE SAME DASHBOARD LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED, AND THE CAR WOULDN'T GO MORE THAN 40MPH, CREATING ANOTHER ACCIDENT RISK DURING THE REMAINDER OF THE DRIVE HOME.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 26, 2020
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF BY ITSELF. IT FIRST STARTED WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, NOW IT SHUTS OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 9, 2020
I KEEP GETTING PHONE CALLS OF VEHICLE RECALLS I HAVE A 2013 JETTA SE 2.5. I DO NOT TIMBER THE DATE OF THE RECALLS BUT I KNOW THERE IS ANOTHER RECALL ON MY VEHICLE
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 14, 2019
MY CAR STALLED ON ME 4 TIMES BETWEEN MAY 2018- DECEMBER 2019. WHEN THE CAR STALLS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND IT FEELS LIKE THE ENTIRE CAR CEASES TO HAVE POWER. 3 OUT OF 4 TIMES THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. 1 OUT OF 4 TIMES ANOTHER CAR WAS HIT DUE TO THE STALL. IN ANOTHER 1 OUT OF 4 TIMES, THERE WAS ALMOST A LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENT AS THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I ENDED UP ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD OF TRAFFIC. TRANSPORTATION CANADA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE SAFETY CONCERNS (I AM LOCATED IN TORONTO, ON, CANADA AND ALL INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN TORONTO). VOLKSWAGEN CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND HAVE NOT PROVIDED A SOLUTION OR A NORMAL COURSE OF ACTION TO THIS SAFETY CONCERN. I AM PREGNANT NOW AND EVEN MORE CONCERNED. MY CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN 2013 AND HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED AT VOLKSWAGEN - IT IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION BESIDES THIS REOCCURRING SAFETY ISSUE.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO AGGRESSIVELY INSERT AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ORDER TO START AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT CALLED NHTSA AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE MADE HARD SHIFTS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. 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 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.
Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2018
TOOK CAR IN FOR RECALL AT VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THEY "FORGOT" TO DO RECALL ON AIRBAG. NEXT TIME THEY PERFORMED RECALL BUT STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING, HORN DOES NOT WORK, NONE OF THE STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS FUNCTION AND AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. TOOK CAR FOR AN EXPENSIVE ENGINE REPAIR AND I TOLD THEM THE RECALL WAS NOT COMPLETED AS THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND THEY TOLD ME THE OTHER VOLKSWAGEN MARKED IT AS COMPLETE AND IT WOULD COST ME $2000 BECAUSE AIRBAG HAS BEEN RIPPED OUT AND DISCONNECTED. SO I HAVE NO HORN, NO STEERING WHEEL FUNCTION KEYS, A STEERING WHEEL THAT CLICKS WHEN A HARD TURN IS MADE AND A RIPPED, DISCONNECTED NON-FUNCTIONING AIRBAG.
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.
Steering, Jul 12, 2018
IGNITION CYLINDER. KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF. HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING IT ON, ITS ALSO DIFFICULT TO TURN THE KEY. RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL TALKING ABOUT A REIMBURSEMENT IF REPLACED OUT OF POCKET, HOWEVER VERY SURPRISED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY RECALLED YET.
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..
Steering, Jun 25, 2018
MY CAR KEY GOT STUCK AND THE CAR WONT TURN OFF NOW AND IT WAS ON PARKED
Steering, May 17, 2018
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WITH CAR STILL ON AND IN PARK. CANNOT GET CAR TURNED OFF OR KEY OUT.
Steering, Nov 7, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WITH CAR STILL ON AND IN PARK. CANNOT GET CAR TURNED OFF OR KEY OUT. VOLKSWAGEN KNOWS OF THE ISSUE BUT REFUSES TO RECALL PART. CAR NEEDS NEW IGNITION CYLINDER. AUTO TECHNICIAN AT DEALERSHIP KNEW EXACTLY HOW TO GET THE KEY OUT, WHICH MEANS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. SO MUCH SO, THAT THE FRONT DESK PERSON KNEW EXACTLY HOW HE DID IT AND ASKED ABOUT IT.