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, Aug 9, 2017
KEY REMAINS STUCK IN IGNITION AND CAR CANNOT WILL NOT TURN OFF VW DEALER SAID THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FROM OVER USE!!! DIDN'T KNOW YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSE TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE YOUR CAR!!
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2017
FREQUENTLY THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT UNLOCK,KEY WILL NOT TURN, THIS IS HAPPENING ALMOST EVERYDAY, DRIVE TO WORK PARK THE CAR, AT END OF DAY THE IGNITION KEY WON'T TURN. STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED UP, HAVE TO WRESTLE WITH IT CONSTANTLY, IF I GET OUT A JAR THE CAR BACKWARDS OR FRONTWARDS IT MAY UNLOCK THE KEY AND WHEEL AND MAY NOT. THIS OCCURS ALMOST EVERYDAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND FRUSTRATING.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2016
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION, CAR WON'T TURN OFF.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 4, 2016
MY CAR DISPLAYS NO PROBLEMS ON THE DASH, THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ON BUT WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR STALLS AND SOMETIMES JUST SHUTS OFF LOCKING MY BRAKES AND STEERING. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS GOING UNDER 20MPH. AFTER IT SHUTS OF I HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK TO RESTART AND IT RESTARTS WITHOUT A PROBLEM.
Steering, Jul 16, 2016
KEY STICKS IN IGNITION LOCK AND UNABLE TO REMOVE. WENT TO DEALER AND TOLD IT HAPPENS, NO RECALL, AND WILL COST OVER $400.00 TO FIX.
Steering, Jun 16, 2016
I AM HAVING TROUBLE GETTING MY KEY TO TURN OFF AGAIN. THE CAR WILL TURN ON WITH EASE BUT WHEN I PARK AND GO TO TAKE THE KEY OUT IT'S STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION AND I HAVE A HARD TIME TURNING OFF TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CAR WAS UNDER THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED AND A LOCAL DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH JANUARY 2015. I AM NOW HAVING THE SAME ISSUE HOWEVER THE CAR IS OUT OF BOTH THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY PERIOD AND ALSO THE 1YR. WARRANTY FOR THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH, AND BY ONLY 6 MONTHS I MIGHT ADD.
Steering, Jun 13, 2016
STEERLOCK- I DROVE MY CAR FOR A FEW MINUTES ON 6/11/2016 TO THE STORE, THEN RETURNED HOME. AT THE STORE THE KEY HAD WORKED FINE. WHEN I RETURNED HOME AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK THE KEY TO MY CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I REPEATEDLY TRIED TO TURN THE CAR OFF, AND THE KEY REFUSED TO TURN OFF. I CALLED THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGON DEALERSHIP IN MARION, IL TO SEE IF I COULD GET SOME POSSIBLE FIXES, THE SERVICE TECHS WERE GONE FOR THE DAY SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY. THE SALESMAN SAID HE WOULD CONTACT A TECHNICIAN TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANY FIXES FOR ME. HE CALLED ME BACK AND TOLD ME TO TRY HOLDING THE KEY FORWARD THEN LETTING IT SNAP BACK. I TRIED THIS A FEW TIMES AND IT DIDN'T WORK, SO I TOLD THEM I WOULD DROP THE CAR OFF. ONCE I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE TECHNICIAN HAD CAME IN AND HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY TRICK I WAS TOLD ABOUT TO WORK. I LEFT THE CAR WITH THEM AND THEY WERE TO LET ME KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE WAS ON MONDAY 6/13/2016. THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME AND SAID IT WAS A ISSUE WITH THE STEERLOCK. HE ALSO SAID THEY KEPT THE PART IN STOCK BECAUSE THIS TYPE OF THING HAPPENS. I TOLD THEM TO GO AHEAD AND FIX IT. I HAVE NOW PICKED UP MY CAR AND IT TURNS ON AND OFF PROPERLY.
Steering, Oct 19, 2015
PURCHASED CAR 2014, SOON AFTER I NOTICED THE KEY WAS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO TURN OR REMOVE. FINALLY I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY AT ALL. VW REPLACED IGNITION ASSEMBLY AUG 2014. WAS STILL ALWAYS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND REMOVE PROPERLY. MONTH LATER I CALLED FOR THEM TO TAKE NOTE. WAS TOLD IT TAKES TIME FOR IT TO "WORK ITSELF OUT". 13 MONTHS LATER, WARRANTY UP, I TOOK THE CAR BACK VOICING COMPLAINT. THEY AGREED, AND REPLACED SAME PART AGAIN IN SEPT 2015. OCT 2015 IT STILL ACTS UP. WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE IN THE SERVICE PROBLEM THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 19, 2015
WHILE DRIVING MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI, A PART FELL DOWN BY MY FEET HITTING MY FOOT. ONCE PARKED, THE PART NUMBERED 1K0953527D WAS FOUND ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR MAT. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR (NEW) AND SENT THEM A PICTURE OF THE PART. THEY SAID THEY BELIEVED IT CONTROLLED THE COLUMN LOCK WHILE IN PARK, HOWEVER MY WHEEL STILL LOCKED IN PARK WITH THE PART NOT IN PLACE. THE NEXT DAY, WHILE DRIVING IN AN ALLEY, MY BUMPED MY KEY CHAIN WHILE SCOOTING FORWARD IN MY SEAT AND MY CAR TURN OFF, NOT ALLOWING ME TO TURN IT BACK ON UNTIL IT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP AND I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN PARK. THE SERVICE TEAM HAD THEIR MOST EXPERIENCED TEAM MEMBER ON HAND OPEN THE STEERING COLUMN AND SAID THAT THE PART MUST HAVE FELL OUT; FOR REASONS NOT KNOWN. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF TAMPERING. *TR
Steering, Feb 6, 2015, crash
STEERING WHEEL GETS HARD AND STARTS LICKING OIL. STEERING WHEEL HAS BEING REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. 12/10/13 REPLACED AT 13625 MILES, SECOND TIME REPLACED 10/10/2014 AT 27338 MILES. DEC. 2014 I GOT A RECALL NOTICE FROM VW OF AMERICA DUE TO FAULTY REAR AXLE. AS OF FEB./03/2015 MY VW JETTA IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER DUE TO THE SAME STEERING PROBLEM. THEY HAVEN'T YET GIVE ME THE FINAL PAPER WORK FOR THE REPAIRS BEING DONE. MY VW JETTA IS REGISTER WITH THE CALIFORNIA DMV TO DRIVE A DISABLE PERSON. I HAVE ALL WORK ORDERS INVOICES BY THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS ON A CAR ACCIDENT ON OCT./9/2014. I HIT THE STREET CURVE DAMAGING MY 2 WHEELS. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO FARMERS INSURANCE. *TR UPDATED 3/24/16*JS
Steering, Jan 7, 2015
AS THE DRIVER WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN AND CONTINUED GOING MOSTLY STRAIGHT FORWARD. ALL STEERING CONTROL OF THE CAR WAS LOST. THE CAR SPUN AROUND AND CAME TO A REST WITH ONE TIRE FACING FORWARD AND ONE FACING TO THE SIDE. THE STEERING RACK AND PINION METAL BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 17, 2014
I WENT THROUGH SOME WATER (NOT MUCH) ANDTHEN WHEN I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT I STOPPED THE CAR. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE OF BEING STOPPED THE CAR STALLED AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. THE BATTERY IS NEW AND I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR IN DECEMBER 2013 AND IT IS A YEAR MODEL 2013. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES UNTIL NOW. I WENT TO TURN A CORNER AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, CAR STALLED, AND STEERING BECAME VERY TIGHT. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS ISSUE IS, BUT THE CAR IS ONLY ABOUT A YEAR OLD (IF EVEN THAT). VERY FRUSTRATING. *TR