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: other or unspecified
98 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding Safety Recall 34J6, which is listed as INCOMPLETE for my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen of Murfreesboro, Tennessee to have this recall performed. The dealership refused to complete the repair, claiming it was “too old” — a statement that is factually and legally incorrect. Federal law and NHTSA regulations require manufacturers and their dealerships to repair open safety recalls at no cost, with no expiration. The dealership’s refusal is a direct violation of these requirements and represents a serious safety risk to me and potentially to other drivers. I have already contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE, but the dealership has refused to perform the recall despite clear evidence that it remains open. Their inaction demonstrates noncompliance with federal safety regulations and unlawful denial of a mandated repair. I request that NHTSA investigate Volkswagen of Murfreesboro for refusal to perform a federally required recall, ensure that my vehicle receives the required repair immediately, and take appropriate enforcement action to prevent further violations. This behavior is unacceptable and poses a significant public safety risk.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2025
The key will not come out of the ignition
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2024
My son was driving home when failure lights came on. I told him to take it to the nearest VW dealer, which he did: Tynan’s VW in Aurora, CO. The diagnostics’ indicated faults were Cracks in the Accumulator and transmission stuck in 6th gear, the exact same problem as indicated in the Safety Recall, issued in January of 2020 (NHTSA 19V866): Hairline cracks in the accumulator housing of the transmission, clutch may not engage – loss of power to wheels leading to vehicle crash. Repair not available. In June of 2021, when a repair was available, I took the car to Chapman Volkswagen Scottsdale, AZ to perform the repair and service. The mileage at first repair on [XXX], 2021 was 30828. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURANCE OF THE SAME ISSUE. On May 1st after receiving the Tynans’ diagnostic report I started attempting to contact Chapman Volkswagen Scottsdale, AZ. Also at notification from Tynans’ VW of the second occurrence of this safety issue, I called VW Customer Care on early May - VW Customer Care contact on [XXX] - Case Number: [XXX]. Outcome: I was told by VW Customer Care to go back to Chapman Volkswagen Scottsdale and tell them they did not repair it properly. Volkswagen Scottsdale is taking no responsibility (Current Service Manager is Mike Chadwell) after several calls and I have not been able to get a copy of their repair warranty after repeated requests. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2024
Ignition switch stuck, and would not allow key to fully be inserted causing the cylinder to freeze and not turn on or if able to turn on not be able to turn off. I took it to the dealer to repair. They quoted me but refuse to provide a key with the new ignition system and are trying to price gouge me into buying a key that should have been provided with the new system.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2024
Vehicle on several occasions lost power while driving causing me to coast to the side of the road. After stopping and placing car in park, tried to restart vehicle and started up with no lights on dashboard as to this issue. Took car to VW dealer and was told they would complete the recall work to fix the powertrain issues of gearbox fluid leaking causing corrosion and leaks into transmission. Received call from dealership who stated transmission was totally damaged and replacement was $11,000.00. I went to the dealership to discuss and was told they had no specific information as to the codes received when they ran the diagnostic. They also stated they did not fix the recall and had no reason for not fixing recall other than the cost to replace the transmission was not worth it based on value of car. I strongly believe that the recall issue is the reason for any damage to the transmission as they are directly related. I have researched on-line and there are a lot of individuals with the same issue and the same responses from VW not wanting to acknowledge the recall issue and the direct relation to any transmission issues. I have driven this car and there has been issues with the automatic transmission shifting gears. I believe the cost (parts and labor) to repair the actual recall issue is the driving decision to tell customers that the transmission is bad. One post actual had a customer trade in his Jetta at the VW dealer for a VW Passat and was only given $150.00 trade-in allowance. Later the individual searched their car by VIN and found the car was for sale. VW should be required to completely fix the recall and related transmission issues and/or purchase back these vehicles at a negotiated price. I am the original owner of this car and it only has 127,000 miles. This is only about 10,000 miles per year. Please look into similar reports of these issues by others. VW also stopped production of this car knowing the defects that would occur or were occurring.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2023
Since I have possessed the car, the horn has been slowly going out. Until now it no longer works at all. I've checked fuses and not the problem. So this is a safety concern for me because of the alarm! If my alarm goes off, just the lights flash but NO sound??! The alarm should at least be heard, right? Otherwise I hope I can see the lights flashing if my alarm goes off!!! Because I can't hear anything. My horn does not work even if I push the steering wheel? If I have to use my horn to alert anyone then I can't!
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2023
The key will either get stuck in the ignition while the car is on, or it will occasionally not turn at all. Both of which have left me or others borrowing my car stranded. Has taken up to 2 hours of jiggling the key and finally turning to the on or off position. Some shops are saying the ignition cylinder, others the switch, and others the steering lock but this seems to be a very common complaint online from Volkswagens in this age range. It could seriously harm someone if they were unable to start their car in an emergency situation due to the key not turning.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2023
Unknown system failure or component. Ever since I've bought the vehicle in I believe 2017 from EICH VW, it has consistently died while driving or idling. It also was "slamming on the brakes on its own" when the car would die. It jerks consistently as well. The latest out of hundreds of incidents, was yesterday, it stalled at a red light that had turned green, so I was stopped, I turned my hazards on immediately when it had stalled. The vehicle behind me went into the turn lane and the vehicle behind it was coming at me at 60+ mph as that was the speed limit on the road. There is NO warning as to when it will stall, almost never any dash light, maybe only once or twice a year. And it can go weeks or even months without incident and then go crazy for weeks or months straight. It stalling out has almost killed me and my son when trying to cross the highway to get to his dad's house, in that situation me and my at the time when I used to take that way he was 1/2 years old, and we were almost t boned by the oncoming traffic after it had stalled. I have taken it to some many certified dealers and "experts" and no one can tell me what is wrong. It has now gotten to the point where it is happening so often I'm scared to put my three year old in my car. This is a VERY COMMON issue Volkswagen knows about but won't acknowledge or do anything about, I did not know about it until after buying the car. There are no beforehand symptoms, there is no way to tell when it is going to happen, even the car is running perfectly fine before it happens. I know that service providers have been able to experience exactly what happens, but they may not remember as this has been going on for years and I'm not their only customer, and I don't even remember everywhere I've been to try and fix the problem. But it is something I have been publicly asking about and complaining about for years. My ex who works for Toyota, even experienced it when we first met, and we had to have my car towed.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 26, 2023
I purchased vehicle 12/06/2022 and day after purchase check engine light went off. Took it back to dealer ASH Auto and they stated they fixed it. 2 Months later check engine light again. Got a diagnostic test and codes were TBI Base Gasket, P01106 Manifold and 01314-013 Engine control module. Now one week ago dropping off daughter to work down the street and when pulled into garage my vehicle will not go I to park. Only neutral, reverse and drive work. Have to keep car in neutral with emergency brake to keep parked.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2022
The key will not go in the shut off position. My car has been lefting running for long periods. I keep messing with it and trying different pressures until it finally turns to the off position.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2022
THE IGNITION SWITCH, WON'T TURN TO SHUT OFF/ COME ON. Having to sit in the car for long periods of time, in a HIGH CRIME AREA! Checked on line and others are having the same problem as I am. It has happened several times. The first time was on 02/26/2022; 03/01/2022; 03/03/2022; 03/05/2022; 03/07/2022
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2022
Key doesn't turn off car. It will not turn. Stuck in ignition. Issue with ignition switch.
Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2022
Car was taking by a worker at 970 fort st Lincoln park on 2/1/2022 Never return to work after that He claim to body shop owner he is going to get lunch
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, 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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2021
Key stuck in ignition when attempting to turn off engine.
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2021
There was a legal settlement between the US and VW in 2016. This settlement provided mandates upon the company to perform repairs and give warranty to owners of VW vehicles, so the vehicles are in a safe and emissions responsible manner. This settlement info can be seen at www.vw.courtsettlement.com The main part that applies to our situation is: We purchased a 2013 VW Jetta TDI on 12/30/20 with 179,109 miles. Prior to that, it had the Emissions Modification done to it. We purchased vehicle from the original owner, and we are the 2nd owner, per VIN report Our purchase was the 1st resale transaction done after the modification completed We purchased the vehicle in good faith and for purposes other than resale We purchased the vehicle due to the warranty. The vehicle currently should have a 4 year 48,000 mile court ordered warranty starting 12/30/20 and at 179,109 miles. If followed by court order, this warranty is good until 12/30/24 or 227,109 miles. Since this vehicle was purchased 6 months 14,000 miles into warranty, it still has 34,000 miles or good until 12/30/2024. VW has refused to honor there court ordered warranty. This potentially is putting a vehicle that is in need of safety repairs at risk of a danger on roadway by not honoring warranty. Term of agreement at www.vwcourtsettlement.com Not only are they not fulfilling there obligations as they should under the terms of settlement, they are egregiously allowing vehicles to be driven around with clogged filters emitting more pollution that they should, when they have since agreed to fix them as they were rigged unlawfully to settle the VW corporate violations within the US They should immediately honor this warranty with this VW owner and recompense me for warranty related expenses they incurred of approx $750. The VIN for this vehicle is 3VWLL7AJ0DM[XXX] One owner of the vehicle is [XXX] Contact info [XXX] [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2021
The key gets stuck in the ignition cant turn the car off been hoping on for a week k ow
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2021
KEY DOES NOT TURN TO THE OFF POSITION ONCE THE CAR IS STARTED. CANNOT STOP THE CAR CAR ONCE STARTED. FROM ALL THE READING I AM DOING IT SEEMS THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WITH OTHERS.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2021
THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR AND IT DOES NOT LOCK WITH THE KEY REMOTE CONTROL. I HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM THAT THIS CAR HAS TO SECURE THE DOORS, AND APPARENTLY IT IS VERY COMMON IN THESE VW CARS, ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM NOT ABOUT SECURITY, I DO BELIEVE THAT IT IS, BECAUSE ONE BELIEVES THAT IT LOCK ALL THE DOORS AND IT IS NOT SO, THAT'S WHY YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY YOU
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2020
THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON OUR JETTA RELATED TO THE MICRO SWITCH. WHEN WE TOOK OUR CAR IN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF MARIETTA TO HAVE THE 90,000 MILE SERVICE DONE, WE STATED THAT WE WANTED THE RECALL REPAIR DONE AS WELL. THE SERVICE PROVIDER FIRST TOLD US HE COULDN'T LOOK UP THE RECALL BY THE VIN, AND THEN WHEN WE WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR, HE STATED THAT THERE WAS NO OPEN RECALL ON IT.