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
516 reports, newest first.
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MAKE IT UP THE HILL AND THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE AND REVERSE BACK DOWN THE HILL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. UPON PARKING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE, A REDDISH FLUID WAS SEEN LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Engine, Jun 4, 2018
TIMING BELT STRETCHED OUT AFTER ENGINE ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE CAR IS RUNNING AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH AND EVEN A FATAL CRASH.
Engine, Jun 4, 2018
TIME CHAINING BELT LOOSE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES. RECALL LAWSUIT ACTS HAVE BEEN TAKING PLACE AND I BELIEVE MY CARS TIMING CHAIN NEEDS TO BE RECALLED
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 21, 2018
I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR STAYED GOING AT THE SPEED I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD NOT EXHILARATE OR BRAKE IT STAYED FROZEN FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES
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.
Electrical system, May 14, 2018
CANNOT TURN ON MY CAR. THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TORMENT
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 14, 2018
CAR JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAR TURNED OFF AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. AFTER DIAGNOSTIC VOLKSWAGEN SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVING THE CAR JERKING AND TURNING OFF, BOTH TIMES VOLKSWAGEN WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS USING THIS VEHICLE AS A DAILY DRIVER.
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.
Other or unspecified, May 4, 2018
AFTER PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A MAIN ROAD AT ABOUT 25-30MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND WOULDN'T LATCH. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT TO BE A FAILED DOOR LATCH. AFTER FIXING THE PASSENGER DOOR LATCH, THEY PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT OF THEIR GARAGE AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH FAILED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR SPENDS MOST OF IT'S LIFE INSIDE OF A GARAGE AND IS METICULOUSLY TAKEN CARE OF. I JUST TURNED 60,000 ON THE ODOMETER THE DAY PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING.
Power train, May 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY MOVED, EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINN VOLKSWAGEN (39695 BALENTINE DR, NEWARK, CA 94560) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD POTENTIALLY FAILED; HOWEVER, ONLY A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED. AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,037.
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
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2018
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CAN'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE. THE CAR IS PARKED WHILE I'M TRYING TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION TO STOP THE ENGINE.
Power train, Engine, Apr 17, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY EPC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS UP AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LOOSE POWER AND START JERKING STEP ON GAS TO SPEED UP ONLY ENGINE REVVED UP HIGH BUT THERES NO ACCELERATION OR SPEED GAIN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY BUT WHAT IF ITS RUSH HOUR AND THERES A CAR FOLLOWING BEHIND ME IT SURE GOING TO SLAM INTO MY CAR. I HEARD A LOT OF COMPLAINT SIMILAR TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED. IN MY OPINION ITS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE LOOK ON AND NEEDS A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION IN ORDER TO AVOID ACCIDENT AND ROAD MISHAPS.
Power train, Apr 15, 2018
TAKATA RECALL: DRIVING VW JETTA HYBRID WITH MY FAMILY AS I REMEMBER PASSING 2 SET OF LIGHTS AS WE LEFT OUR HOUSE, WHEN WE STOPPED ON THE THIRD RED LIGHT MY ENGINE STARTED IDLING, LIKE EVERY SECOND GAS ENGINE WOULD STOP AND TURN BACK ON. SO IT KEEPS DOING IT ALL THE TIME ON D POSITION, AND WHEN TRANSMISSION ON N POSITION THE ENGINE JUST KEEPS GOING. THE SAD THING IS THAT YOU THINK THE CAR WITH 22,000 MI ON IT, SHOULD NOT HAVE MAJOR ISSUES LIKE THIS.
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
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2018
THE IGNITION KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT, THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO SHUT OFF; THEN THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN; NOW THE KEY IS NOT TURNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED UP.
Engine, Mar 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE ENGINE COOLANT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. RALPH THAYER VOLKSWAGEN IN LIVONIA, MICHIGAN WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED REPLACEMENT, ALONG WITH A COOLANT FLUSH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,719.
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.
Engine, Mar 14, 2018
WHILE VEHICLE IN PARKING WITH MOTOR ON IT SHUT OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN MY CARPORT, THE SECOND TIME IN WAS ON THE STREET. THERE WAS NO LIGHTS ON DASH THAT WOULD INDICATE SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED IT ON AND NO FUTHER PROBLEMS AT THE TIME.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2018
A FEW MONTHS BACK AN ERROR CAME UP ON MY DASH SAYING "HYBRID WORKSHOP." I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS REGULAR FOR MY CAR TO SAY THAT AT ABOUT 68K AND THAT I WOULD SOON NEED A HYBRID SYSTEMS CHECK. THAT LIGHT WENT OFF THE VERY NEXT DAY SO I DIDN'T STRESS IT. SOON AFTER MY CAR BEGAN ACTING FUNNY WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOPS, THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT BACK INTO MOTION CAUSING A HARD BREAKING MOTION TO OCCUR. SOON AFTER MY TRANSMISSION FAILED AS I WAS PARKING. I WAS IN REVERSE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED REVERSING AND BEGAN TO REV LOUDLY BEFORE JUMPING BACK INTO REVERSE AND THEN BACK TO REVVING. AFTER TRANSMISSION FAILURE, I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT MAY BE MY MECHATRONICS UNIT, AFTER TAKING THE MECHATRONICS UNIT OUT THEY DETERMINED IT WAS INDEED THE TRANSMISSION. I'VE READ OF A RECALL FOR THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM HUNDREDS OF TIMES ONLINE AFTER SEARCHING IT, YET MY VIN ISN'T CONNECTED TO ANY RECALLS ON VWS WEBSITE.
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.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2018
RECEIVED A HYBRID SYSTEM ERROR ON 01/02/2018 WHILE DRIVING TO WORK JUST WITHIN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, THEN IT DISAPPEARED AND I NOTICED THE GAS MILEAGE WAS GETTING WAY OUT OF CONTROL (USUALLY GET 50/GAL, THEN GOT LESS THAN 30/GAL). I KNEW SOMETHING WAS OFF ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE BEEN ASKING THE DEALER TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AT 53K (HAD A PREVIOUS JETTA WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES). AFTER KEEPING MY CAR FOR A MONTH, THE DEALER PUT IN A CLUTCH ONLY TO CALL BACK TO SAY THEY NOW NEEDED A FULL TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE INSPECTED AND TESTED BY THE WARRANT COMPANY. ANOTHER 15 DAYS AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINALLY ADDED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FIXED BUT THE GAS MILLAGE HAS NOT BEEN RESTORED. CALLED THE DEALER AND SAID THAT I AM BRINGING IT BACK AT THE END OF THE WEEK. AFTER HAVE BOTH A REGULAR 2009 AND A 2013 JETTA HYBRID WITH THE SAME ISSUE, I NO LONGER WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH VW VEHICLES.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2018, fire
CSPC:MY 2013 VW JETTA CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THERE WAS NOT OVERHEATING OR ANY OTHER SIGNS THAT IT WAS GOING TO GO IN FLAMES. ALL THE WARNING SYSTEMS SEEMED TO BE WORKING, BUT IT STILL DIDN'T SHOW ANY SIGNS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC WIRING OR ANYTHING ELSE. *DT *JS
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.
Air bags, Feb 6, 2018
2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE IT WAS T-BONED CAUSING IT TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *JS