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, Air bags, Mar 28, 2017
IN 12/2014 I STARTED REALIZING ISSUES WITH AUTO-TRANSMISSION IN THE MORNING WHEN I START THE CAR. THE ISSUE CONTINUED TO HAPPEN EVERY SINGLE DAY. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPEN FIRST THING IN THE MORNING.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Mar 16, 2017
THE WIPER MOTOR AND THE FLUID WASHER PUMP ARE ILL ENGINEERED AND HAVE A TENDENCY TO BURN OUT VERY QUICKLY. BOTH THE WIPER MOTOR AND FLUID WASHER PUMP ON MY JETTA HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1,000. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN A CAR THAT IS LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD, AND UNDER 58,000 MILES. EITHER THE DESIGN OF THE SYSTEMS IS POOR, OR VW IS USING INFERIOR PARTS THAT QUICKLY ARE OBSOLETE. IT IS NOT SAFE TO HAVE CARS THAT WIPER MOTORS BURN OUT THAT QUICKLY (AND WITHOUT NOTICE) AND IT IS ALSO NOT SAFE TO HAVE FLUID PUMPS THAT WEAR OUT THAT QUICKLY. IT AFFECTS VISIBILITY AND DRIVING SAFETY.
Suspension, Mar 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A RIGHT TURN AND HEARD A SNAP SOUND. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND HEARD A RATTLING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE MORE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A THUMPING NOISE STARTED APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND HALF AGO. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,300.
Engine, Mar 4, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WON'T TURN OFF CAR.
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2017
IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN CAR OFF. ONLY WAY TO SHUT IT OFF WITH FORCE APPLIED TO THE KEY...WENT TO DEALER THOUGHT IT WAS THE KEY , BUT OTHER KEY DID SAME THING. IGNITION SWITCH MAY BE FAULTY.
Exterior lighting, Feb 19, 2017
IN THE PAST YEAR, THE HEADLIGHTS (NOT DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS) HAVE GONE OUT INTERMITTENTLY ON TWO OR THREE OCCASIONS, ONE WHILE DRIVING AND THE OTHERS WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. SO FAR IT'S JUST BEEN ONE AT A TIME, BUT IT MADE IT REASONABLY HARDER TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. IF BOTH GO OUT TOGETHER, THIS COULD BE BAD! THE VW DEALER FOUND A BURNT OUT BULB BUT CANNOT DETERMINE ANY OTHER REASON AFTER TROUBLESHOOTING. THEY SAID THE BULB FILAMENTS ARE VERY CLOSE AND GOING OVER A BUMP COULD SHORT IT. THAT'S BAD DESIGN WITH SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. ALSO, MANY OTHER JETTA OWNERS COMPLAIN ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Feb 14, 2017
THERE IS EXCESSIVE CONDENSATION IN MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT. THIS ISSUE LOWERS THE HEADLIGHT VISIBILITY THE DEALER SAID THIS IS NORMAL AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED AFTER 30 MINUTES OF THE LIGHTS BEING ON. THE ISSUE STILL OCCURS AND IS CONSISTENT. THE ISSUE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2017
WHEN I TRY TO TURN OFF MY CAR THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS. AS MANY PEOPLE THAT ICE SEEN WITH THIS ISSUE THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR BUY BAKING THE VEHICLES.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 15, 2017
I BOUGHT A NEW 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5L SE. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR AS A THIRD VEHICLE FOR MY TWO TEENAGE CHILDREN TO USE. MY SON WAS HOME FROM COLLEGE AND USED IT TO COMMUTE TO A DAILY INTERNSHIP DURING THE SUMMER OF 2016 WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS IT LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE HE WAS TRAVELING 60 MILES PER HOUR. THAT FALL I TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO DO HER DRIVERS TEST IN THE JETTA. IT LOST POWER TWICE EN-ROUTE TO THE FACILITY AND LOST POWER AN ADDITIONAL THREE TIMES WHILE I DROVE IT HOME. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER A FEW DAYS LATER AND IT LOST POWER SEVERAL TIMES ON THE WAY. I COMPLAINED TO DICK DEAN (THE DEALER WE BOUGHT IT FROM) AND TO VOLKSWAGEN ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I TOLD THEM THAT THIS SITUATION THREATENED THE SAFETY OF MY TWO CHILDREN. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THEY COULDN'T GET THE CAR TO MIMIC THE COMPLAINT. DICK DEAN AND VOLKSWAGEN OFFERED ME A FEW THOUSANDS DOLLARS OFF ON A NEW JETTA. I TOOK THE OFFER BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY FACTOR OF MY CHILDREN. I THINK IT IS THE HEIGHT OF IRRESPONSIBILITY OF BOTH ORGANIZATIONS FOR NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT GIVEN THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THIS COMPLAINT. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE I FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 3013 JETTA. I AM SHOCKED THAT THIS COMPANY IS ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR, FORCING A CUSTOMER TO PAY FOR A NEW CAR WHEN THERE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE INVOLVED. THIS CAR HAD AROUND 20,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME AND WAS STILL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY!
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2017
HORN WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT IS UNAVAILABLE WHILE DRIVING. HORN WORKS 1 DAY (VIA STEERING WHEEL AND ALARM/LOCK ACTIVATION), BUT DOES NOT THE NEXT DAY. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING ON MY VEHICLE FOR 2-3 MONTHS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2016
WHILE DRIVING UP HILL ON A CITY STREET TRAVELING AT 40 MILES PER HOUR THE ENGINE LOST POWER. FORTUNATELY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AT THE TIME AND I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER AND LATER WOULD NOT RESTART.. IF THIS WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN DISABLED IN TRAFFIC LANES CREATING A HAZARD FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS. VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AT THE TIME THE ENGINE LOST POWER. I LATER FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM WAS A 'CATASTROPHIC' HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR WHICH VOLKSWAGEN HAS BLAMED ON INCORRECT OR POOR FUEL. THIS WAS NOT THE CAUSE THE PUMP FAILURE IN MY VEHICLE AND POINTS TO PROBLEMS WITH THE PART ITSELF. I LEARNED THAT VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS, BUT ONLY UP TO THE 2012 MODEL YEAR. (MY VEHICLE IS A 2013 MODEL.) MY VEHICLE HAD 70,657 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME THE PROBLEM OCCURRED.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 6, 2016
IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF RESULTING IN HAVING TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. FEATURES BUILT IN TO THE CAR DID NOT PERMIT ME TO LOCK THE CAR WHILE THE KEY WAS IN IGNITION. THE CAR HAD TO BE LEFT RUNNING WITH NO WAY TO LOCK THE CAR TO PREVENT THEFT OR CHILDREN FROM ACCESSING THE CAR. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2016
CAN NOT REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.
Power train, Engine, Dec 1, 2016
MY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED AND BENT 14 VALVES. ALL 4 CYLINDERS HAD ZERO COMPRESSION. VOLKSWAGEN REPRESENTS IN THE WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES THAT THE TENSIONING SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT 120,000 MILES WITHOUT THE NEED FOR REPAIRS. IN FACT, ACCORDING TO THE PLAINTIFF, OWNERS ARE PROVIDED MANUALS THAT DO NOT SHOW ANY TIMING CHAIN SYSTEM INSPECTION OR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES AT ALL.
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2016
A FAILED TENSIONER CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO SNAP AND BEND THE VALVES.
Fuel system, Diesel, Nov 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,094.
Fuel system, Diesel, Nov 2, 2016
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP BROKE LEAVING METAL SHAVING IN MY FUEL TANK. I HAD THIS REPLACED AT 38K MILES AND NOW IT IS BROKE AGAIN AT 78K. VW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR 2006-2012 VEHICLES FOR 10 YRS OR 120K MILES. BUT SINCE MY VEHICLE IS A 2013 THEY WILL NOT COVERED IT. I BELIEVE THEY ARE STILL USING THE SAME FAULTY FUEL PUMP FOR THE 2013. *TR
Power train, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Oct 30, 2016
CAR JOLTS ON FREEWAY. DRIVER SIDE MIRROR PROTECTOR FELL OFF. AS A RESULT OF TRYING TO GRAB FALLEN OFF PIECE OVER EXTENDED ARM INJURY. DUE TO EXTENDING ARM OUT WINDOW
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Oct 30, 2016
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH HIGH WIND, THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR PLASTIC PROTECTOR FELL OFF. THE AC UNIT NEEDED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT COSTING 1600 AND NOW THE IDEAL WHILE TURNING ON CAR IS VERY HIGH. SOUND ALMOST LIKE IT DID WHEN I HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR THE ELECTRICAL RECALL IN THE LAST YEARS. DOORS ARE SQUEAK WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING. AND WHILE DRIVING A NOISE THAT SOUND LIKE CHAINS RATTLES THROUGH OUT THE CAR WHICH IS A VERY IRRITATING SOUND. *TR
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2016
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF ENGINE WHEN I PARK
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2016
THE HORN STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO WARN ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS COMING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY TOWARDS MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS A FAULTY HORN BUT I WAS CHARGED TO HAVE IT REPLACED SINCE IT MUST BE WORKING TO PASS INSPECTION. WITHOUT A HORN THERE IS NO WARNING FOR OTHER MOTORISTS OR PEDESTRIANS. OTHER JETTA OWNERS ARE ALSO HAVING THIS ISSUE AS I NOTICED ONLINE.
Power train, Sep 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD REVERSE WHILE IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2016
LEFT MY HOUSE TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. GROCERY STORE IS ABOUT 3 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. WAS THEREFORE MAYBE 15 MINUTES, THEN WENT ACROSS THE STREET TO BUY LUNCH. PARKED CAR OUTSIDE RESTAURANT, AND WAS TAKING MY FOOD TO GO. GOT BACK TO MY CAR ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER TO HEAD BACK HOME. ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING RESTAURANT I WAS CROSSING BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN MY GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON, WITHIN IN MINUTE MY CAR HAD COMPLETELY STALLED OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK ON. CAR WAS TOWED TO VW DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD MY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM HAD EXPLODED AND EVERYTHING HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE I WAS GIVEN IS FOR $6,374.48.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH, BUT IT FAILED TO FUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE WINDOW REMAINED IN THE DOWNWARD POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDOW SWITCH PREVIOUSLY FAILED TO DEPRESS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Engine, Sep 20, 2016
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. LOST POWER. WENT FROM 70 TO 25 MPH ALMOST INSTANTLY. LIMPED ALONG BERM TO EXIT 2.5 MILES. SHUT OFF ENGINE. RESTARTED ENGINE. LOUD CLATTERING SOUND. SHUT OFF ENGINE AS SMOKE ROLLED FROM UNDER HOOD. TURBO FAILURE. NO WARNING LIGHTS LEADING UP TO EVENT. DEALER HAS PHOTOS.