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.
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.
Power train, Apr 29, 2023
When coming to a stop, a wrench appeared where the gear indicator was, and a service hybrid system message appeared. When attempting to accelerate after stopping, the vehicle did not move. After turning the car off and back on it was able to move again. This has occured on multiple occasions.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2023
Driving on the interstate, my spouse stated that the car just lost power. Fortunately, he was able to pull off. But once he tried to start the car, it wouldn't do anything. The car was towed to my home. We took the car to the local VW dealer to have the recall completed. Since the car had to be towed there, we were told that we would have to pay $500 for a diagnostic before anything can be completed. I took the car to a local repairman and he stated that the fuel pump was bad. We replaced it and the battery. The car now will not start at all. We are getting an error of "hybrid system failure", "air bag failure", epc light is on and transmission warning. The car tries to start but will not.
Service brakes, Feb 27, 2023
I was driving on a rainy day on the freeway where my breaks went out on me. I pressed down all of the way and the car wouldn’t stop. After I let go of the break I then pressed on the break again and they seemed to have locked on me. I ended up using my emergency breaks and was able to get off the freeway and luckily no one was hurt. Soon after they started working again and I was able to get it safely to a near by shop.
Power train, Feb 9, 2023
The car would turn on for 2 seconds and turn off for 2 second in a continuous cycle when stationary. The car is available for inspection upon request. Yes the problem has been confirmed by Heritage Volkswagen and they updated the software recall...but the damage is already beyond repair. $10,000 to repair. There were not any warning lamps, messages, just the above symptoms. This started about 5 days ago. Took it to a local auto shop and they said there was an EV when the performed the diagnostics. Would have to take it to the dealership to get it fixed. That day I made an appointment with the dealership for the following morning at 7:30 a.m.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2023
The door locks will try to auto-lock once the vehicle has passed a set speed but fail, making an audible double-lock sound. The car will continue to try and auto-lock after each stop (stop sign, stop light, etc) and continue to fail. Happens intermittently.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 30, 2023
Component Failure: Airbag Light is On, No steering wheel electronic controls work including cruise control. Safety: I'm uncertain if the Airbag will deploy in the event of a crash. Dealer Confirmed: Dealer states the Steering Wheel Clock Spring requires replacement, but that it is not a part of the VW recall issued August 2015. Inspected: Hiley VW Dealership inspected the vehicle Warning Lamps: Airbag Light is currently on. Uncertain when it started since I'm the 2nd owner of the vehicle.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 11, 2022
Vehicle would not shift, OBD2 code P037B "stuck in gear 6." Vehicle towed to a auto mechanic that said they spoke with VW dealer and confirmed it was a crack in the transmission and was undriveable. I have contacted VW who have said there are recalls for many transmissions of this Jetta but not for my VIN. I have also had issues with the clock spring (replaced) and an air bag sensor (malfunction light still on) and now the transmission. There are recalls for Hybrid Jettas of this year but apparently not for my VIN. It seems like a large coincidence and feels like it should be investigated, especially considering the other issues VW was investigated for at this time of production.
Power train, Nov 5, 2022
Transmision slips into neutral, stopping car in traffic, other jetta hybrids fall under recall for same reason, it also leaks fluid from Transmission
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to restart soon after failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle had been towed and driven to various independent mechanics and dealers and none had been unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Sep 22, 2022
The car automatically locked its brakes without me even touching the brakes while I was going 60mph and almost lost control. My safety was put at risk because the car locked its brakes without me pushing the breaks, they would not disengage and was stuck in the middle of the road with the brakes not releasing and almost caused an accident. I has happened multiple times but not confirmed by dealer or independent mechanic.The vehicle has been inspected by VW dealer. No warning lights came on the dash.
Power train, Aug 27, 2022
This is a hybrid car and the power train at low rpm’s should transfer the fuel source from gas to battery. This function should occur in a stop position as well. The car now shifts in and out of battery power source and hesitates severely from a stop position. It sounds very much like the recall of over 25% of these vehicles for the mechtronic issues. My car was not included in the recall but I believe this is the same or similar dangerous issue. I have communicate that with VWoA with no results.
Suspension, Aug 9, 2022
Left front coil spring broke. Made popping sound while turning. Coil spring has two pink and two white dots.
Power train, Air bags, Service brakes, Jun 29, 2022
Transmission shifts hard and told to this is a common problem with the Jetta hybrids.
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
The mechatronic unit in the transmission failed without warning and caused the vehicle to not move while while in traffic. This issue plagues almost every Jetta Hybrid and VW of America will not correct this serious safety issue. This transmission has an extremely high failure rate and needs to be recalled across the board. VW has issued a recall for this issue but is not including all Jetta Hybrids that are experiencing this exact issue. An investigation needs to happen!
Air bags, Jun 8, 2022
Airbag malfunction indicator lamp has illuminated, horn is not funtional. Returned to Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis, prognosis being faulty "clock spring." Was previously indicated as repaired under recall exhibiting same symptoms some years previously but, problem has resurfaced and is persisting.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 7, 2022
NHTSA recall no: 19V-866 Manufacturer Recall no: 34J6 Volkswagen is refusing to replace my mechatronic unit.
Service brakes, May 23, 2022
On more than one occasion the front left brake seized up. The last time was when I was on a toll road and felt warbling in the tires so I got off on an exit and when I reached the red light the left front brake seized up and the car wouldn't budge. Once the car rested and the brake cooled off I was able to drive it to a safe place and had it towed to the VW dealership who because they couldn't get it to duplicate the issue couldn't tell me what was wrong. It does not happen consistently and I fear to think that if I was doing 55 MPH the car would have caused a horrible accident. In the past when it happened the car would not accelerate over 40 MPH and I could feel the brakes were applying pressure.
Visibility, May 18, 2022
I had just gotten in my car with my wife to go to the grocery store. There was a small mosquito flying around the windshield on the driver's side. I extended my right arm, flicked my wrist, smashing the mosquito with the backs of my fingers. In squashing the mosquito with VERY little force I cracked my windshield significantly. The windshield in question was installed by Safelite in Martinez GA in 2019 after the previous windshield was cracked by a rock thrown from the road. My concern is Safelite is installing sub-par windshields and if this windshield had been hit by a rock thrown by a vehicle it would've killed me. I have tried to bring this issue to Safelite's attention but they dismissed what I told them and said anyone could say that to have their windshield fixed for free. In my opinion this is obviously a case of defective materials and should be covered by their lifetime warranty.
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.
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.
Air bags, Apr 8, 2022
My car's clock spring has failed causing the driver side / steering wheel airbag connection to fail in my car. I see that many other VW's including many VW Jettas in the same year of manufacture had a recall for this exact issue but searching by my VIN does not show a recall. I am informed that I am currently about the 1600th (yes, 1600) person waiting for this part on back-order from VW. If needed, I will be happy to provide the information of the auto repair facility that has diagnosed the problem. I think this is quite a lot of circumstantial evidence of a likely product defect that should warrant investigation particularly because failure of this part disables the air bag safety system. This is even more troublesome considering the unknown delivery date of the part due to the backorder.
Power train, Apr 6, 2022
Vehicles transmission is falling in the same manner as described by the current recall. VW claims the VIN is not covered. The car is experiencing the same issue. Many owners cannot get this fixed because VW claims the VIN is not covered.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would vibrate and jerk. The contact also mentioned that the braking system failed to function as designed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mechatronic unit and the dual clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.