2013 Volkswagen Beetle Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has a complaint index of 85, ranking 3rd-worst of 14 model years, with 93 complaints and 6 recalls led by airbag problems (37% of complaints, median mileage 47,700). It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Beetle years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 85/100
- #3 of 14 Beetle years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 93
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2013 Volkswagen Beetle problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags34 (37%)
- Electrical System19 (20%)
- Other14 (15%)
- Engine12 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (9%)
- Fuel System7 (8%)
- Brakes6 (6%)
- Steering6 (6%)
- Structure & Body6 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front airbags reportedly deployed on their own without a collision, causing damage and injury.
- Some owners report crash-triggered airbag failures where the airbags did not deploy despite a warning light showing prior deployment.
- Owners describe brake pedal vibration during moderate-speed braking that was followed by loss of control.
- Some drivers report the brake pedal sitting too close to the gas pedal, causing shoe interference between the two pedals.
- Owners report the low- or high-pressure fuel pump failing, causing sudden loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate past 45 mph.
- Some owners describe repeated stalling or power loss while driving with no fault found by the dealer.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V785000Dec 16, 2020Airbags105,652 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
- NHTSA 19V679000Sep 25, 2019Other113 vehicles
Unknown or other
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.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical System679,027 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
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."
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,150
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Beetle years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
- Compared with other Beetle model years, the 2013 ranks 3rd-worst of 14 years tracked, with a complaint index of 85 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 VW Beetle?
- Airbags are the top complaint area, making up 37% of all complaints (34 of 93), with a median failure mileage of 47,700 and 2 related crashes.
- Does the 2013 VW Beetle have an airbag recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 20V785000 covers driver airbag inflators that may explode from propellant degradation, and recall 12V540000 covers a passenger airbag control module issue if the seat gets wet.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Beetle, covering airbags, electrical systems, sunroofs, and suspension components, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Beetle years are better than the 2013?
- Years like 2010, 2017, and 2019 earn a Best verdict with much lower complaint indexes (23, 0, and 8 respectively), making them lower-risk choices than the 2013.