2013 Volkswagen Beetle Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
85/100
#3 most-complained of 14 Beetle years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has 93 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 85 out of 100 — #3 highest of 14 Beetle model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is airbags (34 complaints, 37% of the total). Complaints report 4 crashes and 2 injuries.
- Complaints
- 93
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30 hwy
Top 2013 Volkswagen Beetle problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle ranks #3 of 14 among Beetle model years (Complaint Index 85/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 93 complaints and 6 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The most reported problem areas are airbags (34 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints), and engine (12 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 45,500 miles.
- Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, most recently reported 2020, covering airbags, other, electrical system, and visibility & wipers.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?
- EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,150. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.