How many electrical complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle have?

NHTSA lists 19 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Beetle, which is 20% of all 93 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?

Yes. Campaign 19V615000, reported in 2019, covers the Electrical System on 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible models, along with several other Volkswagen models. Dealers install an additional switch and circuit board free of charge.

At what mileage do electrical problems usually appear on the 2013 Beetle?

The median mileage at failure among reported electrical complaints is 56,000 miles.

Do the electrical problems cause crashes or fires?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 Beetle shows 0 crashes and 0 fires and 0 injuries reported.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 20% of all 93 complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 56,000. A related recall, campaign 19V615000, covers electrical wiring on 2012-2019 Beetle models.

Electrical System complaints: 19; 20% of 93
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 56,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Engine stalls and loses all power while driving, sometimes shutting off electrical functions like brakes, airbags, lights, and dashboard along with it.
Ignition key sometimes will not turn to start or stop the car, occurring more often in warm weather.
Convertible top motor intermittently stalls mid-operation when the button is pressed, requiring repeated attempts to finish opening or closing.
Radio locks out and repeatedly asks for a code instead of powering on normally.
Headlight dims or shuts off intermittently even after replacement, making the vehicle harder to see at night.
Trunk latch intermittently fails to release, trapping items inside since the keyless electronic lock does not respond.

When 2013 Volkswagen Beetle electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 30, 2013, latest Jun 26, 2025.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2013 to Jun 2025; peak Mar 2016 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle

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.

Electrical System complaints by Beetle model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200551 (20%)
200621 (17%)
20079 (16%)
200828 (47%)
20099 (27%)
20107 (23%)
201213 (20%)
201319 (20%)
201415 (30%)
201517 (20%)
20166 (13%)
20172 (13%)
20186 (35%)
20195 (36%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle have?: NHTSA lists 19 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Beetle, which is 20% of all 93 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?: Yes. Campaign 19V615000, reported in 2019, covers the Electrical System on 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible models, along with several other Volkswagen models. Dealers install an additional switch and circuit board free of charge.
At what mileage do electrical problems usually appear on the 2013 Beetle?: The median mileage at failure among reported electrical complaints is 56,000 miles.
Do the electrical problems cause crashes or fires?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2013 Beetle shows 0 crashes and 0 fires and 0 injuries reported.