2013 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has a Complaint Index of 75 and ranks 6th worst out of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Electrical System problems lead with 160 complaints (31% share), followed by Transmission & Powertrain (140) and Engine (129) issues, with 4 recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 516
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 12
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 24 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2013 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System160 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain140 (27%)
- Engine129 (25%)
- Other99 (19%)
- Fuel System43 (8%)
- Steering37 (7%)
- Airbags31 (6%)
- Brakes29 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires23 (4%)
- Structure & Body19 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle unexpectedly turning off at idle or low speed in traffic, creating rear-end collision risk.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple low-speed crashes, including one where only side-curtain airbags fired and then deflated.
- Some owners describe the horn failing to sound while parked, preventing a warning before a crash occurred.
- Steering wheel reportedly became hard to turn and leaked oil, with owners describing repeated part replacements tied to a rear axle recall.
- One owner described the vehicle spontaneously catching fire at low speed, later traced to the exterior headlights.
- Brake pedals reportedly stuck to the floorboard during low-speed stops, leading to a rear-end crash.
2013 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 15V483000Aug 4, 2015Airbags415,825 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
2013 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,775
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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 Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Jetta ranks 6th worst among 21 model years with a Complaint Index of 75, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Jetta years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?
- Electrical System issues make up 31% of complaints (160), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 27% (140) and Engine problems at 25% (129), according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Jetta, covering airbags, suspension components, electrical wiring, and a broader campaign involving vehicle repurchase.
- At what mileage do 2013 Jetta problems tend to show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 56,000 miles overall, with Electrical System complaints centering around 55,000 miles and Engine complaints around 52,500 miles.
- How does the 2013 Jetta compare to other years?
- The 2013 Jetta's Complaint Index of 75 is lower than 2009 (100) and 2010 (95) but higher than later years like 2014 (70) and 2018 (0), which earned a Best verdict.