2013 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#6 most-complained of 21 Jetta years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has 516 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 75 out of 100 — #6 highest of 21 Jetta model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (160 complaints, 31% of the total). Complaints report 12 crashes, 3 fires, and 10 injuries.
- Complaints
- 516
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 12 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 24 city / 33 hwy
Top 2013 Volkswagen Jetta problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta ranks #6 of 21 among Jetta model years (Complaint Index 75/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 516 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (160 complaints), transmission & powertrain (140 complaints), and engine (129 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 56,000 miles.
- Does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, most recently reported 2019, covering other, electrical system, airbags, and suspension, wheels & tires.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?
- EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta at 26.5 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,775. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.