How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA lists 160 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Jetta, which is 31% of all 516 complaints filed for the model year, the highest share among 2013 Jetta problem areas.

Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2013 Jetta?

Yes. Campaign 19V615000 covers the Electrical System on 2011-2018 Jetta models, along with several other Volkswagen models. Dealers install an additional switch and circuit board under this recall.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 55,000 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Jetta.

Did the electrical problems lead to any crashes or fires?

NHTSA associates 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries with Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Jetta.

How does 2013 compare to other Jetta years for electrical complaints?

The 2013 Jetta's 31% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is close to 2011's 34% and higher than most later years, such as 2017's 23% and 2018's 10%.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical System Problems

Electrical System complaints account for 160 of 516 total complaints (31%) filed on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, the highest share of any problem area. NHTSA also logged 5 crashes and 1 fire tied to this system, with a median failure mileage of 55,000. A related recall (19V615000) covers wiring for 2011-2018 Jetta models.

Electrical System complaints: 160; 31% of 516
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 55,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Low-beam headlights suddenly shut off while driving at night, sometimes preceded by a blinking dash light.
The horn fails to sound, including cases where the driver could not warn another vehicle before a crash.
The engine or ignition system causes the car to stall or shut off unexpectedly at idle, low speed, or highway speed.
Doors lock and unlock or windows roll down on their own without driver input.
In one case the vehicle would not power off after being driven, requiring a dealer to shut it down.
A fire started while driving at low speed, later traced by the dealer to the exterior headlights.

When 2013 Volkswagen Jetta electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 25, 2013, latest Feb 27, 2026.

160 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q3 to 2026 Q1; peak 2017 Q3 (12).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta

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 Jetta model year

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

200557 (23%)
2006138 (24%)
200749 (24%)
200845 (24%)
2009115 (13%)
2010237 (28%)
2011205 (34%)
2012144 (29%)
2013160 (31%)
2014109 (28%)
201553 (27%)
201638 (24%)
201736 (23%)
20183 (10%)
2019162 (30%)
202017 (33%)
202113 (19%)
202210 (23%)
20239 (21%)
20246 (14%)
20254 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?: NHTSA lists 160 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Jetta, which is 31% of all 516 complaints filed for the model year, the highest share among 2013 Jetta problem areas.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2013 Jetta?: Yes. Campaign 19V615000 covers the Electrical System on 2011-2018 Jetta models, along with several other Volkswagen models. Dealers install an additional switch and circuit board under this recall.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 55,000 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Jetta.
Did the electrical problems lead to any crashes or fires?: NHTSA associates 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries with Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Jetta.
How does 2013 compare to other Jetta years for electrical complaints?: The 2013 Jetta's 31% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is close to 2011's 34% and higher than most later years, such as 2017's 23% and 2018's 10%.