How common are steering problems in the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA lists 37 steering complaints for the 2013 Jetta, which is 7% of the 516 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta steering issue?

No. NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to the steering complaints reported for the 2013 Jetta.

At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2013 Jetta?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2013 Jetta is 55,950 miles.

Did the 2013 Jetta steering problems cause any crashes?

NHTSA data shows one crash associated with steering complaints for the 2013 Jetta, with no reported fires or injuries.

How does the 2013 Jetta compare to other years for steering complaints?

The 2013 Jetta's 37 steering complaints (7% share) are close to the 2012 model's 41 complaints (8% share), the highest counts among the years listed.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Steering Problems

Steering complaints make up 37 of 516 total complaints (7%) for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, with a median failure mileage of 55,950 miles. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this steering issue, and one crash has been linked to it.

Steering complaints: 37; 7% of 516
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 55,950 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the ignition key becoming difficult to turn or getting stuck in the "on" position, preventing the car from being shut off.
Some describe the steering wheel locking up and refusing to unlock even after repeated attempts to turn the key or rock the wheel.
One owner reported the steering rack and pinion breaking apart while turning, causing a complete loss of steering control and a crash.
Another owner found a small internal steering column part had fallen loose onto the floor, affecting the column lock function.
A recurring complaint involves the steering wheel becoming stiff and leaking oil, with the wheel assembly replaced multiple times on the same vehicle.

When 2013 Volkswagen Jetta steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 17, 2014, latest Feb 27, 2026.

37 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2014 to Feb 2026; peak Oct 2019 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Jetta model year

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

20052 (1%)
200610 (2%)
20074 (2%)
20083 (2%)
200924 (3%)
201013 (2%)
201123 (4%)
201241 (8%)
201337 (7%)
201417 (4%)
201515 (8%)
201611 (7%)
201714 (9%)
20180 (0%)
201912 (2%)
20203 (6%)
20213 (4%)
20227 (16%)
20231 (2%)
20242 (5%)
20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems in the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?: NHTSA lists 37 steering complaints for the 2013 Jetta, which is 7% of the 516 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta steering issue?: No. NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to the steering complaints reported for the 2013 Jetta.
At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2013 Jetta?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2013 Jetta is 55,950 miles.
Did the 2013 Jetta steering problems cause any crashes?: NHTSA data shows one crash associated with steering complaints for the 2013 Jetta, with no reported fires or injuries.
How does the 2013 Jetta compare to other years for steering complaints?: The 2013 Jetta's 37 steering complaints (7% share) are close to the 2012 model's 41 complaints (8% share), the highest counts among the years listed.