How common are engine problems in the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?

NHTSA lists 116 engine complaints for this model year, making up 16% of all 748 complaints filed for the 2013 Passat.

At what mileage do 2013 Passat engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 40,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Passat engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.

What specific engine failures do owners describe?

Owners describe turbocharger failures with grinding or whining noises, sudden power loss at highway speed, glow plug light warnings, and one report of smoke inside the vehicle.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to engine complaints?

Across all complaint categories for the 2013 Passat, NHTSA records 5 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries, though not all are tied specifically to the engine component.

2013 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 116 engine complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 16% of all complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure was 40,000 miles. No related recalls are on file for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 116; 16% of 748
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power at highway speed accompanied by a loud cracking, whining, or grinding sound from the turbocharger.
Several complaints describe the turbocharger failing outright and being replaced, with damage found on the impeller and turbo housing.
Some drivers noticed a blinking glow plug light with the check engine light on, followed by a strange humming noise under the hood before the car needed towing.
One owner reported smelling smoke inside the vehicle while driving, though the dealer could not diagnose or repair the issue.
A separate complaint describes the accelerator pedal moving without manual input while the EPC light illuminated, requiring pedal replacement.

When 2013 Volkswagen Passat engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 13, 2013, latest Oct 2, 2025.

116 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q1 to 2025 Q4; peak 2014 Q2 (13).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Passat model year

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

201042 (26%)
20116 (38%)
201254 (11%)
2013116 (16%)
201492 (15%)
201562 (26%)
201629 (27%)
201710 (9%)
201813 (29%)
20192 (17%)
20205 (28%)
20212 (11%)
20223 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?: NHTSA lists 116 engine complaints for this model year, making up 16% of all 748 complaints filed for the 2013 Passat.
At what mileage do 2013 Passat engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 40,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Passat engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.
What specific engine failures do owners describe?: Owners describe turbocharger failures with grinding or whining noises, sudden power loss at highway speed, glow plug light warnings, and one report of smoke inside the vehicle.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to engine complaints?: Across all complaint categories for the 2013 Passat, NHTSA records 5 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries, though not all are tied specifically to the engine component.