2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
125
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
110
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has received a total of 125 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE. 110 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (31 complaints), Electrical System (18 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (12 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, potentially affecting up to 1,915,456 vehicles.
Recall 20V785000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 105,652 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.
View full details →Recall 20E064000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
| 38 vehicles affected
Defect: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Consequence: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall...
View full details →Recall 19V615000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
| 679,027 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 19V615000 — STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
| 679,027 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 19V679000 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
| 113 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V656000 — SUSPENSION:REAR
| 442,066 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a...
Consequence: The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began...
View full details →Recall 14V658000 — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
| 7,062 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.
Consequence: Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.
View full details →Recall 12V540000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 2,471 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
Consequence: If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
125 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 31 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagsfrontal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemwiring | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Diesel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodydoor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodytrunk Lid | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
There was a Recall on my Airbag that was replaced by the VW dealership in Corpus Christi but afterwards I keep getting an error and indicator for the Airbag. I've contacted the dealership multiple times and all they say is it's not covered even if the airbag they replaced is defective.. I originally submitted an issue concerning this on 11-14-2023 and this is the claim number of XXX... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I live on Hawaiʻi Island and my 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (VIN [XXX] ) has an open federal airbag safety recall. Volkswagen informed me there is no authorized VW dealer or recall facility on Hawaiʻi Island, and that I must ship my vehicle to Oʻahu at my own expense to complete this federally required safety repair. VW has only offered to reimburse 25% of the inter-island shipping cost, leaving me responsible for the majority of the expense. Because VW does not maintain an authorized recall facility within reasonable driving access, this places an unreasonable burden on me as the owner and effectively restricts my ability to obtain the free remedy required under federal law. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance to verify whether Volkswagen is meeting its obligation under 49 U.S.C. §30120 to provide reasonable access to a free safety recall remedy for owners who do not have a local authorized facility. I am willing to provide documentation of VW’s response and the shipping quotes required to complete the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part had been on back order for 3 months. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that the air bag needed for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called two other dealers, Volkswagen Jackson Service (5320 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd), and Harper Volkswagen Parts & Service (9901 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922), who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000(Air Bags). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Safety Rating for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 110 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
VW_Multiple Closure — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple Update closures: 20AH Atlas Quality Package 1, 24AE 1.8T ECM/TCM SW, 24BG Jetta Hybrid ECM SW, 24BM 2.0L Jetta MPI SW Update, 24X7 Jetta ECM SW, 24X8 CC ECM/TCM SW, 24Y4 MPI Jetta SW, 24Z5 Jetta Hybrid System SW, 27G2 Battery, 37H3 DSG SW, 37J2 TCM SW, 69V7 Atlas...
SM 80-2022 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed only order the successor parts going forward.
VIN4APIN20220112 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P053F in the ECM Customer states MIL-on with any combination of P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1D74 and/or P1D75 in the ECM Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states Electrical System not Working Correctly Message with P0CFF and/or P2B28 in HV...
VIN4APIN20220103 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P053F in the ECM Customer states MIL-on with any combination of P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1D74 and/or P1D75 in the ECM Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states Electrical System not Working Correctly Message with P0CFF and/or P2B28 in HV...
VIN4APIN20211213 — AIR BAGS
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P053F in the ECM Customer states MIL-on with any combination of P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1D74 and/or P1D75 in the ECM Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states Electrical System not Working Correctly Message with P0CFF and/or P2B28 in HV...
V871810_2043704 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Update to mode; and model year applicability.
V911701_2035473 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Infotainment worksheet.
V001808-2053065 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Additional Safety Inquiry and Reporting instruction.
Action24DR — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Emissions service action 24DR/ECM Software.
TT 011701 — EQUIPMENT
Updated to address additional model years. Tip to reinforce dealer scan tool update importance in regards to 23Q3/24CV/23U3 campaign
Showing 10 of 110 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
- 2008 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 109 complaints
- 2009 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 39 complaints
- 2010 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 42 complaints
- 2011 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 0 complaints
- 2012 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 88 complaints
- 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (current)
- 2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 71 complaints
- 2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 108 complaints
- 2016 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 60 complaints
- 2017 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 16 complaints
- 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 21 complaints
Other VOLKSWAGEN Models
- VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — 13,715 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 10,288 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN — 3,104 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS — 2,635 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 1,991 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GTI — 1,916 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 — 1,568 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN CC — 1,356 total complaints