2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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4/5

★★★★

Safety Rating

734

Owner Complaints

22 Crashes 4 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

127

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

The 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has received a total of 734 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE, STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE. 127 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (142 complaints), Power Train (139 complaints), and Engine (112 complaints).

Recalls for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, potentially affecting up to 2,216,146 vehicles.

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...

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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.

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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.

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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...

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Recall 15V483000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 415,825 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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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...

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Recall 14E007000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

| 50 vehicles affected

Defect: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold...

Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

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Owner Complaints for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

734 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 142 3 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 139 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 112 2 Crashes
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 98 1 Crash 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 36 1 Crash
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 33
Air Bags
Complaints: 29 5 Crashes 5 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 22 3 Crashes
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 17 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 16 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 11 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 11
Tires
Complaints: 8
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 8
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Diesel
Complaints: 7
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Clockspringspiral Cassette
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systembody Control Modulebcm
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemmotorcycle Starter Interlock System Clutchneutralsidestand
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherfuel Filter
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11715859 | TIRES:TREAD/BELT | | N/A miles
Tire size 205/50R17 Tire belt broke without warning and caused a large bubble in the side of my tire. Tire was out of balance and the cars stability was immediately reduced while on the highway. Had to be replaced with only 8,000 miles on it.
#11703821 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
I am submitting this complaint regarding Safety Recall 34J6, which is listed as INCOMPLETE for my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen of Murfreesboro, Tennessee to have this recall performed. The dealership refused to complete the repair, claiming it was “too old” — a statement that is factually and legally incorrect. Federal law and NHTSA regulations require manufacturers and their dealerships to repair open safety recalls at no cost, with no expiration. The dealership’s refusal is a direct violation of these requirements and represents a serious safety risk to me and potentially to other drivers. I have already contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE, but the dealership has refused to perform the recall despite clear evidence that it remains open. Their inaction demonstrates noncompliance with federal safety regulations and unlawful denial of a mandated repair. I request that NHTSA investigate Volkswagen of Murfreesboro for refusal to perform a federally required recall, ensure that my vehicle receives the required repair immediately, and take appropriate enforcement action to prevent further violations. This behavior is unacceptable and poses a significant public safety risk.
#11703821 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
I am submitting this complaint regarding Safety Recall 34J6, which is listed as INCOMPLETE for my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen of Murfreesboro, Tennessee to have this recall performed. The dealership refused to complete the repair, claiming it was “too old” — a statement that is factually and legally incorrect. Federal law and NHTSA regulations require manufacturers and their dealerships to repair open safety recalls at no cost, with no expiration. The dealership’s refusal is a direct violation of these requirements and represents a serious safety risk to me and potentially to other drivers. I have already contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE, but the dealership has refused to perform the recall despite clear evidence that it remains open. Their inaction demonstrates noncompliance with federal safety regulations and unlawful denial of a mandated repair. I request that NHTSA investigate Volkswagen of Murfreesboro for refusal to perform a federally required recall, ensure that my vehicle receives the required repair immediately, and take appropriate enforcement action to prevent further violations. This behavior is unacceptable and poses a significant public safety risk.
#11702517 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
While driving the vehicle at about 20mph about a week ago, the check hybrid light began flashing. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The vehicle has been diagnosed at a Volkswagen dealership service center as leaking hydraulic fluid from the transmission mechatronics control unit and needing a new transmission and hydraulic pump. This vehicle is not included on the Safety Recall Code: 34J6.
#11691807 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
I discovered that my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has a completely nonfunctional airbag system. On 8/23/23- airbag warning light illuminated and has remained on. In 08/2025- Midas staff informed me the light may indicate an airbag defect and referred me to Volkswagen. On 09/24/2025- Volkswagen dealer inspection documented both front crash sensors were unplugged/damaged, leaving the airbag system inoperable. Safety concern: I unknowingly drove this car for over two years with no functional airbags. This created a severe risk of injury or death in the event of a motor vehicle accident. This car was sold by Carvana as having passed a 150-point inspection and under warranty coverage. However, Carvana later stated that they have a disclaimer that shifts the responsibility of the car being safe to drive onto the consumer, and that they never claimed the car had a functioning air bag system.

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Safety Rating for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

The 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★ (4/5)
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 JETTA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 127 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

VIN4APIN20211013 — SUSPENSION

Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P0149 P053F in the ECM Customer states noise from front suspension Customer states noise during clutch pedal operation Customer concern of vehicle door hard to close/out of adjustment Customer states airbag light on Customer states no crank/no start. Vehicle is towed in. Customer states there...

VIN4APIN20210930 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P0149 P053F in the ECM Customer states noise from front suspension Customer states noise during clutch pedal operation Customer concern of vehicle door hard to close/out of adjustment Customer states no crank/no start. Vehicle is towed in. Customer states there is a popping/clicking noise while...

TT 01 19 06-2 — EQUIPMENT

N80 vacuum test diagnostics.

Dealer 21H3 — EQUIPMENT

Due to a parts catalog error, incorrect emissions related component(s) may have been installed on some vehicles during a past service repair visit. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the component(s) as a proactive measure to ensure continued emissions compliance.

1314JttaSrvXprs — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Added: Torque Spec table

VOS-19-17 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

This document outlines updates to the diagnostic software (ODIS).

Circular24DR3119 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Control Module (ECM) Software_REVISED

Circular24DR3119 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Engine Control Module (ECM) Software_REVISED

24DR-20190228 — ENGINE

SERV_ACT - Engine Control Module (ECM) Software_REVISED

V941901-2011521 — EQUIPMENT

Condensation and/or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.

Showing 10 of 127 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

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Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

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