2013 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 safety recalls and 518 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
518
Crashes / fires
12 / 3
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Recall 19V-679: Unknown or Other

Reported Sep 25, 2019 · 113 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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 the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Fix: 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 18V-329.

Recall 19V-615: Electrical System, Steering

Reported Aug 22, 2019 · 679,027 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 15V-483: Air Bags

Reported Aug 4, 2015 · 415,825 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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 contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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 install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

Recall 14V-656: Suspension

Reported Oct 20, 2014 · 442,066 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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 rear or side-rear impact crash.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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 April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System150
Power Train141
Engine112
Unknown or Other98
Steering37
Fuel/Propulsion System34
Air Bags31
Service Brakes22
Vehicle Speed Control17
Exterior Lighting17
Structure15
Suspension14

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 12
  • Electrical System › Horn — 5
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 2
  • Suspension › Rear — 2
  • Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Fuel System, Other › Fuel Filter — 1
  • Wheels › Hub — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 1, 2026
Mechatronics reprogram for prior recall does not fix failure longterm. The accumulator recall was fixed with original OEM accumulator which prolongs the need for Mechatronics rebuild. The OEM valve body housing is weak and cracks as well. The windshield spray motor just replaced. Appears it is a larger issue, many have issues with.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 2, 2026
Driving vehicle on highway, vehicle lost engine power, no acceleration possible. Attempt to restart vehicle resulted in no start. Subsequent evaluation of fault revealed high pressure fuel pump failure.
Electrical System · at 152,000 miles · reported Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated and nearly caused a crash on the freeway. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING); one month before the failure; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was…
Tires · reported Feb 5, 2026
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.
Power Train · reported Dec 8, 2025
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…

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Compare all Volkswagen Jetta years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta: 19V-679 (unknown or other), 19V-615 (electrical system, steering), 15V-483 (air bags), 14V-656 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (150 reports), followed by power train (141). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.