CarBrief

NHTSA has 101 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Beetle, and the air bag group has the most of them[1][2]. Six recalls are on file, so a buyer should check which ones a specific car has had done[3].

101owner complaints[1]
6recalls[3]
23–32MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 101 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Four mention a crash, none a fire, two an injury, and none a death[1]. These are unverified reports. One complaint can name more than one component, so the group counts below add up to more than the total.

Component group Complaints
Air bags[2] 39
Electrical system[6] 20
Unknown or other[7] 12
Engine[8] 10
Fuel/propulsion system[9] 8
Steering[10] 6
Structure[11] 5
Power train[12] 5

Air bags. The 39 air bag complaints include 2 crashes and 2 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 47,700[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the driver air bag inflator recall rather than a failure. They write about warnings not to drive, parts delays and long waits for a dealer appointment. A smaller number describe an air bag warning light that stayed on[2].

Electrical system. There are 20 complaints, with no crashes or injuries and a median mileage of 46,500[6]. In the sample we read, some owners describe the engine shutting off while driving and dealers not finding a cause. Others describe an ignition key that would not turn or could not be removed, or a trunk latch that sometimes would not open[6].

Engine and fuel system. The engine group has 10 complaints and the fuel/propulsion group has 8[8][9]. In the samples we read, owners describe stalling or loss of power while driving, and a few describe fuel or diesel leaks[8][9]. Neither group lists a crash, a fire or an injury[8][9].

Smaller groups. Steering has 6 complaints, including 1 crash[10]. Structure has 5, with 1 crash and 2 injuries[11]. Power train has 5, with no crashes or injuries[12]. These counts are small, so they say little about how common these problems are.

Recalls

NHTSA lists six recalls for this car, newest first[3]. Some cover only certain build dates or equipment, so check a specific car by VIN with NHTSA.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions of the 2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible. Combined ratings run from 23 to 32 MPG, and estimated annual fuel cost runs from $2,700 to $3,400[4][19][20][21].

Version City / highway / combined MPG
2.0L turbo diesel, Automatic (AM-S6), Beetle[4] 28 / 40 / 32
2.0L turbo diesel, Automatic (AM-S6), Convertible[22] 27 / 37 / 31
2.0L turbo diesel, Manual 6-spd, Beetle and Convertible[23][24] 27 / 39 / 30
2.5L 5-cyl, Regular, Automatic (S6), Beetle[20] 22 / 29 / 25
2.5L 5-cyl, Regular, Manual 5-spd, Beetle[25] 22 / 31 / 25
2.5L 5-cyl, Regular, Automatic (S6), Convertible[19] 21 / 27 / 23
2.0L turbo, Premium, Automatic (AM-S6), Beetle[26] 22 / 30 / 25
2.0L turbo, Premium, Automatic (AM-S6), Convertible[27] 21 / 28 / 24
2.0L turbo, Premium, Manual 6-spd, Beetle and Convertible[28][21] 21 / 30 / 24

The diesel versions have the best ratings, at 30 to 32 combined[23][24][4][22]. EPA's fuel cost figures use current fuel prices, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA rated the 2 DR FWD version 5 stars overall[5]. It got 4 stars in the frontal test, 5 stars in the side test and 4 stars in the rollover test, with a rollover risk of 10.5%[5]. The C FWD version is listed as not rated[29].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 140 to 200 hp, depending on version[30]. The 2.5L 5-cylinder is rated 170 hp[31].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. For the Comfortline, Highline, Sportline and TDI versions:

The Convertible is listed with the same length, width and wheelbase[33].

How 2013 compares with other years

1998: 201 complaints, 3 recalls19981999: 208 complaints, 2 recalls2000: 303 complaints, 3 recalls20002001: 242 complaints, 5 recalls2002: 180 complaints, 3 recalls20022003: 334 complaints, 2 recalls2004: 361 complaints, 5 recalls20042005: 261 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 125 complaints, 3 recalls20062007: 56 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 60 complaints, 3 recalls20082009: 33 complaints, 2 recalls2010: 30 complaints, 3 recalls20102012: 65 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 101 complaints, 6 recalls10120132014: 54 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 99 complaints, 5 recalls20152016: 59 complaints, 3 recalls2017: 17 complaints, 3 recalls20172018: 17 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 15 complaints, 3 recalls2019
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Beetle model year. The 2013 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19982013
19992082
20003033
20012425
20021803
20033342
20043615
20052613
20061253
2007562
2008603
2009332
2010303
2012656
20131016
2014545
2015995
2016593
2017173
2018173
2019153

The 2013 Beetle has 101 complaints and 6 recalls[3]. Among the model years from 2007 on, that is the most complaints. The next highest are 2015 with 99 and 2012 with 65[3]. Nine earlier years, 1998 to 2006, show more complaints, from 125 to 361[3]. Six recalls ties 2012 for the most of any year listed, and every other year has 2 to 5[3]. The list has no 2011 entry. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2013 Beetle?

NHTSA has 101 complaints on file, and air bags are the largest group[1][2]., with air bags the largest group and the sample we read focused on the inflator recall[1][2]. Before buying, confirm that the driver air bag recall and the other five recalls have been done on that exact car[13][3]. Then decide which engine you want, since the combined MPG ratings range from 23 to 32[4][19]. The sample of complaints we read also includes stalling and fuel leaks, so a test drive and a pre-purchase inspection are sensible[8][9]. Nothing in our data tells us how reliable the car is compared with others.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 VW Beetle?
Air bags have the most NHTSA complaints at 39 of 101[2][1]. Electrical system follows with 20[6]. In a sample we read, owners describe the air bag recall[2].
How many recalls does the 2013 Beetle have?
NHTSA lists six recalls[3]. They cover the driver air bag inflator, key release, sunroof glass, rear trailing arms, child seat detection and a compliance issue[13][14][15][16][17][18].
What gas mileage does the 2013 Beetle get?
EPA combined ratings run from 23 to 32 MPG depending on engine and version[4][19]. The Beetle diesel with an automatic is rated 28 city, 40 highway and 32 combined[4].
Did the 2013 Beetle get good crash test ratings?
The 2 DR FWD version got 5 stars overall from NHTSA, with 4 stars frontal and 4 stars rollover[5].
Is 2013 a bad year for the Beetle?
It has the most complaints of any year from 2007 on, at 101, and ties 2012 for the most recalls at 6[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 101 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (4 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 39 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,700). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Beetle model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Beetle, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 40 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 20 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 12 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 10 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 8 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 6 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 5 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 20V785, filed December 16, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 19V679, filed September 25, 2019: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 19V615, filed August 22, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 14V658, filed October 20, 2014: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 14V656, filed October 20, 2014: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 12V540, filed November 15, 2012: Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor / Control Module-Inactive . NHTSA recall database
  19. EPA rating for Beetle Convertible, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Beetle, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Beetle Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Beetle Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Beetle, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 39 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Beetle Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 39 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Beetle, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Beetle, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Beetle Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Beetle, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 140 to 200 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  31. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle with 2.5L 5-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BEETLE COMFORTLINE/HIGHLINE/SPORTLINE/TDI: length 169 in, width 71 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 100 in, curb weight 2,983 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, BEETLE CONVERTIBLE: length 169 in, width 71 in, wheelbase 100 in (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.