CarBrief

NHTSA has 82 owner complaints for the 2013 Golf/GTI, and engine and fuel system complaints are the biggest groups[1][2][3]. Four of the five recalls on file involve air bags, so ask a dealer about each one[4][5][6][7].

82owner complaints[1]
5recalls[8]
22–32MPG combined (EPA)[9]

Reported problems

Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA for the 2013 model year[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component, so the group counts below add up to more than 82[1]. Four complaints mention a crash, two a fire and two an injury, and one reports a death[1].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts in the biggest groups. It is too small to say how common any problem is, but it shows what owners describe.

In a sample of 12 fuel system complaints we read, 9 describe the car stalling or losing power while driving, and at least 4 name a failed fuel pump[3]. Three describe a check engine light tied to the intake manifold[3].

In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 6 describe the engine cutting out while driving, and 4 name a failed water pump, and 3 of those describe coolant leaking[2]. One describes an engine fire[2].

In a sample of 10 electrical complaints we read, 5 describe a loss of power or a shutdown while driving, and 2 describe smoke or fire under the hood[11].

In a sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, at least 8 are about the driver-side inflator recall, and 5 say the repair was not yet available[10]. One describes a failed clock spring after an earlier recall repair[10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists five recalls for this model year, newest first[8]. Four involve air bags[4][5][6][7]. Each recall is retold in plain words from the NHTSA notice.

Fuel economy

EPA lists seven versions for 2013[17][18][9][19][20][21][22]. Combined mpg runs from 22 to 32, and the EPA's estimated yearly fuel cost runs from $2,600 to $3,750[18][9][19][20]. That cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / Hwy / Combined mpg Est. yearly fuel cost
Golf 2.0L turbo diesel, Manual 6-spd[19] 29 / 39 / 32 $3,000
Golf 2.0L turbo diesel, Automatic (AM-S6)[9] 29 / 37 / 32 $3,000
GTI 2.0L turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium[17] 24 / 33 / 27 $3,050
Golf 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular[20] 24 / 31 / 26 $2,600
Golf 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular[22] 23 / 33 / 26 $2,600
GTI 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium[21] 21 / 31 / 25 $3,300
Golf R 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, AWD[18] 19 / 27 / 22 $3,750

EPA rates the turbo gasoline versions on premium fuel and the 2.5L versions on regular[17][20][21][22].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists seven rating entries for 2013. Three (4-door front-wheel drive twice, 4-door all-wheel drive once) show a rollover rating of 4 stars with a 12.1% rollover risk[23][24][25]. The other four (2-door front-wheel drive twice, 2-door all-wheel drive, 4-door all-wheel drive) are listed as not rated[26][27][28][29].

Engine and size

The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated from 140 to 256 hp, depending on version[30].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Golf 2DR GTI hatch[31] 166 in 70 in 58 in 102 in 3,080 lb
Golf 4DR GTI hatch[32] 166 in 70 in 58 in 102 in 3,080 lb
Golf 2DR hatch Comfortline 2.5[33] 165 in 70 in 58 in 102 in 3,034 lb
Golf 4DR hatch 2.5/TDI[34] 165 in 70 in 58 in 102 in 3,060 lb
Golf 4DR wagon/TDI wagon[35] 179 in 70 in 59 in 102 in 3,285 lb
Golf R 2DR hatch AWD[36] 166 in 70 in 58 in 102 in 3,325 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

1995: 61 complaints, 4 recalls19951996: 12 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 17 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 28 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 72 complaints, 4 recalls2000: 133 complaints, 5 recalls2001: 190 complaints, 5 recalls20012002: 198 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 79 complaints, 2 recalls2004: 35 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 27 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 55 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 79 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 68 complaints, 1 recalls2009: 170 complaints, 2 recalls2010: 122 complaints, 5 recalls20102011: 165 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 89 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 82 complaints, 5 recalls8220132014: 22 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 322 complaints, 14 recalls2016: 237 complaints, 14 recalls20162017: 301 complaints, 7 recalls2018: 76 complaints, 10 recalls2019: 284 complaints, 7 recalls20192020: 14 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 11 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 119 complaints, 6 recalls20222023: 23 complaints, 5 recalls2024: 41 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Golf/GTI model year. The 2013 is highlighted[8].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995614
1996121
1997170
1998281
1999724
20001335
20011905
20021983
2003792
2004352
2005272
2006552
2007791
2008681
20091702
20101225
20111656
2012896
2013825
2014225
201532214
201623714
20173017
20187610
20192847
2020143
2021112
20221196
2023235
2024412
202640

NHTSA counts 82 complaints and 5 recalls for the 2013 Golf/GTI[8]. The nearby years look like this[8]:

Model year Complaints Recalls
2009 170 2
2010 122 5
2011 165 6
2012 89 6
2013 82 5
2014 22 5

So 2013 has fewer complaints than 2009 through 2012 and more than 2014. Its recall count matches 2010 and 2014 and is below 2011 and 2012[8]. Some later years are busier, for example 2015 with 322 complaints and 14 recalls[8]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2013 Golf/GTI?

The 2013 Golf/GTI has 82 complaints, fewer than the 2009 to 2012 model years, and the biggest groups are engine and fuel system[8][2][3]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe stalling or power loss while driving, so ask for service records on the fuel system and the cooling system. The recalls matter more than the complaint count. Four of the five involve air bags[4][5][6][7], and one of them, 16V078, says owners would get a second letter once parts are available[6]. Before you buy, ask a dealer which recalls were completed on that exact car and which are still open.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?
Engine and fuel system complaints are the biggest groups, with 26 and 18 complaints[2][3]. In a sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe stalling or power loss while driving[3][2].
Does the 2013 Golf/GTI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists five, and four involve air bags[8][4][5][6][7]. The 16V078 notice says a second letter would follow when parts are available[6].
What gas mileage does the 2013 Golf/GTI get?
EPA combined ratings run from 22 mpg for the Golf R to 32 mpg for the diesel Golf[18][9][19]. The GTI is rated 27 combined with the automatic and 25 with the manual[17][21].
Is the 2013 Golf/GTI a better year than 2014?
2014 has fewer complaints (22 against 82) and the same number of recalls (5)[8]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is only a rough comparison.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 82 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 26 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 18 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 19V862, filed December 4, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 18V148, filed March 6, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 16V078, filed February 10, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 15V483, filed August 4, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  8. Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Golf/GTI model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for Golf, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. 16 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 11 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 7 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 5 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 5 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. Recall 18V329, filed May 16, 2018: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for GTI, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Golf R, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Golf, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Golf, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for GTI, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Golf, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 140 to 256 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 2DR GTI HATCH: length 166 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,080 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 4DR GTI HATCH: length 166 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,080 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 2DR HATCH COMFORTLINE 2.5: length 165 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,034 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 4DR HATCH 2.5/TDI: length 165 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,060 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 4DR WAGON/TDI WAGON: length 179 in, width 70 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,285 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF R 2DR HATCH AWD: length 166 in, width 70 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 3,325 lb (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.