What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?

Power train is the largest complaint group with 202 of 633 complaints. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 8 describe a sudden loss of drive power, a hesitation or a jerk.

Does the 2013 Jetta have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering the hybrid gearbox, an air bag inflator, an air bag clock spring, a rear trailing arm, key removal and a compliance issue.

What is the gas mileage of a 2013 Jetta?

EPA combined ratings are 25 to 32 MPG for the gas and diesel versions in our data, and 44 MPG for the Jetta Hybrid.

Is the 2013 Jetta safe?

NHTSA gives the 4-door sedan 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crash.

Is 2013 a good year for the Jetta?

It has 633 complaints, more than 2012 and 2014 but fewer than 2009 and 2010. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 633 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Jetta, and the biggest group is the power train^[1]^[2]. Seven recalls are on record, so check your VIN before you buy or keep one^[3].

633owner complaints^[1]

7recalls^[3]

25–44MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

4★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 633 owner complaints for the 2013 Jetta^[1]. Of these, 16 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 10 injuries^[1]. No deaths are reported^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components, so the groups below overlap.

Component group	Complaints	Median mileage at failure
Power train^[2]	202	74,000
Electrical system^[6]	162	56,000
Engine^[7]	136	61,291
Unknown or other^[8]	103	68,500
Fuel/propulsion system^[9]	46	69,000
Air bags^[10]	40	45,000
Steering^[11]	40	56,000
Brakes^[12]	31	43,000

In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 8 describe a sudden loss of drive power, a hesitation or a jerk when accelerating^[2]. Three describe the car stuck in a gear, such as reverse^[2].

In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 10 describe a loss of power, a stall, a shut-off or a hesitation while driving^[7].

In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 5 describe stalling or shutting off with warning lights on, and 3 describe a key that sticks or a car that will not turn off^[6].

In a sample of 12 fuel system complaints, 10 mention a failed high-pressure fuel pump that led to a loss of power or a stall^[9]. Four of the 12 describe a dispute over who pays for the repair^[9].

Air bag complaints are fewer at 40, but they include 7 crashes and 6 injuries^[10]. Brake complaints number 31, with 5 crashes^[12].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2013 Jetta^[3]. Newest first:

Hybrid gearbox cracks (19V866). Hairline cracks in the gearbox control unit can leak oil and drop oil pressure. The clutch may then fail to engage and the car can suddenly lose drive power, which raises crash risk. It covers 2013 to 2015 Jetta Hybrid cars with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission^[13]. Dealers install a repair kit and replace parts as needed, free of charge^[13].
Regulatory compliance (19V679). Changes made during an internal evaluation period may mean some vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, which raises the risk of a crash, fire or injury. Volkswagen will buy back the affected vehicles. The recall covers 113 vehicles^[14].
Key removal in gear (19V615). Silicate build-up on a shift lever switch can let the key come out when the shifter is not in Park. The car could then roll away. It applies to 2011 to 2018 Jetta cars with an automatic transmission, a manual handbrake and keyless entry. Dealers add a switch and circuit board, free of charge^[15].
Remedy pending
Driver air bag inflator (16V078). The inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys, and metal fragments could cause serious injury or death. The recall text names other models, including 2010 to 2014 Golf, and NHTSA lists it for this model year. Remedy not yet available: dealers will replace the inflators free of charge once parts arrive, and Volkswagen planned a second notice to owners at that time^[16].
Air bag clock spring (15V483). Debris can tear the cable that keeps the driver air bag powered, so the air bag may not deploy in a crash. Dealers add a protective cover, or a new clock spring if the air bag light is on, free of charge^[17].
Rear trailing arm (14V656). A rear trailing arm that was bent in an earlier impact can fracture suddenly and cause loss of control. It covers 2011 to 2013 Jetta cars built from March 1, 2010 to November 30, 2012^[18]. Dealers fit a metal insert on the rear axle trailing arms to help prevent a sudden loss of control if an arm breaks, at no cost to the owner^[18].
Hybrid gearbox oil (13V568). Gearbox fluid additives can corrode the control module and cause an electrical short and a stall-like loss of power. It covers 2013 and 2014 Jetta Hybrid cars built October 2012 through October 2013 with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox^[19]. Dealers swap the gearbox oil for a version that does not corrode, at no cost to the owner^[19].

Some recalls name only certain builds or versions. Run the VIN at NHTSA before you rely on any of this.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and gearbox. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version	City / Hwy / Combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Jetta Hybrid, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S7), Premium^[4]	41 / 48 / 44	$1,850
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel^[20]	29 / 37 / 32	$3,000
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel^[21]	29 / 39 / 32	$3,000
Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular^[22]	24 / 34 / 28	$2,400
Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular^[23]	23 / 29 / 25	$2,700
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium^[24]	24 / 32 / 27	$3,050
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium^[25]	22 / 33 / 26	$3,150
Jetta, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular^[26]	24 / 31 / 26	$2,600
Jetta, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular^[27]	23 / 33 / 26	$2,600

The Jetta SportWagen is rated the same as its Jetta match in the diesel rows, at 29 / 37 / 32 with the automatic and 29 / 39 / 32 with the manual^[28]^[29]. Its 2.5L versions are rated 24 / 31 / 26 with the automatic and 23 / 33 / 26 with the manual^[30]^[31].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door front-wheel-drive Jetta 4 stars overall^[5]. That is 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 12.1%^[5]. The SportWagen has a rollover rating of 4 stars and the same 12.1% risk^[32].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows these ratings for the 2013 Jetta: 150 hp with the 1.4L 4-cylinder^[33], 140 hp with the electric motor^[34], and 115 to 200 hp with the 2.0L 4-cylinder, depending on version^[35].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models^[36]. All four listed sedans share the same length, width, height and wheelbase.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
2.0L Trendline/Comfortline^[37]	182 in	70 in	57 in	104 in	2,881 lb
2.5L Sportline/Highline^[38]	182 in	70 in	57 in	104 in	3,082 lb
2.0 TDI^[36]	182 in	70 in	57 in	104 in	3,177 lb
Hybrid Trendline/Comfortline^[39]	182 in	70 in	57 in	104 in	3,318 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Jetta model year. The 2013 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	220	4
1996	31	1
1997	54	1
1998	192	2
1999	349	6
2000	439	4
2001	668	6
2002	704	5
2003	458	2
2004	233	2
2005	248	4
2006	580	4
2007	201	4
2008	190	4
2009	905	6
2010	875	5
2011	640	8
2012	527	6
2013	633	7
2014	441	7
2015	197	8
2016	164	4
2017	160	6
2018	31	2
2019	549	11
2020	54	6
2021	69	4
2022	43	1
2023	43	0
2024	46	0
2025	30	2
2026	6	1

NHTSA shows 633 complaints and 7 recalls for the 2013 model year^[3]. Five years have more complaints: 2009 with 905, 2010 with 875, 2002 with 704, 2001 with 668 and 2011 with 640^[3]. Only three years list more recalls: 2019 with 11, and 2011 and 2015 with 8 each^[3]. The 2014 model year also has 7^[3].

The neighbors are lower on complaints. The 2012 model year has 527 complaints and 6 recalls, and 2014 has 441 complaints and 7 recalls^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show what was reported, not how likely a failure is.

Should you buy a used 2013 Jetta?

The data does not say "avoid" or "buy," only to check carefully. The power train has the most complaints^[2], and owners in the samples we read describe sudden loss of power and a failed fuel pump^[2]^[9]. NHTSA lists seven recalls for this model year, and the driver air bag inflator remedy was still waiting on parts in the record we have^[16]^[3]. Ask for proof that each recall was done, run the VIN at NHTSA, and ask about transmission and fuel system repairs. The sedan's 4-star overall rating^[5] and MPG up to 44 combined for the Hybrid^[4] are the clear positives.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?: Power train is the largest complaint group with 202 of 633 complaints^[1]^[2]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 8 describe a sudden loss of drive power, a hesitation or a jerk^[2].
Does the 2013 Jetta have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering the hybrid gearbox, an air bag inflator, an air bag clock spring, a rear trailing arm, key removal and a compliance issue^[13]^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18]^[19].
What is the gas mileage of a 2013 Jetta?: EPA combined ratings are 25 to 32 MPG for the gas and diesel versions in our data, and 44 MPG for the Jetta Hybrid^[24]^[20]^[23]^[4].
Is the 2013 Jetta safe?: NHTSA gives the 4-door sedan 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crash^[5].
Is 2013 a good year for the Jetta?: It has 633 complaints, more than 2012 and 2014 but fewer than 2009 and 2010^[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 633 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (16 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
202 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Jetta model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Jetta Hybrid, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 41 city / 48 highway / 44 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
162 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
136 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,291). NHTSA vehicle records
103 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,500). NHTSA vehicle records
46 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,000). NHTSA vehicle records
40 complaints name the air bags component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
40 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
31 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 19V866, filed December 6, 2019: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V679, filed September 25, 2019: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V615, filed August 22, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V078, filed February 10, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V483, filed August 4, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V656, filed October 20, 2014: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V568, filed November 14, 2013: Power Train. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Jetta, 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
EPA rating for Jetta, 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
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 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
EPA rating for Jetta, 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
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 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
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 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
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 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
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 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
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta with 1.4L 4-cylinder: rated 150 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta with electric motor: rated 140 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 115 to 200 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.0 TDI: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,177 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.0L TRENDLINE/COMFORTLINE: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,881 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.5L SPORTLINE/HIGHLINE: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,082 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN HYBRID TRENDLINE/COMFORTLINE: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,318 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.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta: problems, recalls and fuel economy