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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA
2013 · volkswagen

volkswagen Jetta problems

2 safety recalls. 514 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
137 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
111 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
52 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
37 reports · avg $700
moderate
airbags
14 reports · avg $1,100
severe
suspension
14 reports · avg $900
moderate
lighting
12 reports · avg $250
severe
brakes
11 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Jetta · engine
My vehicle was not included in several recalls (e.g. 36F6/4V and 34J6) that were made for identical cars (2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid). As result, the transmission is approaching its end of life (I was quoted $9600 + tax for the replacement). I called VW customer service and they…
12/30/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445570.0
2013 Jetta · powertrain
CAR WOULD SLIP/STALL WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THEN CAR WOULD NOT START. DEALERSHIP SAID IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY.
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292111.0
2013 Jetta · powertrain
SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION POWER AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. ON FREEWAY MUST ROLL TO A STOP. NO ENGINE LIGHTS ON. MECHANIC UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM, CAR IS NOT GIVING A TROUBLE CODE. ISSUE OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD OR HOT AT A STOP OR MOVING. IT'S BEEN OCCURRING TWICE A…
12/30/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164145.0
2013 Jetta · engine
Transmission is about to fail: at ODO 98800 the CEL indicates code P177B - Clutch Tolerance limit reached. The DSG transmission mechatronic unit was changed at ODO 46734 because the engine was loosing power. Volkswagen's has a recent recall 34J6 for this problem and vehicle…
12/29/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445452.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 14V656000 20/10/2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

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.
severe NHTSA 14E007000 07/03/2014

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

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

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 514 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 137 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Volkswagen Jetta has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 514 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 11 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with volkswagen. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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