Ignition cylinder failure. Key would come out while driving, car would stay on, key would not turn in the ignition. Finally wheel locked and key will not turn at all therefore I can’t put my car in neutral.
2013 volkswagen Jetta steering problems
moderate 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY SHUT DOWN ELECTRICALLY, AS IF A FUSE SHORTED, ALMOST ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS TURNED ON, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND THE BRAKES WENT UNRESPONSIVE, NEARLY CAUSING A COLLISION. ONCE THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, IT WAS TURNED OFF IN AN ATTEMPT TO REGAIN CONTROL. AFTER TURNING THE CAR BACK ON, THE SAME DASHBOARD LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUM…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2013 volkswagen Jetta?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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