NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 148 owner complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen CC. Most complaints involve air bags (89) and engine (19). The EPA rates it 20–25 mpg combined.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“While I was driving I notice my steering wheel making a crumbling of plastic noise when I made any kind of turn . A few days later my Airbag error lamp started to blink. I parked and restarted my engine then the airbag became solid . My dash read “Airbag Error” . I notice all my steering wheel buttons do not work . Came home and neither does my horn . My car has never been in accident , but I feel it’s a safety hazard . I’m basically driving mute and I’m sure my airbag will not deploy in case of accident . Also, Vw does have a recall on the Clock spring but was never completed due to not hearing back from manufacturer . That was a few years back and do not understand how recalls work , but a recall was started for a reason and NOT completed. Is that even possible? This a serious safety issue if I’m in an accident without an Airbag . Also the horn will not work in case to warn other drivers of a possible fatal hazard”
“DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING ABNORMAL NOISE (TICKING). CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND LET THEM KNOW I WAS BRINGING IT IN TO BE CHECKED OUT. ON THE WAY THERE THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING AND I PULLED OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. SEVERAL DAYS LATER DEALERSHIP CALLED AND TOLD ME THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND CATASTROPHICLY DESTROYED THE ENGINE. PURCHASED THE VEHICLE CERTIFIED USED WITH 25,578 MILES. AT THE TIME OF THE ENGINE FAILURE IT HAD 62,569 MILES. THE TIMING CHAIN THAT DESTROYED THE ENGINE PREMATURELY FAILED. I HEARD ABOUT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT IN NEW JERSEY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND IT APPEARED MY MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE WAS IN THE GROUP TO BE REIMBURSED FOR DAMAGES. WITH NO OTHER OPTIONS I HAD TO TAKE MONEY FROM MY RETIREMENT SAVINGS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE. AFTER ABOUT ONE MONTH I RECEIVED A TEXT FROM THE DEALERSHIP SAYING THEY HAD BAD NEWS. APPARENTLY AFTER REPLACING THE ENGINE, THEY STARTED THE CAR AND IN TWO MINUTES THEY HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCK COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND TOLD ME THAT THE NEW ENGINE WAS GOING TO NEED TO BE REPLACED. NOW I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MY YEAR VEHICLE 2013 CC VW IS NOT PART…”
“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen CC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that no fault codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,652.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $3,200 | 349 |
| CC Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 32 | 25 | $3,200 | 360 |
| CC Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,800 | 429 |
| CC 4motion Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,000 | 446 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 148 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (89), engine (19), electrical system (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen CC at 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).