NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Gti. Most complaints involve engine (11) and fuel/propulsion system (7). The EPA rates it 25–27 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 model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I'M ON MY WAY TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY GOING UPHILL AND THE TEMPERATURE RED LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. I DECIDED TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE THE FLASHING LIGHT HAD ME CONCERNED. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STAYED AT NORMAL POSITION SO I WAS ABLE TO BRING IT HOME. I WAITED AWHILE AND THEN CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR COOLANT LEVEL AND IT WAS DOWN TO THE BOTTOM BARELY ANY LEFT. SO I BOUGHT THE RECOMMENDED COOLANT BY VW AND FILLED IT UP TO LEVEL. I DROVE THE NEXT DAY AND PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY AND LATER THAT DAY I SAW COOLANT PUDDLE ON CONCRETE DRIPPED FROM ENGINE. I SUSPECT IT'S THE WATER PUMP AGAIN. I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR BEFORE WITH COOLING SYSTEM TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALERSHIP DEALT WITH IT BY REPLACING WATER PUMP WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLACE WATER PUMP AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE FIND THE LEAK AND TAKE PICTURES. IT SEEMS TO BE LEAKING NEAR THE WATER PUMP. SO RIGHT NOW I'M FILLING COOLANT ALMOST EVERYDAY UNTIL I CAN GET TO THE DEALERSHIP.”
“I'VE STARTED TO NOTICE THAT AFTER DRIVING MY CAR AND USING THE DSG SHIFTER OR SPORT MODE, MY CAR WILL NOT START BACK UP FOR A WHILE AFTER PARKED. SEEMS ONLY TO HAPPEN AFTER WARM ENGINE. I WILL START THE CAR AND THEN IT WILL SPUTTER BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OR MAYBE LONGER, I AM ABLE TO CRANK IT AND DRIVE.”
“DSG automatic transmission started going into neutral at various speeds and driving conditions. It feels as though the clutch disengages momentarily, causing the vehicle to slow down and engine to rev. This is definitely not safe when trying to merge or drive on the highway. This is a know issue with VW DSG transmissions and warranted a safety recall on earlier vehicles. My vehicle is newer than the recall so VW has no obligation to help me. They inspected the car and told me it needed a transmission replacement, but that the transmission is no longer produced or available. I would need to source a used transmission and try my luck. It is unacceptable that VW has no liability in this issue that is known, common and a real safety issue.”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTI Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,850 | 331 |
| GTI Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | $3,100 | 358 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (11), fuel/propulsion system (7), power train (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Gti at 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).