NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 518 owner complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. Most complaints involve electrical system (148) and power train (141). The EPA rates it 25–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible 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 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Jetta model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 183 |
| 1997 | 141 |
| 1998 | 194 |
| 1999 | 354 |
| 2000 | 451 |
| 2001 | 677 |
| 2002 | 711 |
| 2003 | 463 |
| 2004 | 233 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 190 |
| 2009 | 905 |
| 2010 | 875 |
| 2011 | 640 |
| 2012 | 527 |
| 2013 | 518 |
| 2014 | 388 |
| 2015 | 196 |
| 2016 | 164 |
| 2017 | 160 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 552 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 6 |
“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated and nearly caused a crash on the freeway. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING); one month before the failure; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with the cost for a diagnostic test and the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.”
“Mechatronics reprogram for prior recall does not fix failure longterm. The accumulator recall was fixed with original OEM accumulator which prolongs the need for Mechatronics rebuild. The OEM valve body housing is weak and cracks as well. The windshield spray motor just replaced. Appears it is a larger issue, many have issues with.”
“Hairline crack developed in the accumulator housing of the transmission (mechatronic unit), leaking and leading to insufficient transmission oil pressure. There is loss of power to the wheels. Was never notified and on last inspection they told me it was my fault. Recall code 34J6. The only thing the service department did was update the software, the issue was that before the update it was already damaged and they refused to replace the “MECHATRONICS UNIT” The car is not drive able, and is just sitting in my drive way.”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,950 | 318 |
| Jetta Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 32 | $2,950 | 315 |
| Jetta Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,300 | 316 |
| Jetta Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,950 | 331 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 334 |
| Jetta Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | $2,450 | 335 |
| Jetta Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | $3,050 | 344 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 344 |
| 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 |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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 518 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (148), power train (141), engine (112). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 4 out of 5 stars overall.