Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Owners filed 518 complaints about the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA between Oct 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (148).

Complaints
518
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
10
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system148
  2. Power train141
  3. Engine112
  4. Steering37
  5. Fuel/propulsion system34
  6. Air bags31
  7. Service brakes22
  8. Vehicle speed control17
  9. Exterior lighting17
  10. Structure15
  11. Suspension14
  12. Visibility/wiper9
  13. Tires9
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20122
201320
201439
201540
201655
201757
201865
201949
202062
202135
202234
202324
202421
20259
20266

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

148 reports4 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 27, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11720919

Power train

141 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Power train, Visibility/wiperODI 11768392

Engine

112 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2025EngineODI 11689309

Steering

37 reports1 crash
“I am Filing a complaint against Volkswagen group of America, I called they for assistants in fixing an issue with one of their dealers to replace an ignition switch. Volkswagen said they stand by their dealer and would not let me speak to the Zone Reps for that area or the Dealer Reps that assist the customer in coming to a solution. The Ignition switch is a safety item and the dealer is trying to charge me a high price for a new key because they own a monopoly in the area.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 24, 2024Steering, Unknown or otherODI 11590597

Fuel/propulsion system

34 reports
“Driving vehicle on highway, vehicle lost engine power, no acceleration possible. Attempt to restart vehicle resulted in no start. Subsequent evaluation of fault revealed high pressure fuel pump failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 2, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11735317

Air bags

31 reports6 crashes1 related recall
“I discovered that my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has a completely nonfunctional airbag system. On 8/23/23- airbag warning light illuminated and has remained on. In 08/2025- Midas staff informed me the light may indicate an airbag defect and referred me to Volkswagen. On 09/24/2025- Volkswagen dealer inspection documented both front crash sensors were unplugged/damaged, leaving the airbag system inoperable. Safety concern: I unknowingly drove this car for over two years with no functional airbags. This created a severe risk of injury or death in the event of a motor vehicle accident. This car was sold by Carvana as having passed a 150-point inspection and under warranty coverage. However, Carvana later stated that they have a disclaimer that shifts the responsibility of the car being safe to drive onto the consumer, and that they never claimed the car had a functioning air bag system.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2025Air bagsODI 11691807
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.