2013 Volkswagen Beetle: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Beetle years.
One of the Volkswagen Beetle years to avoid. All Beetle years
101 owner complaints, most about air bags. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Beetle?The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has 101 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Beetle years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the Beetle?
Across the 10 Beetle model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2017) to 195 (1998). With 101 complaints, the 2013 Beetle sits above the model's median of 59.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 Beetle
unknown or other
Campaign 19V679000Volkswagen 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.
electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
Campaign 19V615000Volkswagen 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."
visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Campaign 14V658000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.
suspension:rear
Campaign 14V656000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
Show 3 more recalls
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 12V540000Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.
air bags:frontal
Campaign 20V785000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Campaign 20E064000Tenneco 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by maintenance expectations.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Beetle. See the full Beetle owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Beetle listings typically run $13,490–$20,477 across 2012 to 2019 model years.
Other Beetle model years
Compare every Beetle year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Beetle against its rivals
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