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2013 Volkswagen Jetta: common problems and reliability
· 6th generationOne of the worst Jetta years.
One of the Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid. All Jetta years
1,645 owner complaints, most about power train. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Jetta?The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has 1645 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag tiptronic automatic transmission rough shifting/clunking: several owners report intermittent hard shifts and a "wrench" warning light, with the issue becoming more frequent over time.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Jetta years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the Jetta?
Across the 30 Jetta model years we track, complaint volume runs from 44 (2023) to 1,750 (2010). With 1,645 complaints, the 2013 Jetta sits above the model's median of 318.
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 Jetta
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."
air bags:frontal
Campaign 15V483000Volkswagen 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 14E007000The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Show 3 more recalls
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.
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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 16V078000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What owners report on the 6th generation Jetta
Owner sentiment is mixed but leans cautiously positive. The 2.5L inline-five engine is widely praised as reliable and "bulletproof," especially in manual or conventional automatic form.
- RecurrentTiptronic automatic transmission rough shifting/clunking
Several owners report intermittent hard shifts and a "wrench" warning light, with the issue becoming more frequent over time.
- RecurrentDSG transmission mechatronics unit failure
Mentioned as a known fault with an extended warranty to 120k miles on earlier models; requires strict 40k-mile fluid service.
- RecurrentSunroof motor failure/leaks
Panoramic sunroof motors can fail when hot; sunroofs are known to leak.
- IsolatedVacuum pump seal leak (2.5L engine)
One owner reports a $130 kit to delete the pump.
- IsolatedRear door lock mechanism failure
One owner reports replacing both rear door locks as a known faulty part.
Owner insights for the 6th generation Jetta. Read the full 6th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Jetta listings typically run $12,044–$23,549.
Other Jetta model years
Compare every Jetta year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Jetta against its rivals
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