10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,716 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #27

Jan 072016

Jetta

  • 60,000 miles
1/7/2016.clear morning, 25 degrees out, started vehicle, warmed up for 20 minutes before getting ready to leave. Drove car to end of street when car engine started to sound like it was out of oil and it stalled. Brought to local VW dealer, was told that intercooler cracked from ice build up and that one glow plug was damaged as a chunk of ice entered one engine cylinder. Was quoted $1200 dollar repair not covered by VW even though a tsb has been in effect with an improved intercooler replacment. This has been a problem with VW since their 2009 model year. My family also owns another 2013 VW with only 26,000 miles and it has experienced similar symptoms described by hundreds of complaints on VW forums of not starting or stalling when put in gear or at a stop light, possible indications of icing in the intercooler system. Was told from the dealer the only way the intercooler gets replaced under warranty is after it freezes and engine damage occurs and only if it occurs before 36,000 miles. I have read where engine damage from ice build up in the turbo intercooler system has cost owners over $6000 in repairs if occurs after the warranty expires. That means VW owners pay roughly 25% of the msrp of the vehicle if the intercooler ices up significantly, which the manufacturer admits could result from normal operation. Reading numerous complaints of engines known to hydro-lock at freeway speeds whereby driver lose the ability to safely operate the vehicle is a hazard that endangers anyone near this vehicle when an ice chunk stops the engine abruptly. Since the manufacturer has developed a cold weather kit for dealers to install with specific procedures for repair it should be classified as a recall when there is no warning if and when the car might stop running which could result in death depending on when the intercooler icing occurs and the car stops moving.

- Norwich, CT, USA

problem #26

Jan 042016

Jetta

  • 23,540 miles
The check engine light came on at the same time that the car began to slip or hesitate especially in low gears or when accelerating. Our 18 year old daughter was driving to work when the vehicle went from operational to this condition. Shortly after, the epc indicator came on and the car slipping became more of a jolt, car unable to accelerate and it felt very much like it would stall. We were able to safety get it to the dealer for service where we were provided with a 30,000 mile check up (car has 24K miles) and were told it was just an electrical issue, needed a reset. Engine light came back on as I left the dealership, with the same jolting and hesitation. Upon second visit to the service department, I was informed that the there was a crack in the ignition coil, causing misfire of the spark plugs.

- Foothill Ranch, CA, USA

problem #25

Dec 032015

Jetta

  • 50,213 miles
Mass airflow sensor failure

- Eagle Mountain, UT, USA

problem #24

Nov 042015

Jetta

  • 30,000 miles
This vehicle doesn't run correctly it refuses to move while in driving

- North Ridgeville, OH, USA

problem #23

Jul 302015

Jetta

  • 62,000 miles
The problem showing error code P0087, P0387 high pressure fuel pump failure, the cost of expensive to repair, difficult to meet warranty related power-train & engine. It has been twoce break down. Its third break down. It only 62K mileages on it. VW want to working on it due of out of warranty cost. I am not happy that VW is not qualify to inspect part problem cause. I hope it is affect other customers who have simply problem with hpfp.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

problem #22

Jun 282015

Jetta 4-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles
My car is a VW Jetta tdi 2013, 95,000 miles, not even 3 years old, got it brand new. I started to drive away after doing some shopping. As I was leaving the parking lot, the car stalled. The check engine light came up and so did the glow plug light. The car did not start again after several attempts. I had it towed to the shop. The day after, I was told that the fuel pump had disintegrated due to the internal heat. When doing so, all the debris went inside the fuel system and engine. In order to repair it, the VW car dealer said they had to open all the system and flush it to clean everything and they would charge several thousand dollars to fix that. Although I was not happy with their diagnostic and price, I had to do it. I need the car to get around to go to work. I told the car dealer that this incident was not normal. They said that they did not know what caused it. I have done all the service and maintenance as suggested by the manufacturer. On the other side, it just happened that last week, VW issued an extended warranty for up to 120,000 miles for the fuel pump for diesel cars years 2011 and 2012. I called them and they said that they could not cover the 2013. Obviously, they know something was wrong with those previous models. I think they should include this problem and extend the fuel pump warranty for this car as well and -in this case, cover for the thousands of dollars that this is going to cost me for having a "faulty pump". updated 11/12/15 updated 11/06/2017

- Poplar Grove, IL, USA

problem #21

Mar 052014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 30-60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle would shake violently when the failure occurred. In addition, the contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on over to occasions where the failure was unable to be replicated. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14E007000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 09/02/15 the consumer stated the vehicle continues to stall out at various speeds and places. Updated 12/7/2015

- Belleair, FL, USA

problem #20

Jun 212013

Jetta

  • 1,000 miles
There have been many issues with this model but the one I am having more issues with, are the head lamps and/or fuses. In October of 2014, my left side low beam stopped working, I bought 2 bulbs so it could be replaced and then it wasn't the bulb, it was a fuse. In January 2015, the left side bulb stopped working again, I took it to the dealer because I couldn't find any fuse that was blown on my own, this time it was the bulb. Now it is the right side low beam that isn't working. I am not sure what is going on but I have another car that is 20 years old and I have replaced the bulbs only 1 time. When I first bought this car in June of 2013, I had it less than one month and while going across a rail road crossing, the car shut off completely. After tests, they said that it showed nothing and then it happened again and still nothing was found. The seat belt sign comes on for the right front seat because of a sensor when no one is in it. The trunk has a delay on it and takes a while to open. The gas mileage is not at all what it claims either. I get at the most 32-34 mpg and 99% of my driving is on the interstate. I didn't get any extended coverage on it because everyone says that they are great cars, well unless something is done to fix the issues that they have, they will never get another buy from me or the hundreds of people I know and all the ones that read the reviews.

- Adairsville, GA, USA

problem #19

Mar 132015

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 28,000 miles
While driving my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta gli, a part fell down by my feet hitting my foot. Once parked, the part numbered 1K0953527D was found on the drivers side floor mat. I called my local dealership where I had bought the car (new) and sent them a picture of the part. They said they believed it controlled the column lock while in park, however my wheel still locked in park with the part not in place. The next day, while driving in an alley, my bumped my key chain while scooting forward in my seat and my car turn off, not allowing me to turn it back on until it finally came to a stop and I was able to put it in park. The service team had their most experienced team member on hand open the steering column and said that the part must have fell out; for reasons not known. They also said there was no indication of tampering.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #18

Oct 142014

Jetta

  • 1,500 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that when making a left turn at 20 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and functioned as normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,500.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #17

Oct 312014

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
I bought this car new in Sept. 2013 for its fuel mileage, also because of the efficiency of the tdi. Now at 50,000 mis., I have a check engine light on and a code of P047F, which means I have a diesel particulate filter clogged and it has to be replaced. This is a $1000 part. Luckily, my car is covered by the carb warranty of ca. But this should not happen this fast. I have done all recommended services at the proper intervals with VW approved fluids and filters. Because my car was past the 3yr/36K warranty, but has a 8yr/80K powertrain warranty, I called VW to see if this is covered. The first call, they told me no. I then started checking tdi forums for this issue and found that it was a common problem. I then called back to "push the issue" which was when I found out that I was covered under the carb warranty.how many people call the first time and get the same answer as I did, then have to pay $1000 plus labor to fix this" also, what good is the tdi if it costs this much to maintain"

- Delta, PA, USA

problem #16

Sep 012014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable...updated 12/11/14

- Mitchellville , MD, USA

problem #15

Oct 152014

Jetta

  • 16,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.

- La Jolla, CA, USA

problem #14

Oct 112014

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 21,000 miles
Vehicle just exited freeway onto exit ramp. While braking from highway speed, at approximately 10-15 mph, there was a loud noise and the engine stalled. Wheels were locked, as if it was stuck in gear. Vehicle skid slightly into intersection on wet pavement. Vehicle was still in drive when car stalled. Vehicle was shifted into park and restarted. No warning lights came on after or before to indicate engine problems. Vehicle was taken to VW dealership for inspection.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #13

Nov 022013

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 8,477 miles
Transmission started lagging in my manual 2013 VW Jetta S when accelerating after switching into second gear from first gear. After a couple of days the engine seized up and all of the lights came on. Luckily, was just on my way to the dealership for repair and was right around the corner. First repair was 11/2/2013. This happened again 5 days later on 11/7/2013. Got it fixed, started driving home and the problem kicked in again. Had to bring it in on 11/8/2013 for the same repair in less than 12 hours (3rd time in less than a week). The ignition coil was misfiring and the spark plugs kept needing to be replaced. All was well in good until August 26, 2014 when the same problem happened. A week later, the problem came back but now it's more on and off. Will be taking it in again for the same issue for the 5th time now.

- West Hollywood, CA, USA

problem #12

Jul 102014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 36,000 miles
Was driving when the car suddenly shut off but radio and dash lights were still on almost caused a crash finally got car stopped and started back up fine serious problem needs fixed....

- Celina, OH, USA

problem #11

Jul 012014

Jetta

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the battery warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the control relay device. The failure recurred two weeks after the repairs were performed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was not available.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #10

Jul 142014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 11,000 miles
Car was driving on the interstate when problems began. When the gas pedal was pushed, the car's tach just revved up with no acceleration. The car began to slow down and we had to pull off the interstate. Upon exiting, the car seemed to be stuck in gear but would not accelerate. We tried switching to sport mode and manual mode but neither made a difference. No warning lights came on. Car struggled to maintain 15mph upon exiting freeway and was limped into a parking lot. This could have caused a very serious crash as vehicle would not accelerate or change gears.

- San Clemente, CA, USA

problem #9

Jul 032013

Jetta

  • 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while traveling approximately 15 mph, there was a sudden hesitation. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #8

Dec 022013

Jetta

  • 17,650 miles
Upon take off the car jerks, and U drive the car on interstate under cruise control the car jerks multiple times, the 1st incident and then here recently, driving down the interstate at normal rate of speed car jerks without warning and giving gas at passing a vehicle on interstate it will jerk and act like it will not go will jerk and jerk like it is not getting gas and I had a full tank so I have took the car in number of times and says can't find problem and the representative will drive the car and never happens with them I am about ready to give car back this issue has been going on too long, the car does this with no warning and it will scare U it jerks so hard I have by now got used to this but I am sick of it and needs to be resolved I owned a 2011 Jetta with no problems ever since I have had this one this incident has happened and nobody knows what it is!! maybe ya can help please!! I have been sitting at the dealership letting them check it out for the issue and have heard of others but no one has reported it this could become a issue if the car does not go upon acceleration could cause an accident or death!!

- Locust Fork, AL, USA

Read the next 7 complaints »