The Lemon Index2013 Volkswagen Golf.
The 2013 Volkswagen Golf is better than average by owner complaints: 33 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 77, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 22 to 32 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Golf year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 82 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Golf year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 77K miles on the car (58 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 14K–79K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 15K–82K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2019
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.
- unknown or other 2018
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.
- airbags 2018
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2016
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- airbags 2015
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 1381 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Possible oil leak from oil filter housing
- If electronic steering column lock was replaced or updated, would cause the remote keyless entry
- Due to accessory drive belt being damaged or missing, the charging system is inoperative
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2017–2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Volkswagen Golf 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Golf R 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Volkswagen Golf R 2 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 77; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Golf year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2013 Volkswagen Golf problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (39%), fuel or ev drive system (30%) and steering (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf get?
22 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2013 Volkswagen Golf problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,500 and 77,200 miles. The middle report was at 44,000 miles, from 58 complaints.
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
What Volkswagen Golf year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2020 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works