The Lemon Index2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is about average by owner complaints: 179 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 87, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 25 to 44 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 633 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta 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 33K to 86K miles on the car (435 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 46K–100K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 35K–85K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 24K–84K miles
Recalls 8
- brakes 2020
The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- transmission & drivetrain 2019
Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing an internal transmission oil leak and a decrease in oil pressure.
- unknown or other 2019
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.
Show all 8 recalls
- electrical 2019
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.".
- 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.
- suspension 2014
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.
- engine 2014
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- transmission & drivetrain 2013
Due to gearbox fluid additives, the control module within the gearbox may corrode.
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 1795 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Possible oil leak from oil filter housing
- Volkswagen; possible oil leak after oil filter change
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- 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 Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
In owners' words
Jetta hybrid. Loss of traction while ascending steep driveway. Never happened before even with another hybrid.
2013 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 10513280
More owner reports
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....
NHTSA complaint 10622643
Ignition switch will not release the key can not turn off engine( three times the weekend of 6 11 2016)
NHTSA complaint 10873805
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 87; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2013 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (23%), electrical (22%) and transmission & drivetrain (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta have?
8 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta get?
25 to 44 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 33,000 and 86,000 miles. The middle report was at 62,000 miles, from 435 complaints.
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 22% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2020 and 2015.
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