2013 Volkswagen Jetta Problems

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated and nearly caused a crash on the freeway. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING); one month before the failure; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with the cost for a diagnostic test and the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.

The car has turned off at idle and at low speeds, almost causing accidents and to be rear ended in busy streets and during stop and go traffic on the highway. After numerous mechanic diagnostics at both Volkswagen Dealership service departments and third party mechanic shops, no one seems to be able to give me an answer or condition to what is causing the problem. With no error codes being brought up nor any other underlying issues that could be causing this issue, with a car having minor wear. This is a problem that has been reported by many other Volkswagen Jetta owners on online forums and no one seems to have a specific answer as to what is causing this accident prone issue!

I am submitting this complaint regarding Safety Recall 34J6, which is listed as INCOMPLETE for my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen of Murfreesboro, Tennessee to have this recall performed. The dealership refused to complete the repair, claiming it was “too old” — a statement that is factually and legally incorrect. Federal law and NHTSA regulations require manufacturers and their dealerships to repair open safety recalls at no cost, with no expiration. The dealership’s refusal is a direct violation of these requirements and represents a serious safety risk to me and potentially to other drivers. I have already contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE, but the dealership has refused to perform the recall despite clear evidence that it remains open. Their inaction demonstrates noncompliance with federal safety regulations and unlawful denial of a mandated repair. I request that NHTSA investigate Volkswagen of Murfreesboro for refusal to perform a federally required recall, ensure that my vehicle receives the required repair immediately, and take appropriate enforcement action to prevent further violations. This behavior is unacceptable and poses a significant public safety risk.

While driving the vehicle at about 20mph about a week ago, the check hybrid light began flashing. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The vehicle has been diagnosed at a Volkswagen dealership service center as leaking hydraulic fluid from the transmission mechatronics control unit and needing a new transmission and hydraulic pump. This vehicle is not included on the Safety Recall Code: 34J6.

Hairline crack developed in the accumulator housing of the transmission (mechatronic unit), leaking and leading to insufficient transmission oil pressure. There is loss of power to the wheels. Was never notified and on last inspection they told me it was my fault. Recall code 34J6. The only thing the service department did was update the software, the issue was that before the update it was already damaged and they refused to replace the “MECHATRONICS UNIT” The car is not drive able, and is just sitting in my drive way.

The car has turned off at idle and at low speeds, almost causing accidents and to be rear ended in busy streets and during stop and go traffic on the highway. After numerous mechanic diagnostics at both Volkswagen Dealership service departments and third party mechanic shops, no one seems to be able to give me an answer or condition to what is causing the problem. With no error codes being brought up nor any other underlying issues that could be causing this issue, with a car having minor wear. This is a problem that has been reported by many other Volkswagen Jetta owners on online forums and no one seems to have a specific answer as to what is causing this accident prone issue!

Driving vehicle on highway, vehicle lost engine power, no acceleration possible. Attempt to restart vehicle resulted in no start. Subsequent evaluation of fault revealed high pressure fuel pump failure.

My car has 80,000 miles on it. The high pressure fuel pump sent metal shavings all through the entire system. Dealer quoted $9,000 to fix. This should have never happened. They said that the extended warranty from the diesel gate situation has expired and there’s nothing they can do. With the car only having 80,000 miles on it they should honor the warranty.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated and nearly caused a crash on the freeway. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING); one month before the failure; however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with the cost for a diagnostic test and the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.

The key will not come out of the ignition

Airbags did not deploy..as per police report

I discovered that my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has a completely nonfunctional airbag system. On 8/23/23- airbag warning light illuminated and has remained on. In 08/2025- Midas staff informed me the light may indicate an airbag defect and referred me to Volkswagen. On 09/24/2025- Volkswagen dealer inspection documented both front crash sensors were unplugged/damaged, leaving the airbag system inoperable. Safety concern: I unknowingly drove this car for over two years with no functional airbags. This created a severe risk of injury or death in the event of a motor vehicle accident. This car was sold by Carvana as having passed a 150-point inspection and under warranty coverage. However, Carvana later stated that they have a disclaimer that shifts the responsibility of the car being safe to drive onto the consumer, and that they never claimed the car had a functioning air bag system.

I would assume the issue had something to do with the power train. 2 days after i had bought the car my wife and i were on our way to the gym and we had just came to a complete stop. Upon entering the highway the car would no longer accelerate no matter how much pressure was put on the accelerator pedal. The engine light also came on. Luckily there were no cars behind me and I was able to pull over with the car moving on its own. This is really dangerous. This has happened to me multiple times. I have taken it back to the dealership i had bought the car from and they have a private mechanic that solely works for the company. He has scanned for any codes and has told me no codes are populating so he’s not sure why the engine light is still on. It was taken to a VW dealership and the vehicle will no longer start. There was an electrical issue at some point and now might be a transmission issue along with other things.

I was driving on a rainy day on the freeway where my breaks went out on me. I pressed down all of the way and the car wouldn’t stop. After I let go of the break I then pressed on the break again and they seemed to have locked on me. I ended up using my emergency breaks and was able to get off the freeway and luckily no one was hurt. Soon after they started working again and I was able to get it safely to a near by shop.

The car has turned off at idle and at low speeds, almost causing accidents and to be rear ended in busy streets and during stop and go traffic on the highway. After numerous mechanic diagnostics at both Volkswagen Dealership service departments and third party mechanic shops, no one seems to be able to give me an answer or condition to what is causing the problem. With no error codes being brought up nor any other underlying issues that could be causing this issue, with a car having minor wear. This is a problem that has been reported by many other Volkswagen Jetta owners on online forums and no one seems to have a specific answer as to what is causing this accident prone issue!

Component Failure: Airbag Light is On, No steering wheel electronic controls work including cruise control. Safety: I'm uncertain if the Airbag will deploy in the event of a crash. Dealer Confirmed: Dealer states the Steering Wheel Clock Spring requires replacement, but that it is not a part of the VW recall issued August 2015. Inspected: Hiley VW Dealership inspected the vehicle Warning Lamps: Airbag Light is currently on. Uncertain when it started since I'm the 2nd owner of the vehicle.

I have had my headlights replaced 3 times by a certified mechanic within the last year. While I was driving on the highway, my low beams and high beams on both sides went out. Extreme safety issue!

MY JETTA SE 2013 KEEPS STALLING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENED SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP A COUPLE OF TIMES, AND NOTHING WRONG WAS FOUND. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES DURING THE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST HAVE BEEN IN A COUPLE OF DEADLY ACCIDENTS. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IN REGULAR STREETS AT ABOUT 30-40MPH.I HAVE BEEN READING THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, BUT SO FAR VW HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ALSO, BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING ANYMORE. IT SEEMS MIGHT BE AN ISSUE WITH SOME SENSORS, BUT NOTHING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY.

Airbags did not deploy..as per police report

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that whenever the temperature fell below 20 degrees, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact stated that the Body Control Module (BCM) had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,900.

Unknown

Making loud noises when turning and steering wheel shakes really bad

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that whenever the temperature fell below 20 degrees, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact stated that the Body Control Module (BCM) had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,900.

I had just gotten in my car with my wife to go to the grocery store. There was a small mosquito flying around the windshield on the driver's side. I extended my right arm, flicked my wrist, smashing the mosquito with the backs of my fingers. In squashing the mosquito with VERY little force I cracked my windshield significantly. The windshield in question was installed by Safelite in Martinez GA in 2019 after the previous windshield was cracked by a rock thrown from the road. My concern is Safelite is installing sub-par windshields and if this windshield had been hit by a rock thrown by a vehicle it would've killed me. I have tried to bring this issue to Safelite's attention but they dismissed what I told them and said anyone could say that to have their windshield fixed for free. In my opinion this is obviously a case of defective materials and should be covered by their lifetime warranty.

Tire size 205/50R17 Tire belt broke without warning and caused a large bubble in the side of my tire. Tire was out of balance and the cars stability was immediately reduced while on the highway. Had to be replaced with only 8,000 miles on it.

TOYO 225/45R-17XL 94V ULTRA Z-900 ALL SEASON BW, DOT 73H8 2650116. 2013 JETTA TDI VIN [XXX] TWO OF THESE TIRES FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. IN BOTH CASES THE SIDEWALL DEVELOPED A BULGE ON THE OUTER SIDEWALL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WITHIN 3400 MILES. THE NEXT FAILURE OCCURRED WITHIN 22000 MILES. THESE TIRES ARE RATED FOR 65000 MILES. IN THE FIRST CASE LES SCHWAB REPLACED IT AT NO CHARGE. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $143.93. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THESE TIRES. SINCE 2 OUT OF 5 TIRES FAILED IN THE SAME MANNER WITHIN 22,000 MILES, I SUSPECT THERE MIGHT BE. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THERE IS? THANK YOU! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

BOTH FRONT BUCKET SEATS ' BACKRESTS ARE TILTED INWARDS. ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT THIS CAUSES UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER TO TILT HIS NECK SLIGHTLY OUTWARDS TO CORRECT THE INWARDS TILTING AND PRODUCES A LONG TERM NECK PAIN EFFECT OF WHICH HE IS UNAWARE OF ITS SOURCE . IF YOU PUT A STRING AROUND THE BACK REST AND SLIDE IT DOWN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AND YOU CAN CLEARLY MEASURE THE DIFFERENCE IN DEPTH DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CORD ON BOTH VERTICAL ENDS OF THE BACKREST AS YOU SLIDE IT DOWN. I DID THE TEST RECENTLY IN FRONT OF A VW TECHNICIAN AND HE AGREED WITH ME THAT THE BACKREST WAS TILTED INWARDS. I FIRST REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WHEN THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER FULL WARRANTY IN SEPTEMBER 2016 WHEN I JUST BOUGHT IT WITH 24,000 MILES. AT THAT TIME THEY SAID THEY DEPENDED ON THE DEALERS MECHANICS OPINION. BUT THE TECHS ONCE CONFRONTED PREFERED NOT TO ANALYZE EVIDENCE THAT WAS UNFAMILIAR AND POTENTIALLY COMPROMISING. I WENT BACK TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA RECENTLY WITH A FULL CONFIRMATION OF THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM THAT AFTER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES OF USING BACK REST CUSHIONS AND A STIFF NECK PAIN TO SHOW I WAS ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THERE WAS CLEAR REASON TO RECALL AND REPLACE AT LEAST THE DRIVER'S SEAT . FURTHERMORE DURING THE PANDEMIA I STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS AND THE NECK PAIN FADED MOSTLY AWAY . AT THIS MOMENT A SUPERVISOR FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CALLED ME BACK AND SAID RUDELY THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE SEAT IF THEY WERE MANDATED BY A RECALL. SO HERE I AM...PURSUING A SOLUTION TO A HIDDEN-HARD TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM THAT I BELIEVE NOT ONLY AFFECTS MY CAR GENERATION BUT OTHER MODELS OF VOLKSWAGEN MANUFACTURING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED AUTOMATICALLY AT EVERY STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST PALM BEACH AT 561-935-4490 (LOCATED AT 3001 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

JETTA HAS ODOR WHEN AC IS TURNED ON. SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATES THE CIRCULATORY (C) MUST BE USED AT ALL TIMES. DOES NOT CORRECT ISSUE . FIRST TIME SERVICE DEPARTMENT TCO'D. 2ND TIME BACK TO SHOP, THEY WANTED 150.00 TO REPAIR AFTER 3 MONTHS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT. PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY CAUSED BY AIR CONDENSOR FLUID POOLING IN VALVE INSTEAD OF EVAPORATING. POOR ENGINEERING. CAUSES LIGHT HEAD MUST OPEN WINDOWS FOR FRESH AIR. PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON'S AND SENSITIVE NERVOUS SYSTEMS SHOULD AVOID THIS CAR.

THE DUNLOP SPORT SP 01 A/S 18" TIRES THAT COME AS STANDARD ON CERTAIN TRIM LEVELS OF THE VW JETTA GLI / GTI ARE DEFECTIVE IMO. I AM NOW GOING TO REPLACE THE 4TH TIRE IN 29,000 MILES OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE SINCE NEW FROM THE SAME / SIMILAR ISSUE; BUBBLES AND SIDEWALL DEFECTS, AND MOST RECENTLY AS OF TODAY A BLOWOUT IN THE LEFT LANE OF A 4 LANE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AFTER A MINOR ROAD IMPACT (DID NOT JAR CABIN OR WASN'T PARTICULARLY SEVERE) 200 MILES ALWAYS FROM HOME. GO ONLINE TO PLACES LIKE TIRERACK.COM AND SEARCH THE WEB, THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING WITH THIS TIRE AND IN THE APPROXIMATELY 30,000-40,000 MILES A YEAR OF DRIVING I PUT ON TWO VEHICLES COMBINED (IN WHICH I AVERAGE A NEW CAR PURCHASE EVERY YEAR AND HALF), ONLY THESE TIRES HAVE EVER BEEN AN ISSUE AND VW EQUIPS THESE ON BOTH THE GLI AND GTI WITH THE SAME SAID COMPLAINTS, WHILE OTHER BRANDS OF TIRES IN THE SAME SIZE DO NOT HAVE THE COMPLAINTS LIKE THESE. I DO REALIZE THEY ARE LOWER PROFILE AND COULD BE PRONE TO MORE SIDEWALL DAMAGE, BUT IN ALL HONESTY THEY ARE JUST NOT BUILT TO PRACTICAL HIGHWAY STRENGTH STANDARDS AS I AGAIN DRIVE OTHER VEHICLES IN THE SAME CONDITION WITH NO ILL TIRE AFFECTS. AFTER TODAY'S HIGHWAY BLOWOUT I REALIZE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE MORE THAN JUST A NUISANCE AS A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER MAY HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. VW OF AMERICA COULD MOST LIKELY ELIMINATE THIS BY FITTING THEIR VEHICLES WITH OTHER BRANDS. *TR

REAR SEAT BELTS ON BOTH SIDES ARE FRAYED. CAR HAS 54,000 MILES. BACK SEATS ARE RARELY IF EVER USED SO IT ISN'T FROM WEAR OR MISUSE. WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS.

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON IN MY DASH. MY SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED IN. SO I PULLED OVER AND UNBUCKLED MY SEAT BELT AND BUCKLED BACK UP. BUT IT DIDN'T TURN OFF THE SEAT BELT LIGHT. I DID IT FOR A COUPLE MORE TIMES. STILL DIDN'T WORK. I SHUT THE CAR DOWN AND WAITED MOMENTARILY. TURNED IT BACK ON. TRIED BUCKLING BACK UP TO NO LUCK. THE WHOLE CAR RIDE TO WORK HAD A ANNOYING SEAT BELT CHARM. 2013 JETTA GLI WITH 48K MILES.

HYDRAULIC FLUID FOR CLUTCH ACTUATOR LEAKING AT CONNECTION FROM REAR MAIN SEAL TO ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTOR.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would vibrate and jerk. The contact also mentioned that the braking system failed to function as designed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mechatronic unit and the dual clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.