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2013 Volkswagen CC problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Volkswagen CC is airbags, typically around 48,000 miles. It has 1.7 times the complaints of a typical CC model year.

Typical year1.7x the typical complaints
Year score
52/100
Owner complaints
148
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
1,0311 warranty
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
20-25mpg

The worst 2013 Volkswagen CC problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Volkswagen CC

Stalling 14Airbag light 10Check engine light 7Fuel pump 6

Recalls 5

Unknown or otherReported May 16, 2018 · 252 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI 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.
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298.

Recall number 18V329000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported March 6, 2018 · 363,713 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V‑078.

Recall number 18V148000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported August 16, 2017 · 280,915 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Recall number 17V509000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 10, 2016 · 659,493 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen 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.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834.

Recall number 16V078000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported August 4, 2015 · 415,825 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen 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.
Risk
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑822‑8987.

Recall number 15V483000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen CC

Defect investigations

Clockspring failureOpened April 18, 2018, closed November 6, 2026

In August 2015, VW launched Safety Recall 15V‑483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clock spring. VW’s recall indicated that debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in the contamination and ultimately failure of the clock spring in 2010-2014 MY CC, Eos, GTI, Golf, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Passat, and Tiguan models. The contamination of the clock spring by debris, such as human hair, can cause the flat ribbon cable to tear. This results in the loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls. The clock spring is designed so that the flat cable inside will break with minimum force to prevent it from impeding movement of the steering wheel. The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag results in the immediate illumination of the air bag warning light and prevents the deployment of the front driver air bag in a collision of sufficient severity. A torn clock spring also causes audible grinding noises from the area of the steering wheel/driver air bag or steering column while steering. The failure of the clock spring does not impair vehicle control or drivability (steering, brakes, acceleration). In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ17009 after receiving complaints that alleged the failure of the clock spring in the subject models. While the majority of these complaints involved vehicles excluded from the original recall, several complaints involved vehicles that had received the remedy for Recall 15V‑483. On April 18, 2018, ODI upgraded the investigation to Engineering Analysis EA18003 after receiving additional complaints concerning the recall remedy and scope of Recall 15V‑483. During the investigation, VW identified certain 2015-2018 MY vehicles that share a common steering wheel clock spring with the vehicles covered under Recall 15V‑483. VW began using a different clock spring design starting with the 2019 MY Jetta. This new part is not compatible with previous model years due to the communication properties between the clock spring and the vehicle, including the air bag control module. In October 2018, VW released Warranty Extensions AWA-18-18 and VWP-18-11, which established a 15-year, unlimited mileage coverage for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring for vehicles included in the scope of Recall 15V‑483. For certain 2010-2018 MY vehicles outside of the recall scope, a 10-year, 120,000-mile coverage was given. Vehicles repaired under these warranty extensions receive replacement clock springs at no charge to the consumer. In early 2023, VW updated AWA-18-18 (now AWA-23-01) and VWP-18-11 to upgrade certain vehicles and model years from the 10-year, 120,000-mile coverage to the 15-year, unlimited mileage coverage option. These warranty extensions cover vehicles with recall remedy failures as well as vehicles outside of the Recall 15V‑483 scope that exhibited similar failures. In view of the circumstances, including the high detectability of the subject failure and warranty extensions issued by VW, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. the federal safety agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

EA18003

Air Bag Clockspring FailureOpened November 13, 2017, closed May 4, 2018

In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V‑483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V‑483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the federal safety agency reports described above.To date, the federal safety agency has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.This Recall Query has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-003) to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V‑483 and perform a review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 107626

RQ17009

Air Bag Clockspring FailureOpened March 24, 2015, closed September 28, 2015

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.Complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.When the SCCM fails electrically, an air bag warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle.If a vehicle with a failed SCCM were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly, or deploy at all.As the result of an Information Request response from Volkswagen, ODI determined that the same SCCM was used in several vehicle models and MYs including: 2010-2013 CC, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2013 Golf, 2012-2013 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, 2010 and 2012-2014 Passat and 2011-2014 Tiguan.ODI identified a total of 29 the federal safety agency complaints across all affected vehicles potentially indicating a failed SCCM.Drivers often indicated that an audible noise was heard from the steering column when the unit failed. Some drivers also mentioned that there was a noticeable but minor resistance to turning of the steering wheel after the failure with noises coming from the steering column.The average failure mileage is approximately 30,500 miles and failures often occur outside of the factory warranty.There were no reported crashes or injuries identified in either the federal safety agency or Volkswagen data as a result of SCCM failures.On July 30th, 2015 Volkswagen notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V‑483) to remedy the SCCMs in 415,825 MY2010-2014 vehicles.According to Volkswagen, the SCCM can become contaminated with human hair or similar fibers entering the unit between the steering wheel and steering column.Over time this can cause the electrical cable to tear and lose connection between the steering wheel and vehicle.Volkswagen will install a cover that attaches over the SCCM to help prevent contaminants from entering the unit.A new SCCM designed to reduce outside contamination intrusion was previously introduced into new vehicle production during the 2014 model year; accordingly vehicles equipped with the new design SCCM are not included in the recall.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer addresses the safety risks identified by the investigation.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10760644, 10758777, 10748922, 110734168, 10731545, 10721424, 10717651, 10715305, 10713742, 10713139, 10712295, 10711945, 10704830, 10704221, 10702926, 10702212, 10701406, 10691906, 10683944, 10682136, 10672715, 10670517, 10669312, 10628549, 10607240, 10575783, 10561143, 10552113, 10397670.

PE15010

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Volkswagen CC 1,031

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,031 bulletins for the 2013 Volkswagen CC

2013 Volkswagen CC fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2231-3225
3.6L 6‑cylFWD172721
3.6L 6‑cylAWD172520

What 2013 Volkswagen CC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

While I was driving I notice my steering wheel making a crumbling of plastic noise when I made any kind of turn . A few days later my Airbag error lamp started to blink. I parked and restarted my engine then the airbag became solid . My dash read “Airbag Error” . I notice all my steering wheel buttons do not work . Came home and neither does my horn . My car has never been in accident , but I feel it’s a safety hazard . I’m basically driving mute and I’m sure my airbag will not deploy in case of accident . Also, Vw does have a recall on the Clock spring but was never completed due to not hearing back from manufacturer . That was a few years back and do not understand how recalls work , but a recall was started for a reason and NOT completed. Is that even possible? This a serious safety issue if I’m in an accident without an Airbag . Also the horn will not work in case to warn other drivers of a possible fatal hazard

Filed Jul 22, 2022 · Airbags, Electrical · 79,652 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen CC. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that no fault codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,652.

Filed Jun 30, 2021 · Airbags · 115,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen CC. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light would remain illuminated and the horn would not operate. In addition, the cruise control was inoperable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15V483000 (Air Bags). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Sep 6, 2019 · Airbags · 48,000 miles · NV · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen cc. While the contact was approaching an intersection to make a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the rear passenger door of her vehicle at a speed of between 55-70 MPH. The contact stated that only the steering wheel air bag deployed. None of the side impact air bags deployed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The impact of the crash caused the gear shift, dashboard, and battery compartments of the contact's vehicle to crumble inward and break apart. As a result, the contact's right leg and hip were pinned down. The contact struck the windshield and suffered a dislocated knee cap, pelvis fractures in three places, four broken ribs, nine stitches to the forehead, cuts and bruises on both arms, two seizures, and a burn to the face due to the steering wheel air bag. The other driver suffered head injuries. The contact was hospitalized for five days. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by the contact's insurance company to their location for investigation. Findlay volkswagen (983 auto show dr, henderson, nv 89014, (702) 558-6600) was informed of the failure and advised the contact to call the federal safety agency. The vehicle was currently in the process of being appraised to determine if it was totaled. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2019 · Airbags · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen cc. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v148000 (air bags). The contact called heritage volkswagen of south atlanta at 678‑263‑3711 (located at 305 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Jul 23, 2019 · Electrical · 77,000 miles · FL

Regarding the ongoing investiagtion for failed replacement of the clock spring recall. (the federal safety agency action number: ea18003). Two weeks ago, while turning into a parking spot my steering wheel made a discerning clicking sound. After returning to my car I noticed an airbag error as well as all controls on the steering wheel not functioning including the horn. Since then these problems have remained. I have checking my VIN to see if the previous owner had the clock spring replaced for the recall but there are none. I presume that the replacement clock spring is faulty just like the one that was replaced.

Filed Jul 16, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 49,391 miles · VA

While driving in rush hour traffic at 43 to 50 MPH, vehicle suddenly loss ability to move while engine was still running, (like it had been switched to neutral). The engine just revved as the car came to a stop on the highway without warning. The park brake light came on and the drive indicator light started flashing. This was a very unsafe condition while other drivers were blowing and yelling at me for blocking traffic. After sitting for about 7 to 10 minutes the vehicle was restarted and drove normally.

Filed Jun 25, 2019 · Lights · 40,000 miles · VA

Low beam lights stop working. Turn lights off and then back on, lights would work for 3 minutes. Must repeat to keep lights on. This is both in motion and stationary.

Filed Mar 27, 2019 · Lights · 45,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen cc. The contact stated that the rear brake lights failed to operate when the brake pedal was depressed. The lamp warning indicator illuminated. The dealer wsa not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 15, 2019 · Engine · 111,000 miles · KY

Failure of the inlet maifold found from check engine light. It has happened twice 2 years apart. One at approx.92000 and again at 111000

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2013 Volkswagen CC before you buy

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2013 Volkswagen CC

Is the 2013 Volkswagen CC reliable?

Owners have filed 148 complaints about the 2013 Volkswagen CC, 1.7 times a typical CC model year.

What is the 2013 Volkswagen CC year score?

The 2013 Volkswagen CC scores 52 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen CC: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Volkswagen CC?

Airbags, with 89 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles. Next is engine (20).

How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen CC have?

5 recalls, covering unknown or other, air bags and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Volkswagen CC airbags?

Yes, 3 recalls: 18V148000, 16V078000, 15V483000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen CC have bad airbags?

The Volkswagen CC model years with the most airbags complaints are 2013 (89 complaints), 2012 (86 complaints) and 2010 (84 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen CC get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Volkswagen CC range from 20 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 31-32 highway.

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