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2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 80,000 miles. It has 4.0 times the complaints of a typical Jetta Hybrid model year.

Year to avoid4.0x the typical complaints
Year score
24/100
Owner complaints
79
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
601
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
44mpg

The worst 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 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.

  • Transmission
    57
  • Engine
    14
  • Electrical
    9
  • Brakes
    8
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Airbags
    3
  • Visibility
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Stalling 15Transmission failure 15Check engine light 11Jerking 9Won't shift 7Loss of power 5

Recalls 3

Power train: automatic transmissionReported December 6, 2019 · 2,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission. Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing an internal transmission oil leak and a decrease in oil pressure.
Risk
A decrease in transmission oil pressure can cause the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit and, as necessary, replace affected parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J6.

Recall number 19V866000 · Recall details

Unknown or otherReported September 25, 2019 · 113 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible 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 repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 18V‑329.

Recall number 19V679000 · Recall details

Power trainReported November 14, 2013 · 3,837 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 2012 through October 2013 and equipped with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox. Due to gearbox fluid additives, the control module within the gearbox may corrode. The deposits from this corrosion may cause an electrical short and result in a stall-like condition.
Risk
This sudden loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 34F6/4V.

Recall number 13V568000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Defect investigations

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

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 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 Jetta Hybrid 601

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

See all 601 bulletins for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.4L 4‑cyl HybridFWD414844

What 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 25MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact attempted to shift into another gear however, the vehicle failed to respond. The driver pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes, and the vehicle drove as intended. The vehicle was driven to a nearby dealer, and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train) in 2023; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2023 · Transmission · 126,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate and hesitate. The contact stated that the transmission and hybrid warning lights and several other warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned the vehicle off. The contact turned the vehicle on and was able to place the vehicle into drive (D) and began to move forward however, he observed that the check transmission light was blinking. The contact stopped the vehicle shifted into park (P), then shifted into reverse (R) however, the vehicle failed to respond while shifting through PRNDL. The contact turned the vehicle off and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the mechatronic unit and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Apr 6, 2023 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power after the clutch disengaged. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train); however, the part for the repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Dec 21, 2022 · Transmission · 114,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced in 2017 however, the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Dec 2, 2022 · Transmission · 86,097 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the hybrid system fault message was displayed. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the hybrid system fault message was off however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to his residence with the warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the hybrid electric system was non-functional. The contact stated that he continued driving to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the dual clutch transmission to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and texted the contact that the failure occurred before the recall and would not be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 86,097.

Filed Oct 21, 2022 · Airbags · 111,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated, and the horn was inoperable. The failure was constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the clock spring for the vehicle was on national back order. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Sep 19, 2022 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into drive or reverse. The vehicle was stuck in neutral and failed to move. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2022 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that upon exiting his driveway, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then stated that he attempted to restart the vehicle however, the engine revved but failed to operate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2022 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train) however, the failure recurred while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, and the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2022 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that after shifting to drive(D), the vehicle would not accelerate or respond as needed. The contact attempted to shift into another gear however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.

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

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Other model years

2013201420152016

Questions about the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid reliable?

Owners have filed 79 complaints about the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, 4.0 times a typical Jetta Hybrid model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid year score?

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid scores 24 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: 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 Jetta Hybrid?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 57 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is engine (14).

How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid have?

3 recalls, covering power train and unknown or other.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 19V866000, 13V568000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid have bad transmission?

The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid model years with the most transmission complaints are 2013 (57 complaints) and 2014 (15 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid range from 44 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 41 city and 48 highway.

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