Home · 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hev · Complaints

What 586 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (586)Crash / fire / injury (20)Transmission & drivetrain (195)Electrical system (156)Engine (125)Fuel system (38)Steering (36)Airbags (32)Brakes (30)Speed control (21)Lights (17)Body & structure (15)

Newest first · 586 complaints · page 18 of 24

Sep 29, 2016Fuel system

LEFT MY HOUSE TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. GROCERY STORE IS ABOUT 3 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. WAS THEREFORE MAYBE 15 MINUTES, THEN WENT ACROSS THE STREET TO BUY LUNCH. PARKED CAR OUTSIDE RESTAURANT, AND WAS TAKING MY FOOD TO GO. GOT BACK TO MY CAR ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER TO HEAD BACK HOME. ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING RESTAURANT I WAS CROSSING BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN MY GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON, WITHIN IN MINUTE MY CAR HAD COMPLETELY STALLED OUT AND DID NOT COME BACK ON. CAR WAS TOWED TO VW DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD MY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM HAD EXPLODED AND EVERYTHING HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE I WAS GIVEN IS FOR $6,374.48.

NHTSA ODI 10910477

Sep 20, 2016

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND CANNOT TURN VEHICLE OFF AND REMOVE.

NHTSA ODI 10908080

Sep 20, 2016Engine

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. LOST POWER. WENT FROM 70 TO 25 MPH ALMOST INSTANTLY. LIMPED ALONG BERM TO EXIT 2.5 MILES. SHUT OFF ENGINE. RESTARTED ENGINE. LOUD CLATTERING SOUND. SHUT OFF ENGINE AS SMOKE ROLLED FROM UNDER HOOD. TURBO FAILURE. NO WARNING LIGHTS LEADING UP TO EVENT. DEALER HAS PHOTOS.

NHTSA ODI 10908175

Sep 20, 2016Visibility & wipers

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH, BUT IT FAILED TO FUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE WINDOW REMAINED IN THE DOWNWARD POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDOW SWITCH PREVIOUSLY FAILED TO DEPRESS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 10908265

Sep 12, 2016Lights

HEAD LIGHTS BULBS ARE PREMATURELY BURNING OUT.. TEE BULBS WERE REPLACED AT THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. ONE NIGHT WHILE I WAS DRIVING BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT EXACTLY THE SAME TIME AND SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BULBS TWICE AND MY DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS.

NHTSA ODI 10905782

Sep 9, 2016Steering

KEY STUCK IN IGNITION, CAR WON'T TURN OFF.

NHTSA ODI 10905003

Sep 8, 2016

UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY TO TURN OFF VEHICLE, VEHICLE WAS IN PARK POSITION. VW WAS TOWED TO VW DEALERSHIP

NHTSA ODI 10904783

Sep 7, 2016

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI 10904412

Sep 6, 2016Electrical system

2013 JETTA SE WITH 79K ON IT AND THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION - IT'S AT THE DEALER NOW AND I'M SURE FROM WHAT I'VE READ IT'S GOING TO BE RATHER COSTLY TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT VW IS AWARE OF AND NOT WILLING TO RECALL. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS AND NEVER ENCOUNTERED ANYTHING LIKE THIS - ABSURD.

NHTSA ODI 10903922

Sep 1, 2016BrakesCrash

BRAKES DO NOT RESPOND PROPERLY

NHTSA ODI 10903055

Aug 26, 2016

MY 2013 JETTA HAS 37,000 MILES, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. I DROVE TO MY DAUGHTERS AND PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND THE KEY WAS LOCKED IN THE IGNITION. I COULDNT TURN THE CAR OFF OR GET THE KEY OUT. I CALLED A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A TRICK TO GETTING MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION SO I COULD TURN MY CAR OFF. THE LADY AT THE DEALER LAUGHED AND SAID YES THERE IS A TRICK ILL TRANSFER YOU TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE MAN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND HOW TO JIGGLE THE KEY AND TURN IT BACK AND FORTH AND SHOULD WORK. IT WORKED WHEN I GOT HOME. LAST NIGHT I WENT TO GROCERY STORE AND SAME THING MY CAR WOULDNT TURN OFF THE KEY WAS LOCKED. I TRIED THE METHOD THAT THE SERVICE MAN TOLD ME TO DO AND STILL WOULDNT TURN OFF. I DROVE THE CAR TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO TURN MY CAR OFF AND THEY COULDNT. THEY SENT ME HOME WITH A RENTAL AND TOOK MY CAR INTO THE SERVICE GARAGE. FOR ALL I KNOW ITS STILL RUNNING. SO THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY FAIL TO RECALL THIS IGNITION AND MAKE THE CAR OWNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE PART AND THE LABOR TO INSTALL. THE IGNITION SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 10898751

Aug 22, 2016Lights

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS YEAR I HAVE NEEDED TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS. THIS TIME EVEN THE REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS NO WORKING HEADLIGHTS. JUST THE HIGH BEAMS, PARK LIGHTS, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WORK, BUT NOT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT AND MY VEHICLE IS HIGHLY MAINTAINED AND IN GREAT CONDITION. YET, I KEEP SUFFERING WITH THE SAME HEADLIGHT PROBLEM. I DON'T BELIEVE IT'S THE BULBS AND MY MECHANIC HAS EVEN TOLD ME IT'S A FAULT WITH THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 10897818

Aug 21, 2016Transmission & drivetrain

I FIRST TOOK THIS CAR TO THE DEALER IN LATE 2015 TO REPORT AN UNUSUAL DRIVING CHARACTERISTIC I HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED IN OVER 40 YEARS OF DRIVING. WHEN INCHING FORWARD OR BACKWARDS IN THIS CAR, THERE IS A "JERKY" UNEXPECTED, TEMPORARY SURGING OF THE VEHICLE. THE EXPERIENCED VW MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THIS TO A "DRY CLUTCH" THAT OPERATES MUCH LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHEN SLIGHTLY RELEASING THE BRAKE TO MOVE SLOWLY EITHER FORWARD OR BACKWARDS, THE CAR HAS BEEN PROGRAMMED TO "RELEASE" THE CLUTCH AND MOVE FORWARD -- SINCE MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THE BRAKE IS RELEASED THAT IS WHAT THE DRIVER INTENDS. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE JUST RELEASING THE BRAKE TO INCH FORWARD OR BACKWARDS, AS WHEN PARKING, THE SUDDEN SURGE FEELS VERY UNEXPECTED AND DANGEROUS. IN AUGUST 2016, WE NOTICED A LARGE POOL FLUID UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. AFTER DRIVING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE MECHATRONIC DRY CLUTCH UNIT HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE NEW MECHATRONICS UNIT WAS INSTALLED, UNDER WARRANTY AND WITHOUT ANY COST TO US, WE REALIZED TWO DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS NOT EXPERIENCED BEFORE: 1) THE DASHBOAD DISPLAYED THE GEAR THE CAR WAS IN FOR THE FIRST TIME, I.E., D1, D2 THROUGH D7. THAT FEATURE HAD SIMPLY NEVER WORKED BEFORE, UNBEKNOWST TO US AT THE TIME; 2) THE CAR DROVE WITH MORE POWER, AND IT APPEARS BETTER GAS MILEAGE AS WELL SO FAR. THE SERVICE REP MENTIONED THAT THE MECHANIC HAD TO SEE THE PHYSICAL MECHANTRONICS UNIT FIRST, BECAUSE IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL BY VIN # ALONE IF IT IS THE CORRECT PART. THE CONCLUSION I HAVE DRAWN IS THAT THE WRONG MECHATRONICS UNIT WAS INSTALLED ON OUR CAR ORIGINALLY, WHICH CAUSED NOT ONLY BAD DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS, BUT ALSO DID NOT REGISTER THE GEAR THE CAR WAS IN ON THE DASHBOARD READOUT. I HAVE A REMAINING QUESTION WHAT OTHER DAMAGE THIS CAUSED TO THE CAR, AND HOW VW INTENDS WILL HANDLE THAT IN THE FUTURE.

NHTSA ODI 10897500

Aug 4, 2016SteeringBrakesEngine

MY CAR DISPLAYS NO PROBLEMS ON THE DASH, THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ON BUT WHEN I AM DRIVING THE CAR STALLS AND SOMETIMES JUST SHUTS OFF LOCKING MY BRAKES AND STEERING. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS GOING UNDER 20MPH. AFTER IT SHUTS OF I HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK TO RESTART AND IT RESTARTS WITHOUT A PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 10893236

Aug 1, 2016Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,600.

NHTSA ODI 10892056

Jul 24, 2016Airbags

MY WIFE MUST SIT ON AN EXTRA SEAT CUSHION IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. BUT WHEN SHE DOES THE AIR BAGS DEACTIVATE. SO AIR BAGS WON'T DEPLOY AROUND HER SEAT. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO WAY TO SWITCH THE AIR BAGS ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! THERE SHOULD BE A WAY TO SWITCH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS ON SO THEY WILL DEPLOY IF THERE IS IMPACT.

NHTSA ODI 10888047

Jul 20, 2016Body & structureElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH HIGH WIND, THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR PLASTIC PROTECTOR FELL OFF. THE AC UNIT NEEDED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT COSTING 1600 AND NOW THE IDEAL WHILE TURNING ON CAR IS VERY HIGH. SOUND ALMOST LIKE IT DID WHEN I HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR THE ELECTRICAL RECALL IN THE LAST YEARS. DOORS ARE SQUEAK WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING. AND WHILE DRIVING A NOISE THAT SOUND LIKE CHAINS RATTLES THROUGH OUT THE CAR WHICH IS A VERY IRRITATING SOUND.

NHTSA ODI 10886167

Jul 16, 2016Steering

KEY STICKS IN IGNITION LOCK AND UNABLE TO REMOVE. WENT TO DEALER AND TOLD IT HAPPENS, NO RECALL, AND WILL COST OVER $400.00 TO FIX.

NHTSA ODI 10885232

Jul 15, 2016Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HORN SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER DID NOT SPECIFY WHAT CAUSED THE HORN SYSTEM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 10884968

Jul 7, 2016Fuel system

I PURCHASED THE CAR ON 3/2013, BY 5/2016 THE AC COMPRESSOR FAILED AND I HAD TO PAY $1,000 TO REPLACE, 2 WEEKS LATER THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, THIS WAS VERY UNSAFE I HAD MY CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT AND WE COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE VW REFUSES TO REPAIR BECAUSE A THEY SAY IT'S NOT A DEFAULTY FUEL PUMP. THE DEALER SERVICE STATES IT SHOULD BE APPROVED AND COVERED FOR FULL REPAIR. NOW, I HAVE A $4,000 BILL I CAN'T PAY, A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE AND A CAR PAYMENT FOR A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE. I NEED HELP WITH THIS DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA ODI 10883166

Jun 29, 2016Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA ODI 10881416

Jun 29, 2016

I HAVE A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SE PZEV 2.5 IT HAS 58,000 MILES. THE AC COMPRESSOR WENT OUT NOW STILL PAYING OFF CAR I ALSO AM PAYING FOR AN NEW AC COMPRESSOR ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR THAT IS 1600 TO FIX. THE CAR MIRROR PLASTIC PIECE ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR FALLS OFF AND LOOSENS WHILE DRIVING.ALSO WHILE DRIVING A RATTLING NOISE IS HEARD IT SOUNDS LIKE CHAINS IT'S FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR OR WHERE THE SHIFT STICK TO PARK, DRIVE ETC . AND THE PASSENGER DOORS MAKE NOISES LIKE ITS LOOSE WHILE OPENING AND CLOSING DOORS. THERE'S A JOLT FEELING WHILE DRIVING LIKE TRANSMISSION JOLTS. THE CAR WHILE TURN IT ON MAKES A HUMMING UNPLEASANT NOISE LIKE ITS MISSING FLUID.

NHTSA ODI 10881547

Jun 23, 2016Engine

FAULTY ENGINE COIL

NHTSA ODI 10876290

Jun 22, 2016

IGNITION KEY WILL STICK IN LOCK FOR NO KNOWN REASON,KEY WILL NOT TURN AT ALL , IT FEELS AS IF IT IS MECHANICALLY LOCKED IN THE IGNITION,ADDED SOME GRAPHITE TO IGNITION LOCK NO DIFFERENCE NOTED, HAVE BEEN STUCK IN PARKING AREAS AND OTHER PLACES UNTIL KEY WAS ABLE TO UN-STICK. VERY FRUSTRATING, THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY AND ONLY WHEN TURN "OFF" IGNITION.. VERY SIMILAR TO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE. HAS HAPPENED APPROX 100 TIMES

NHTSA ODI 10875965

Jun 18, 2016Transmission & drivetrain

WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY LOOSE POWER OR TRANSMISSION FAILURE. IT'LL FEEL LIKE IT'S IN NUETRAL. DIAGNOSTIC TEST CAN'T PICK IT UP SO WHAT CAN WE DO AS CONSUMERS? KEEP COMPLAINING NOBODY IS HEARING US. DAMAGE!!

NHTSA ODI 10874984

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Working with the data? Download all 586 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hev verdict →