What 586 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hev

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ODI 11495779

Transmision slips into neutral, stopping car in traffic, other jetta hybrids fall under recall for same reason, it also leaks fluid from Transmission

NHTSA ODI 11492436

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.

NHTSA ODI 11485292

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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11484836

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ODI 11484590

This is a hybrid car and the power train at low rpm’s should transfer the fuel source from gas to battery. This function should occur in a stop position as well. The car now shifts in and out of battery power source and hesitates severely from a stop position. It sounds very much like the recall of over 25% of these vehicles for the mechtronic issues. My car was not included in the recall but I believe this is the same or similar dangerous issue. I have communicate that with VWoA with no results.

NHTSA ODI 11481499

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.

NHTSA ODI 11481076

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission disengaged causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted and regained power and proper transmission function. The contact stated that occasionally, several attempts were needed before the vehicle operated as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V866000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 83,500.

NHTSA ODI 11472310

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle and the vehicle continued to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. While at the dealer, an unknown software update was performed. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472413

Transmission shifts hard and told to this is a common problem with the Jetta hybrids.

NHTSA ODI 11471593

The mechatronic unit in the transmission failed without warning and caused the vehicle to not move while while in traffic. This issue plagues almost every Jetta Hybrid and VW of America will not correct this serious safety issue. This transmission has an extremely high failure rate and needs to be recalled across the board. VW has issued a recall for this issue but is not including all Jetta Hybrids that are experiencing this exact issue. An investigation needs to happen!

NHTSA ODI 11469394

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated after starting his vehicle, he was unable to move the gear shifter into a desired gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the mechatronic assembly unit to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,918.

NHTSA ODI 11463339

Vehicles transmission is falling in the same manner as described by the current recall. VW claims the VIN is not covered. The car is experiencing the same issue. Many owners cannot get this fixed because VW claims the VIN is not covered.

NHTSA ODI 11459873

-The Jetta Hybrid relies on a control unit, called the "Mechatronic unit" to decouple the gasoline engine from the transmission. This, in turn, transfers propulsion to the electric motor, inside the transmission housing. The "Mechatronic" is a highly specialized component, the "brains" of the Jetta's hybrid powertrain, and, therefore, can only be found in the Jetta Hybrid. -Market sales data says that a scant 8,515 Jetta Hybrids were manufactured across model years 2013 - 2016. -An open NHTSA safety recall, 34J6, has been applied to a cross section of the total 8,515 Jetta Hybrids produced. -Per recall 34J6, exactly 2,149 Jetta Hybrids have been included by VIN# in this recall. -Safety recall 34J6 specifically addresses the "Mechatronic Accumulator Housing". -Recall description: Hairline cracks may develop in the accumulator housing of the transmission (mechatronic unit), leaking and leading to insufficient transmission oil pressure. If this happens, the transmission warning light will illuminate in the instrument panel. If the warning light is ignored and the vehicle is driven, the clutch may not engage. There could be a sudden loss of power to the wheels, potentially leading to a vehicle crash.  -This describes EXACTLY the problem we have had TWICE with our 2013 Jetta Hybrid. -Mechatronic unit failed and had to be replaced on our dime at 70,683 miles; 30 June 2016 -Mechatronic unit has failed us again on 16 March 2022 at 142,758 mi. -Exact diagnosis from the VW dealer reads: [error code] P0841 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor / Switch. MECHATRONIC UNIT HAS FAILED INTERNALL. CAN NOT GET SEPARATE FROM TRANSMISSION. NEED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION $7,163. -Our vehicle's VIN# was NOT included as part of 34J6, despite the part that is subject of recall 34J6 having failed us twice. -$7,136 repair estimate is more than the resale value of the vehicle. -We request that NHTSA extend safety recall 34J6 to include our VIN# to compel VW to fix the vehicle. Since Volkswagen no longer stocks the "Mechatronic Unit" (attached diagnosis indicates this has failed on our vehicle), our vehicle is currently undrivable.

NHTSA ODI 11459039

VW issued a recall (20E064000) for the transmission failing to engage though VW is claiming vehicles within the year range specified and with the exact same problem are not included in the recall. A quick search on complaints on Safercar.gov will show VW is not actually fixing this issue but pushing customers along saying they are not covered. This is a huge safety issue that VW is skirting around. I was told my car - within the years affects and with the same problem - is not included in this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11457976

I was driving on the street and my check engine light popped on as I was making a turn at about 35 miles an hour my car kicked into neutral and when pressing the gas just revved the engine. I was fortunate there was no oncoming cars as I made the turn or I would have been killed. Had this happened on the highway I could of caused a major reck killing multiple people. I was fortunate and pulled over to the side and had the car towed to a mechanic. He took a look and said there was a significant leak coming from the transmission and I should take it to a VW dealership because there are a lot of recalls for this type of stuff. I had it towed to VW and they're professional mechanic said it was a hairline crack in the transmission that caused an oil leak into the electronic gearbox which caused the loss of control and power. They said there is no recall and it would be a $12,000.00 fix. The car has 47K original miles on it, no wrecks, and I've never missed an oil change. Had I not quickly reacted I could of caused a car accident injuring or killing myself or someone else. This is unbelievable that VW is not being held responsible for this. There is a recall for this exact problem Recall Number: 34J6 but for some reason it does no include my specific Jetta. How is that possible?

NHTSA ODI 11455562

I was driving to the store and my transmission disengaged and I had to coast to the shoulder. I had the Jetta towed to the dealer and they said it needs a new transmission. My vehicle has under 70k miles on the chassis and this transmission has been recalled in other countries but not in the US, this makes no sense to me and Volkswagen refuses to take any accountability for this defect even though it’s a known problem. My vin number wasn’t under the recall they claim.

NHTSA ODI 11454781

The power train failed while driving on a busy highway at about 50 mph on 2/19/2022. The warning light on the dashboard indicated a hybrid system failure. We were able to coast to the side of the road. The service center says the transmission needs to be replaced. This is exactly the transmission problem described in recall 34J6, but that recall did not apply to our VIN. This problem has been reported online by other drivers who were also not covered by that recall.

NHTSA ODI 11454835

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the clutch failed to engage. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle failure was not related to the recall. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken Piazza Volkswagen of Ardmore (150 W Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003) where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11454659

The contact's son owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that while his son was driving from a complete stop uphill, the vehicle failed to go into gear and started rolling backward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's son depressed the accelerator pedal harder and he was able to drive uphill. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that it was a known failure and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11453613

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact turned off the vehicle and as he restarted the vehicle, the check engine warning light and the warning message "Hybrid System Failure" illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The contact stated that when he purchased the vehicle new in August of 2013, the vehicle Owner’s Manual advised not to change the transmission fluid on all models of the Jetta hybrid 2013-2016. Then in 2015, the contact received a notice advising to change the transmission fluid after 40,000 miles; however, in 2017 the contact received another notice advising not to change the transmission fluid. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

NHTSA ODI 11447917

Transmission failing to go into gear when vehicle is in motion, gear will slip causing vehicle to lose gear and stop until vehicle is shut off and restarted. Problem could cause others to crash into vehicle when this happens from the rear or not have enough space or time to pull over to the emergency lane to shut off vehicle and restart all gears to proceed. Vehicle hasn’t been inspected and will be available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11447445

On 10/20/2021, the Service Hybrid System light and Check Engine light illuminated. I was able to start the vehicle and drive directly home. During the drive, I noticed the Hybrid system wasn't engaging. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who specializes in European vehicles, and he determined the cause was cracks in the mechatronics unit, causing a loss of pressure, exactly the issue Recall 19V866000 was supposed to remedy. I contacted Volkswagen and was informed that my VIN was not included in 19V866000, which was based on cracks appearing in the mechatronics unit. I find it strange that almost 25% of all Jetta Hybrids were recalled for that issue, but there are several other reports listed on NHTSA of other owners who have experienced the same issue who were also told they weren't part of the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11446951

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that she was at work when she went to start her vehicle and the vehicle was unable to shift into reverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle several times before the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was then driven to the dealer. The contact stated that she was advised by the dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacture was contacted, and she was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11445083

E-Engine and Transmission Problem. In August of 2021, while performing normal driving, the car refused to get in gear and the engine just revved; the Check Engine and Hybrid Systems Failure lights came on, and the car would not work properly. I had it towed to a VW Dealership in Springfield, VA for repairs and was quoted $15,000 for a new E-Engine and Transmission. No Recalls, but online forums show that this is a classic failure of Jetta Hybrids and is due to the corrosive transmission oil used in the sealed transmissions of the Hybrids. Car has remained on VW Dealership lot while a decision is made on the vehicle. November of 2021 I was contacted about a different recall (38C4) for the Jetta; it is a software issue with a European Calibration instead of a US. I am looking to have that repaired to see if it fixes the problem in the car. I am inquiring about the Volkswagen recall 34J6 (or 34J6/4V) for 2013/2014 VW Jetta Hybrids. My VIN does not appear on the list. According to forums, it has experienced the same failure as others that are. This one is for hairline cracks that may form in the Transmission causing it to fail. No warning signs were given before the failure. It was a well maintained car; I was the only owner and drove it for 121,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11441430