2013 Volkswagen Jetta HybridUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

79 federal complaints (107 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 517 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 4 model years of the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid →
Engine
1.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
41 city / 48 hwy
Federal complaints
79
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
57
Engine & cooling
14
Electrical system
9
Brakes
8
Speed control
5
Fuel system
4
Air bags
3
Glass & wipers
2
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 6 complaints01 years old: 1 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 7 complaints4 years old: 11 complaints5 years old: 17 complaints56 years old: 7 complaints7 years old: 1 complaints8 years old: 10 complaints9 years old: 11 complaints10 years old: 2 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 79 of 79 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 5 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 9 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 3 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 16 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 14 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 65 of 79 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

57 complaint records
"WHEN DRIVING CAR IT JUST STOPS OUT OF NOWHERE,ON HIGHWAY AND ON STREET. VERY DANGEROUS. THEN IT DOESN'T START UP RIGHT AWAY ,AND I HAVE TO WAIT BETWEEN 5 AND 20 MINUTES. THIS HAPPENS IN MOTION..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

14 complaint records
"TAKATA RECALL: THE HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE ENGINE STILL RAN BUT I COULDN'T DRIVE. I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

9 complaint records
"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...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA18003
opened Apr 2018
OPENAir BagsAir Bag Clockspring Failure
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...
DP22005
opened Jan 2023
closed Aug 2023Electrical SystemPedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA 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.
PE15010
opened Mar 2015
closed Sep 2015Electrical SystemAir Bag Clockspring Failure - led to recall 15V483000
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V866000Power TrainVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission.Normally free
19V679000Unknown Or OtherVolkswagen 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...Normally free
13V568000Power TrainVolkswagen 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024648
2024-10-30
Heater And Defroster35,086Issue: Volkswagen Group Canada is conducting a parts recovery campaign targeting 2012-2016 Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a TDI (diesel) engine built between May 25, 2011 and June 1, 2016.
2020353
2020-08-04
Label132,432Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater.
2019610
2019-12-06
Powertrain200Issue: On certain Jetta Hybrid models, the accumulator housing of the transmission could crack. If this happens, the transmission warning light will turn on and, if a driver continues to use the vehicle, there could be a sudden loss of...
2019423
2019-08-22
Powertrain117,306Issue: On certain vehicles, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever switch could cause the transmission to detect that it is in the Park position when it isn't.
2015344
2015-07-31
Seats And Restraints41,308On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops.
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2014464
2014-10-20
Suspension87,887On certain vehicles, if the rear axle trailing arms are damaged in a rear or side-rear impact crash and a repair facility does not correctly diagnose or replace damaged rear axle components, rear trailing arm durability could be reduced,...
2014068
2014-03-05
Accessories19,024On certain vehicles equipped with a factory installed block heater, the block heater could overheat while in use. This could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the block heater.
2013404
2013-11-13
Powertrain318On certain hybrid models equipped with direct-shift gearboxes, corrosion can occur inside the gearbox due to incompatible gearbox lubricant additives, causing electrical shorts and blowing gearbox fuses.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
V0116152014815_20
Sep 2026
EngineSuggested fuel additive
SM 39-2026
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
TT 00-13-04_7
Aug 2026
Unknown Or OtherPermission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
V0026012081638_2
Aug 2026
Unknown Or OtherDifferences between a leak and seepage
VOS-26-42
Jul 2026
Electrical SystemThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
V1718062017813_24
Jul 2026
EngineOil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
TT 10-18-02_2
Jun 2026
EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_3
Jun 2026
EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_17
Jun 2026
Air BagsInquiries
V1719012012855_81
Jun 2026
EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-21
Mar 2026
EngineThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM...
V0018092053065_6
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherSafety Related Inquiry and Reporting
V9422022066761_4
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherDamage Inspection of Park assist sensors
VOS-26-15
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system...
V5515032021354_9
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherPaint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
DC_VW_CF_Airbag
Mar 2026
Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
VOS-26-01
Jan 2026
Electrical SystemThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output:
V0116132033805_11
Oct 2025
EngineEngine misfire diagnostic aid.
V1917012022548_15
Oct 2025
EngineG12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
V3718022033975_14
Oct 2025
Power TrainCautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
V1718062017813_23
Oct 2025
EngineHow to measure engine oil consumption.
V3416022034406_8
Oct 2025
Power TrainDiagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
V1718032037201_20
Oct 2025
EngineProper engine oil level before leaving the factory.
V0017132033846_25
Oct 2025
EngineFuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire
V0116152014815_19
Oct 2025
EngineA list of suggested fuel stations
V8718102043704_24
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherGFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement
V1719012012855_79
Jun 2025
EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only)
V1719012012855_78
Apr 2025
EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards
V1917012022548_14
Feb 2025
EngineIdentifying and Mixing Engine Coolant
V1719022012855_77
Oct 2024
EngineEngine Oil Standards
V5515032021354_8
Oct 2024
StructureLack of paint under roof
V0018092053065_5
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherAdditional reporting
CampTip_RNA_VW
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
V1718062017813_19
Sep 2024
EngineHow to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
V0116132033805_10
Sep 2024
Power TrainEngine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
V0118122014603_20
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherHow to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
V1718032037201_19
Sep 2024
EngineChecking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
V1719012012855_76
Sep 2024
EngineA list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
V3718022033975_13
Sep 2024
Power TrainFluid requirements
TT 00-24-01
Sep 2024
StructureWind & Water Leak Checking
V0017132033846_23
Sep 2024
EngineFuel additive to help with misfire faults
V0116152014815_18
Sep 2024
EngineRecommended Gasoline Quality
V3416022034406_7
Sep 2024
Power TrainManual transmission noise diagnosing
V271901201189426
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemBattery testing
V1719012012855_75
Aug 2024
EngineEngine Oil Standards
VW_Multiple Closure
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherMultiple Update closures: 20AH Atlas Quality Package 1, 24AE 1.8T ECM/TCM SW, 24BG Jetta Hybrid ECM SW, 24BM 2.0L Jetta MPI SW Update, 24X7 Jetta ECM SW, 24X8 CC ECM/TCM SW, 24Y4 MPI Jetta SW, 24Z5 Jetta Hybrid System SW, 27G2 Battery, 37H3 DSG SW, 37J2 TCM SW, 69V7 Atlas...
TT 10-12-01_3
Jul 2024
EngineEngine Replacement Tip
TT 10-18-02_2
Jul 2024
EngineEngine Assembly Tip
V171905201285571
Apr 2024
Unknown Or OtherVW Engine oil quality standards
V171901201285570
Feb 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingVW Engine oil quality standards
V171901201285569
Jan 2024
Unknown Or OtherVW Engine oil quality standards
V691901201047916
Jan 2024
Unknown Or OtherAirbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
V171901201285568
Nov 2023
EquipmentVW Engine oil quality standards
V871810204370421
Nov 2023
VisibilityReporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number
V171901201285567
Oct 2023
EngineVW Engine oil quality standards
V171901201285565
Aug 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingUpdate to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285562
May 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingVolkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V191701202254810
May 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingIntroduce new engine coolant compatible with all models and all model years.
V171901201285560
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingEngine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285559
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingVolkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards

Showing 60 of 517 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid →