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Volkswagen BeetleModel year report

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Problems

Compared with other Volkswagen Beetle years

More complaints than typical for this model

68/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2016

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
93filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
45,500miles, 50 complaints with mileage
Recalls
6campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall
EPA fuel economy
25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2013 Beetle most often write about the Takata driver-side frontal airbag recall (20V785000), with many complaints focused on parts being unavailable and long waits for the repair. A second cluster of reports covers the ignition key sticking or the key not turning or releasing, and a further group describes engine stalls or sudden loss of power while driving. Reported mileages in the sample vary widely, from a few thousand miles to over 100,000.

  1. Air bags

    Driver airbag recall parts unavailable / long waits

    • 32 complaints (34%)
    • median 34,850 mi at 8.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2016–2026

    Owners describe receiving notice of the driver-side frontal airbag recall and then being unable to get the repair done: dealers tell them the replacement part is backordered or not in stock, and some report appointments scheduled weeks or months out or repeated delays. Some say they were advised not to drive the car while waiting, and a few were told no loaner or rental assistance was offered. One owner reports the front airbags deployed in a parked or moving car with no impact. Reported across a wide mileage range, most often from 2020 onward as recall notices were mailed.

    Recall 20V7850002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask the seller for proof that recall 20V785000 was completed on this vehicle and check the VIN with a dealer for open recalls. If the repair is still outstanding, confirm parts availability before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We got a letter saying the air bags could go off at any time and it is a life threatening situation and we can't get it fixed for weeks. I can't drive my care under this kind of warning. What is the agency doing about this? Are they giving rentals out?”

    NHTSA complaint #11396636, filed 2021-02, 130,000 miles

    “The airbags deployed on their own on 7-4-2023 in my daughter’s 2013 VW Beetle. My daughter and her friend were both injured (physically/mentally) as a result of both front airbags (steering wheel and dashboard airbags) deploying on their own causing over $10,000 USD damage to the beetle and injury to my daughter and her friend who was a passenger in the front seat. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11659292, filed 2025-05
  2. Engine

    Engine stalls or loses power while driving

    • 16 complaints (17%)
    • median 26,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • filed 2014–2025

    Complaints describe the engine quitting without warning while driving, sometimes at highway speed, leaving the driver without power steering or brakes, and in some cases restarting after a short wait. Several owners say dealers could not reproduce the problem or found no fault codes, while others report repairs such as a crankshaft fix, secondary air injection parts, or a high-pressure fuel pump with metal debris in the fuel system. Mostly reported between roughly 1,400 and 90,000 miles, with several cases at low mileage.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for service records covering engine fault codes, fuel pump and ignition work, and take a longer test drive that includes highway speed and stops. A pre-purchase scan for stored codes is worthwhile.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall on 8/13/16 while driving this vehicle without warning, the engine shuts off. I was traveling about 45 MPH on a city street and as I attempt to move over the engine shut off and I could not steer the vehicle. After coming to a complete stop I was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle did this several more times before I was to send it back to the car lot. I was told that the crank shaft was repaired on the vehicle. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10906280, filed 2016-09, 5 miles

    “Vehicle lost power while driving on highway. I pulled over and tried to restart it. After a minute it restarted. The vw dealer ran diagnostics and found no problems. Had I not been able to pull over on this busy highway, it might have caused a serious accident.”

    NHTSA complaint #10873866, filed 2016-06, 65,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Ignition key sticks or will not turn or release

    • 8 complaints (9%)
    • median 64,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2018–2025

    Owners report the key becoming stuck in the ignition with the engine running, so the car cannot be shut off, or the key refusing to turn when inserted, sometimes more often in hot weather. Some describe the steering lock or ignition switch as the source, and a few say a dealer replaced the lock or suggested new keys. Several mention not being able to remove the key at a gas station or in a parking lot. Typically reported between about 22,000 and 145,000 miles, with several cases noted in warm weather.

    Recall 19V615000

    What to check: Sit in the car and cycle the key fully on and off several times, including after the car is warm, and confirm it turns freely and releases. Ask whether the ignition switch or steering lock has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 2013 Beetle was stationary with the engine running and the key locked in the ignition. I was unable to turn the key to turn off the car. I drove to the vw dealership and they stated they had to pull a fuse in order to stop the running engine and still could not remove the ignition key.”

    NHTSA complaint #11174434, filed 2019-02, 145,000 miles

    “Around 7/8/19 my key started getting stuck in the on position car running. I to be after reading complaints and seen there was an extended warranty on the steering lock so they fixed that no problem. When I got the car back the key was already in ignition. I went to gas station took key out and opened door and it was chiming like the keys were still on the ignition I couldn't even use the key fob to lock doors. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11253087, filed 2019-09, 69,000 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Door, trunk and window electrical faults

    • 6 complaints (6%)
    • median 36,000 mi at 4.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2014–2019

    Owners report the trunk latch failing intermittently so the trunk can only be opened through the back seat, door locks not working properly, and window motors or switches needing repeated replacement. Some say the dealer could not duplicate the fault, while others had locks or modules replaced. One owner describes being unable to exit when the door would not open after the battery died. Reported from very low mileage up to about 48,000 miles, with several recurring faults.

    Recall 19V679000

    What to check: Test the trunk release from the remote, the interior button and the back-seat escape, and open and close each door and window several times. Ask whether locks, window motors or the trunk latch have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Trunk lo0ck intemittantly will not unlock. Taken to the dealer many times. They replaced the lock. The last time they replaced some module.I hope it is fixed. I dont want to have to remove things from the trunk by having to fold down the back seat again!!!”

    NHTSA complaint #10861145, filed 2016-04, 20 miles

    “I purchased 2013 vw Beetle as certified pre owned,in 2016, at 30,000 mile approximately steering gears had to be replaced,2 months later the window motors and switches needed replaced and that was the 3rd set. 2 weeks later,the driver window needed to be reinforced and switches needed to be tightened down. The dealership kept my vehicle for 2 solid months bc there was a manufacturer defect on the interior causing door panel to peel, then the ambient lighting broke. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11092576, filed 2018-05, 48,209 miles

Buying note. Before purchase, confirm the driver-side airbag recall 20V785000 is done and check the VIN for any other open campaigns. Also test the ignition key, door locks, trunk and sunroof, and get a code scan, since several common complaints are intermittent and hard to reproduce later.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 93 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 50 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 45,500 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 1,338 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Volkswagen Beetle model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 68 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (4), Tires (4), Exterior lighting (3), Electronic stability control (2), Equipment (2), Seat belts (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Seats (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “A recall has been identified for an issue on the frontal airbags, which may result in an explosion sending metal fragments into the driver and passengers, resulting in serious injury or death. While the remedy has been described as a replacement of the airbags, Volkswagen has yet to offer a solution to the recall, and a substantial amount of time has passed since the issue was identified. This is problematic as it is endangering to many people, including myself as I live in a hot climate, which has been identified as posing a higher risk for this airbag issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11405234, filed 2021-03, 22,000 miles

Electrical system: “I have noticed my center driver-side headlight dim/turn off for some time thinking the headlight was bad. I had the headlight replaced in february but still had people tell me it was out and at times I could see this in the reflection of truck tailgates, etc. The surrounding daytime running light can make it hard to tell. However, in the last couple weeks, every two to three minutes, sometimes after noticing the initial dim of the driver-side head light, all light turn off leaving the car in motion in the dark. This has happened both on local roads and highway. …”

NHTSA complaint #11105288, filed 2018-07, 59,000 miles

Other or unknown: “Door lock have quit working properly, what make me think this might be a bigger problem than the 600$ I have had to pay separately for each door is an experience I had last week...upon entering the vehicle and closing the door, my battery died, and I was unable to exit the vehicle, as the Beetle requires the window to lower approx. 1 inch for the door to open. I do not know if these 2 problems are connected, but having anything wrong with door locks should be a safety hazard that is fixed by the company. …”

NHTSA complaint #11244331, filed 2019-08, 45,000 miles

Engine: “Driving 60 MPH in rush hour 6/19/15 & suddenly eng lights go on & car stalled in middle of traffic! I was scared I was going to be rear ended & killed. Put flashers on called 911. Police parked behind me while I waited for tow truck. Officer asked to try & start to see if I could get to side of road. I was able to start it, but only drive a few feet before stuttered & died again. Had it towed to tynans vw, where it was purchased & reg maintained. Next day vw verified engine light was on when they started. However, they claim it went off when they drove a few miles. …”

NHTSA complaint #10731464, filed 2015-07, 49,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

60% of the 50 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,929 and 65,000 miles.

22%0–1016%10–2522%25–5026%50–758%75–1004%100–1502%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (50 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 45,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’14’16’18’2020’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Beetle · coupe FWD★★★★★5 / 4554 · 10.5% risk

Neighbouring years: 2012: 4 stars overall; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2013 Volkswagen Beetle version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Beetle FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic223025$3,300
Beetle FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed manual213024$3,400
Beetle FWD2.5L 5-cyl6-speed automatic222925$2,700
Beetle FWD2.5L 5-cyl5-speed manual223125$2,700
Beetle FWD2.0L 4-cyl · diesel6-speed automatic284032$3,000
Beetle FWD2.0L 4-cyl · diesel6-speed manual273930$3,200

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,338 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,338 bulletins →

Other model years of the Volkswagen Beetle

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2019144503—29—Not enough data
20181738,0003—29—Rising
20171531,9003527—Rising
20164826,298352717 · FewerRising
2015838,000552781 · MoreRising
20145031,254552659 · TypicalFalling
20139345,500652568 · MoreFalling
20126520,000642592 · MoreFalling
20103053,5743——14 · FewerFalling
20093361,0002——0 · FewerFalling
20086046,0003——39 · TypicalFalling
20075648,6582——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200612460,0003——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200526162,0003——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200434963,0003——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200331467,1002——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200216560,0002——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200120364,2602——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200026364,0001——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199917467,6951——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199817160,0002——Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Volkswagen Beetle model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?

Owners of the 2013 Beetle most often write about the Takata driver-side frontal airbag recall (20V785000), with many complaints focused on parts being unavailable and long waits for the repair. The issues reported most often: Driver airbag recall parts unavailable / long waits; Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Ignition key sticks or will not turn or release.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle have?

NHTSA recorded 93 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 34 complaints (37% of the total), followed by electrical system with 19.

Has the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle been recalled?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (Beetle, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle reported?

Among the 50 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 45,500 miles and the middle half falls between 17,929 and 65,000 miles; 60% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.