2013 Volkswagen Beetle Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 11%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 11% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“April 2015 engine light came on. Secondary air injection hose was bad. March 2016 engine light came on again. Secondary air injection pump needed to be replaced. There was no issues as far as the performance of the car. Car was stationary when the engine light came on both times.”
NHTSA complaint #10850281, filed 2016-03, 55,368 miles“Transmission control module communication errors (p0864) caused vehicle to shut down at high speed (55mph) killing power steering and ABS system on a curvy country road.”
NHTSA complaint #11402949, filed 2021-03, 90,000 miles“Car would stall and abruptly stop when operating and all engine and electrical functions and safety features would turn off and not work (e.g., engine, assisted brakes, air bags, horn, running lights, brake lights, hazard lights, entire dashboard would not work). About 10 minutes later, the car would power up again and run. The problem was intermittent (it happened again) and neither the manufacturer nor dealer could find the cause. The owner refused to drive it anymore unless they found the cause because the abrupt stopping could be catastrophic on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671852, filed 2015-01, 4,113 miles“I have a diesel leak which Volkswagen did not repair (after I towed it there and told them about it in writing) and is not causing a light in the dash however, when plugging in an ODBEleven, several codes are generated and one is related to a low fuel pressure sensor. I also watched the fuel line dripping. VW claims that it is unreasonable to ask them to pay what I already paid to have the car fixed (diagnostics, rental, tow). It was reasonable for me to buy it and pay for all that though apparently. …”
NHTSA complaint #11492768, filed 2022-11Related service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This 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…
- 11025437Oct 14, 2025G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
- 11025430Oct 14, 2025Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
- 11025436Oct 9, 2025How to measure engine oil consumption.
- 11025431Oct 6, 2025A list of suggested fuel stations
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 14% |
| 2018 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 7 | 8% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 10 | 11% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 7 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 13 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 5% |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
34 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology