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Exterior lightingPart report

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
3%of 93 total for the year
Median mileage
59,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 3% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 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.

“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

“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

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2019214%
201511%
201424%
201333%
201212%
201027%
2009618%
20081423%
200735%
200697%
2005218%
2004154%
200383%
2002148%
20013015%
2000197%
19991710%
19982313%

Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle

Air bags
34 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Engine
10 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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