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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
5%of 93 total for the year
Median mileage
22,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 5% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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 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

“Windshield randomly cracked while parked in my driveway in 80 degree weather, in the shade. Crack goes from roof, down behind rear-view mirror, then toward the passenger side. It appears to be a stress fracture, as there is not visible sign of rock damage. The top line of the windshield is clearly unlevel now. Appears to be a stress fracture from improper design or installation. Other owners with similar make/model/year have reported the same, with comparable photos of the damage.”

NHTSA complaint #10887633, filed 2016-07, 22,000 miles

“1. Vehicle was stationary in my drive way (and on several occasions, parked in a lot), convertible roof stalls upon opening. You have to stop pressing button and try again. Eventually it starts again and opens. Vw service unable to replicate. They grease the equipment involved hoping it corrects the problem. 2. When car was new, not windshield wiper problems were noted. After a year the drivers side squirts out in such a way that the wiper doesn't get wet enough to clean window, thus leaving blurry streaks that impedes driver's side vision. Passenger side ok. …”

NHTSA complaint #10895365, filed 2016-08, 9,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. While driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact discovered that the sunroof exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v658000 (visibility). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,800.”

NHTSA complaint #10667565, filed 2014-12, 19,800 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201917%
201556%
2014510%
201355%
20122132%
2010413%
2009515%
2008610%
200747%
2006119%
20056224%
20046519%
20035618%
2002138%
200173%
2000218%
19992615%
19983722%

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
Brakes
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Exterior 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 30, 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