2013 Volkswagen GTI Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen GTI years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
5/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Volkswagen GTI year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 11 of its 34 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported part: Engine (11 complaints, median 17,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 34filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles, 25 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI. The part named most often is engine, with 11 complaints (32% of the total), followed by fuel system (7) and transmission and drivetrain (5). 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 33,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 858 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 86 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 53 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 10 Volkswagen GTI model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 5 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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.
- Engine11 32%
- Fuel system7 21%
- Air bags4 12%
- Electrical system3 8.8%
- Brakes2 5.9%
- Body and structure2 5.9%
- Engine cooling1 2.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Intake manifold was replaced under warranty in 2015. In late 2019 the vehicle displayed a service engine warning which turned out to be the intake manifold again. Out of warranty the service cost me in excess of $1000. I see the warranty was extended on older years for the same exact reason but not the 2013. This needs to be remedied as soon as possible.”
NHTSA complaint #11311130, filed 2020-02, 120,000 milesFuel system: “My 2013 vw GTI has an ongoing issue-condition with what appears to be a fuel pump and/or low fuel pressure. It usually occurs randomly, without any hint. After the start up the car stalls within a few seconds. At that point the car would die at every attempt to start up again. However, the car will come back to life after staying idle for 40-60minutes (in severe cases even longer). In addition, we had several incidents when the car would stall while in slow motion on a hill. The gas tank in all instances was full or near full. …”
NHTSA complaint #10782606, filed 2015-10, 7,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Without warning the vehicle puts itself into neutral was told nothing can be done unless it's able to be diagnosed or replicated this is a known issue on earlier models that resulted in an extended warranty due to the safety concerns. Did contact dealer and voa”
NHTSA complaint #11197284, filed 2019-04, 57,000 milesAir bags: “Airbag error light went on. All electronics on steering wheel, including horn stopped working. Vw dealership technicians say that clock spring failed and want $654 to fix it. This vehicle was already serviced under clock spring failure recall in 2015 (NHTSA campain number: 15v483000).”
NHTSA complaint #11097303, filed 2018-05, 65,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 13,000 and 59,500 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTI · sedan FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 12.1% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Volkswagen GTI version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTI FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 33 | 27 | $3,050 |
| GTI FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 25 | $3,300 |
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
- 18V329000May 16, 2018Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen GTI 2011–2013, Golf 2011–2016, CC 2012–2016 +5 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles…
- 15V483000Aug 4, 2015Air bags › FrontalCovers: Volkswagen GTI 2011–2014, CC 2010–2014, Passat 2010, 2012–2014 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may…
Recall details for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI → · 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. 858 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This 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…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Engine. Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Other model years of the Volkswagen GTI
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 29 | 5,200 | 2 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 6 | — | 5 | — | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 29 | 9,000 | 6 | — | 28 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 8 | 260 | 3 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 179 | 440 | 4 | — | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 17 | 10,000 | 3 | — | 28 | — | Falling |
| 2017 | 52 | 36,974 | 2 | — | 28 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 67 | 34,000 | 4 | — | 28 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 97 | 49,750 | 6 | — | 28 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 10 | 28,335 | 1 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 34 | 33,000 | 2 | — | 27 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 40 | 50,000 | 2 | — | 27 | 7 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2011 | 55 | 54,000 | 2 | — | 27 | 15 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 53 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 27 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 167 | 74,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 67 | 18,522 | 1 | — | 25 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 77 | 31,200 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 43 | 44,700 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 8 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 7 | 33,000 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 53 | 39,750 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 124 | 15,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 74 | 50,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 45 | 60,200 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 8 | 93,120 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 10 | 59,000 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 10 | 56,500 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 9 | 109,000 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 18 | 121,817 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
All Volkswagen GTI model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen GTI have?
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 11 complaints (32% of the total), followed by fuel system with 7.
Has the 2013 Volkswagen GTI been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen GTI get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen GTI (GTI, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Volkswagen GTI reported?
Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 33,000 miles and the middle half falls between 13,000 and 59,500 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 31, 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.