2013 Volkswagen GTI Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 15%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 15% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 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.
“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 miles“Over-40 driver, decades of experience driving cars with manual transmissions, no modifications to the car since new. Car had 13,000 miles at the time of this incident. Accelerating on the freeway, no indication of any problems when shifting from 2nd to 3rd...but when shifting from 3rd to 4th at approximately 50mph, the gear selector lever had become difficult to move. Subsequent shifts from 4th to 5th and 5th to 6th at approximately 65mph (no longer accelerating) were even more challenging. I exited the freeway, shifting as needed with ever-increasing difficulty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10639314, filed 2014-09, 13,000 miles“DSG automatic transmission started going into neutral at various speeds and driving conditions. It feels as though the clutch disengages momentarily, causing the vehicle to slow down and engine to rev. This is definitely not safe when trying to merge or drive on the highway. This is a know issue with VW DSG transmissions and warranted a safety recall on earlier vehicles. My vehicle is newer than the recall so VW has no obligation to help me. They inspected the car and told me it needed a transmission replacement, but that the transmission is no longer produced or available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11656161, filed 2025-04Related service bulletins
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10238309Jun 15, 2023Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
- 10218953Aug 25, 2022Manual transmission noise diagnostic assistance
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 21% |
| 2023 | 2 | 33% |
| 2020 | 2 | 25% |
| 2019 | 62 | 35% |
| 2018 | 3 | 18% |
| 2017 | 7 | 13% |
| 2016 | 8 | 12% |
| 2015 | 12 | 12% |
| 2014 | 2 | 20% |
| 2013 | 5 | 15% |
| 2012 | 7 | 18% |
| 2011 | 16 | 29% |
| 2010 | 14 | 26% |
| 2009 | 32 | 19% |
| 2008 | 40 | 60% |
| 2007 | 40 | 52% |
| 2006 | 11 | 26% |
| 2005 | 2 | 25% |
| 2004 | 1 | 14% |
| 2003 | 12 | 23% |
| 2002 | 10 | 8% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI
11 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI
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