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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

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

Complaints
3about this part
Share
9%of 34 total for the year
Median mileage
5,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 9% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,000 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.

“The windshield has many chips. It seems to me that the glass is highly affected by small road debris (rocks, salt) which causes the glass to chip easily. It is becoming a distraction while I drive.”

NHTSA complaint #10558767, filed 2014-01, 5,000 miles

“I purchased my Volkswagen GTI march of this year. During ownership, I had the windows tinted and each time it was serviced by the dealership subcontractor, the windows were scratched. The door glass and rear window was replaced with the rear glass quarter being replaced twice. This was not the safety concern, but it leads to my main concern; the windshield. The glass of the windshield has now started to chip excessively. There are at least 40 chips that refract light during driving and it has been getting worse. I have taken it to the dealer and they state that it is normal wear . …”

NHTSA complaint #10553619, filed 2013-11, 15,000 miles

“The right side rear view mirror is mounted deeply in its plastic housing. When the mirror is properly adjusted, approximately 20% of the reflected image is of the mirror's housing itself, leaving a significant blind spot.”

NHTSA complaint #10565175, filed 2014-02, 50 miles

Related service bulletins

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

YearComplaintsShare of year
202427%
202213%
201816%
201736%
2016710%
201522%
201339%
201225%
201112%
201024%
200911%
200811%
200711%
200612%
200324%
200286%
20011014%
20002044%
1999225%
1998110%
1996111%
1995211%

Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI

Engine
11 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Electronic stability control
2 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Tires
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