2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Problems
- Complaints
- 79filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles, 69 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 44 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl · hybrid FWD · 41 city / 48 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 Jetta Hybrid report problems overwhelmingly with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission: loss of drive, failure to engage a gear, harsh or jerky shifting, and repeated mechatronic unit failures, often leaving the car stranded and requiring a full transmission replacement. Many of these complaints arrive between roughly 60,000 and 120,000 miles, and several owners say the dealer declined a recall repair or told them their VIN was not covered. Smaller groups of complaints describe brake pedal feel and squealing, stalling with hybrid-system warnings, a gasoline smell in cold weather, and occasional horn or wiper failures.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission loses drive, fails to engage gear, or fails
- 52 complaints (66%)
- median 77,342 mi at 6.4 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $6,797 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe the car stalling or dropping out of gear while driving, sometimes at highway speed, with the engine still running but no power reaching the wheels. Others report that after stopping or parking the car will not go into drive or reverse, and restarting sometimes brings it back only to fail again. Complaints say dealers diagnosed mechatronic unit or clutch wear and recommended replacing the whole transmission, and several owners were told their VIN was not covered by a recall or that wear and tear voided the repair. Reports cluster from about 60,000 to 120,000 miles, with some failures noted under 40,000 miles.
Recall 19V866000Recall 13V5680001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the 19V866000 and 13V568000 recall work was completed, and whether the mechatronic unit or transmission has ever been replaced. On a test drive, note any hesitation, jerking or delay when selecting drive or reverse.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am a 74 year old retired man, the owner of a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid with 34,000 miles purchased new in november 2013. The check-engine light lit up on my dashboard last month and I promptly brought the car to my local vw dealer. I was informed that the clutch was slipping in first gear (this is an automatic transmission) and that the appropriate repair was to replace the entire transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #11233504, filed 2019-07, 34,000 miles“I drove home from work and the car was perfectly fine. I pulled into my garage parked and turned the car off. The next morning I got into my car to go to work. I started the vehicle and put it in reverse and the vehicle did not move after I let off the brake. So I shifted the car back into park and as soon as I let off the brake the vehicle violently jerked forward and then the entire car and electrical system shut off.”
NHTSA complaint #11221118, filed 2019-06, 77,342 miles - Engine
Stall or sudden loss of power with hybrid-system warning
Mentioned in 11 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the car shutting down or losing power while driving, sometimes with a hybrid system fault message and check engine light, and occasionally able to restart after being turned off. Some say the car would then not exceed a reduced speed, or that the electrical gauges went dark as battery charge ran out. Complaints note that dealers often traced the shutdown to the transmission rather than the hybrid battery itself. Spread from very low mileage up to around 100,000 miles, with several reports in the 70,000-100,000 mile range.
Recall 13V5680002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether any hybrid-system fault codes have been stored or cleared, and have a scan tool read pending codes before buying. Check that the 12-volt and hybrid battery systems hold charge and that no warning lights stay on after startup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car is a 2013 vw Jetta Hybrid with 64,189 miles on it , but only 4 years old. The car started to have a problem with its own charging system while stopped during driving the vehicle. It would not idle properly. I took it in to toms river vw and they told me it was a transmission problem, which would cost $ 9,000 to replace. They said they would try to get me financial assistance from Volkswagen of america. …”
NHTSA complaint #10959505, filed 2017-03, 64,000 miles“I was driving on a 2 lane street when the check hybrid flashed on my dash. The car still continued to drive normal on engine power but would no longer switch into hybrid mode. I took the car to the dealer the next day and was told that the clutch that switches the electric motor to the transmission was bad and the whole transmission needed to be replaced. I found that odd because the transmission ran fine when running on the gas engine only. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819142, filed 2016-01, 73,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal feel and squealing (regenerative/friction blend)
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the brakes as hard to modulate, with the car switching between regenerative and friction braking so that stops feel either too abrupt or too weak, and some report needing to brake harder at the end of a stop. Others report constant squealing that the dealer characterized as normal brake material behavior. Several complaints note the dealer said the braking behavior was as designed. Reported at low mileage, mostly under 25,000 miles, including within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Drive at low speed and try several gentle stops to see whether pedal effort feels consistent, and listen for squealing. Ask whether brake pads, sensors or the vacuum pump have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On the freeway, I slammed on the brakes, as there was an accident in front of me, and the regenerative brakes did not activate when slamming on the brakes. The standard ABS disk brakes, without regenerative braking, are not sufficient enough to stop the vehicle in an emergency instance such as this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10542358, filed 2013-09, 4,650 miles“The brakes constantly squeal when braking. I have complained to south coast santa ana vw 3 times and brought the car in and they insist there is nothing wrong with the brakes and that it's just part of the material they manufacture the brakes with. They claim that the squealing is normal and caused by brake dust. The result of the faulty brakes is loss in stopping power. The car also has been lunging or what feels like slipping gears when I accelerate or decelerate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10794951, filed 2015-11, 19,500 miles - Fuel system
Gasoline smell at startup, especially in cold weather
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report a gasoline odor when the engine starts, more noticeable in very cold weather and when the car switches from electric to gasoline power. Complaints say a dealer inspection found no fuel leak, and the smell recurred repeatedly over months. Reported between about 25,000 and 115,000 miles, mostly in cold-weather use.
What to check: On a cold start, note any fuel smell around the engine bay and cabin, and ask whether fuel system or evaporative emissions components have been inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I am driving the car on highway or street the car just stalls and turns off. Nrought it to dealer and was told out of warranty and would have to pay $9500 to repair hybrid battery system and new transmission. The usual that the VIN number is not included in recall which is just not right. And of course mileage over 70000. Waiting for a recall so this dangerous problem is fixed”
NHTSA complaint #11115714, filed 2018-08, 76,000 miles“Gasoline smell when engine starts. More often when very cold. Also when car shifts from electric motor to gasoline power when car is moving or stopped. Authorized Volkswagen dealer could find no fuel leak when the car was service in may 2018. This has probably happened 12 times since 1/1/2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11175965, filed 2019-02, 27,800 miles - Electrical system
Horn inoperative and wipers failing in cold temperatures
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 70,171 mi at 6.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2022
Owners report the horn stopping working, in one case alongside an airbag warning light that led to a clock spring diagnosis with the part on back order. Another owner reports the wipers failing to run in cold temperatures and working again once the car warms up. Reported from about 32,000 to 111,000 miles, with the wiper issue noted specifically in cold weather.
What to check: Test the horn and all wiper speeds, and check that no airbag or electrical warning lights remain lit after starting the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Wipers fail to work during cold temps...start working again once it warms up. Have left me stranded and caused me to drive off the road. Seems to be a huge problem for other jetta owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11065451, filed 2018-01, 63,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. While driving 35 MPH, the horn failed to operate when depressed. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10881416, filed 2016-06, 32,000 miles
Buying note. The transmission dominates the record for this model year, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on the gearbox and confirmation of completed recall work is worthwhile. Budget for the possibility of transmission-related repairs and weigh that against the asking price.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 79 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. 69 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 76,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 600 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Engine14 18%
- Electrical system9 11%
- Brakes8 10%
- Vehicle speed control5 6.3%
- Fuel system4 5.1%
- Air bags3 3.8%
- Hybrid propulsion system1 1.3%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I was driving on the highway and the car stopped moving. It was a transmission issue with the gear box. The same recall that the Volkswagen has but when I look up my VIN it doesn't come. However I had the same issue happen as the one described in the recall. I replaced the transmission but the car is still jerking around a lot. I want Volkswagen to take care of that.”
NHTSA complaint #11145112, filed 2018-11, 65,000 milesEngine: “We own a vw Jetta Hybrid have approx. 70k miles. Vw has advised we need to replace a mechatron unit to the cost of approx. $2000. Have been reading that there are massive issues with this part and that this should be a recall. Please advise.”
NHTSA complaint #10853456, filed 2016-04, 70,000 milesElectrical system: “During driving conditions the vehicle stalls then speeds up almost causing a crash into the car ahead of me. Sometimes when braking, the vehicle surges while my foot is on the brake. The vw dealer diagnosed it as corrosion of the control module within the gearbox. This was the exact problem the car was recalled for under vw recall number 34f6/4v in november 2013. The car was brought in in dec. 2013 per the recall to change the gearbox oil but only had a 12 month warranty. Now, the corrosion caused the same problem that the recall tried to prevent. The recall did not correct the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11101119, filed 2018-06, 112,000 milesBrakes: “I'm really frustrated here with Volkswagen it seems like every since the beginning of the year january the car's been in the shop more than I've been at the doctor. At first it was the water pump for the turbo they had to be replaced then two weeks after I got that repaired it was the brake sensor then a week after that it was the vacuum pump for the brakes, and the work doesn't stop from there it seems like from there I had to get a repair kit it's a seal that goes between the transmission and the engine including the dual clutch for the hybrid and engine transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10864762, filed 2016-05, 58,775 milesMileage when problems were reported
29% of the 69 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,801 and 100,000 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.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Hybrid FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl · hybrid | 7-speed automatic | 41 | 48 | 44 | $1,850 |
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
- 19V866000Dec 6, 2019Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013–2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission. Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing…
- 19V679000Sep 25, 2019Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013, Jetta 2007–2009, 2011–2013, 2015, 2019, Beetle 2008–2010, 2012–2013 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and…
- 13V568000Nov 14, 2013Power trainCovers: Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013–2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 2012 through October 2013 and equipped with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox. Due to gearbox fluid additives, the control module…
Recall details for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid → · 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. 600 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 Jetta Hybrid
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 20 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 44 | — | Rising |
| 2013 | 79 | 76,000 | 3 | — | 44 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
All Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid model years
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid?
Owners of the 2013 Jetta Hybrid report problems overwhelmingly with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission: loss of drive, failure to engage a gear, harsh or jerky shifting, and repeated mechatronic unit failures, often leaving the car stranded and requiring a full transmission replacement. The issues reported most often: Transmission loses drive, fails to engage gear, or fails; Stall or sudden loss of power with hybrid-system warning; Brake pedal feel and squealing (regenerative/friction blend).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid have?
NHTSA recorded 79 consumer complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 57 complaints (72% of the total), followed by engine with 14.
Has the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 Jetta Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid (Jetta Hybrid, 1.4L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 44 mpg combined, 41 city and 48 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid reported?
Among the 69 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 76,000 miles and the middle half falls between 37,801 and 100,000 miles; 29% 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. 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.