Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Electrical system Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
14%of 36 total for the year
Median mileage
110,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, 14% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“On a cold morning, I started my car by turning the key in the ignition, then locked the doors manually from the exterior with another key, in order to allow the car to warm up and defrost before the commute to work. When I returned 10 minutes later, the car was emitting gray smoke from the hood, and upon opening the driver's door, I discovered that the entire cabin of the vehicle was filled with gray smoke as well. I reached in and removed the key from the ignition, then left the vehicle with the driver door open to allow the smoke to air out. …”

NHTSA complaint #11279947, filed 2019-11, 60,100 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an auto parts store that used a handheld scanner and determined that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer due to engine failure. The contact stated that the engine failure was intermittent at first but had become recurring and at various speeds. Additionally, the vehicle started to have electrical issues and a failure with the catalytic converter. …”

NHTSA complaint #11553299, filed 2023-11, 136,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle turned off and restarted independently while the vehicle was still in motion, resulting in a momentary loss of control over the vehicle. The contact also stated that the battery was being drained quickly. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined an electrical short was causing the battery to drain and other electrical issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #11615469, filed 2024-09, 85,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2014515%
2013514%
2012622%
20111545%
2010313%
2009531%

Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

Fuel system
11 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

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