2013 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 148about this part
- Share
- 29%of 518 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 148 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 29% of the 518 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Key will not come out of ignition, making it impossible to turn off. Looks exactly like recall 19v615000 from last year, but my VIN isn't included, despite being in the same years and models. Ignition fails to recognize when vehicle is in park and won't let key be released. Leaves me stranded and unable to turn off car or remove key.”
NHTSA complaint #11329830, filed 2020-06, 120,000 miles“The mechatronic unit had already had to been replaced previously when the 2nd issue happened I was at the stoplight in the car lost all movement power the AC and all the instruments were also working door locks windows everything I got it towed to the dealership and they say it was the electric motor quoted me nearly $12000”
NHTSA complaint #11376880, filed 2020-11, 177,000 miles“The doors do not lock when I drive the car and it does not lock with the key remote control. I have been investigated the problem that this car has to secure the doors, and apparently it is very common in these vw cars, although the problem not about security, I do believe that it is, because one believes that it lock all the doors and it is not so, that's why you think it should be repaired by you”
NHTSA complaint #11388550, filed 2021-01, 85,000 miles“Twice stalled at a traffic light, currently has engine malfunction code p2015 for intake flap valve failure. Vw states it is a known problem for the ccta engine code for 2011-2012 vw 2.0t tsi engines. However since it wasn't extended to my vehicle even though they are the same they will not honor the extended warranty because NHTSA didn't identify my vehicle year yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11175702, filed 2019-02, 94,400 miles“Ignition switch malfunction. Will not turn and leaves vehicle running, key is unable to be removed. Vw knows about this issue and fails to issue a recall. I brought this matter to their attention and they will not fix the issue nor reimburse consumer. Vw has not informed me of a recall or warrant on part nor has the dealership, although customer service states they mailed a notice to owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11329248, filed 2020-06, 122,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018, Beetle 2012–2019, Beetle Convertible 2012–2019 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026This 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…
- 11030829Mar 6, 2026This 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…
- 11028490Jan 6, 2026This 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 a…
- 11007398Aug 28, 2024Battery testing
- 10239654Jul 13, 2023Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw
- 10238400Jun 30, 2023This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars.
- 10239655Jun 28, 2023Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
- 10238308Jun 28, 2023Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
- 10238301Jun 27, 2023Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.
- 10238206Jun 1, 2023This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 50% |
| 2025 | 3 | 9% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 9 | 21% |
| 2022 | 10 | 23% |
| 2021 | 13 | 19% |
| 2020 | 17 | 31% |
| 2019 | 154 | 28% |
| 2018 | 3 | 9% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 36 | 22% |
| 2015 | 49 | 25% |
| 2014 | 94 | 24% |
| 2013 | 148 | 29% |
| 2012 | 138 | 28% |
| 2011 | 186 | 31% |
| 2010 | 233 | 27% |
| 2009 | 107 | 12% |
| 2008 | 42 | 22% |
| 2007 | 45 | 22% |
| 2006 | 112 | 19% |
| 2005 | 48 | 19% |
| 2004 | 36 | 16% |
| 2003 | 97 | 21% |
| 2002 | 148 | 21% |
| 2001 | 117 | 18% |
| 2000 | 60 | 14% |
| 1999 | 44 | 13% |
| 1998 | 41 | 21% |
| 1997 | 17 | 31% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
| 1995 | 45 | 20% |
| 1994 | 24 | 21% |
| 1993 | 2 | 12% |
| 1992 | 6 | 20% |
| 1991 | 4 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 18% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
141 complaintsEngine
112 complaintsOther or unknown
98 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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