DSG and ignition complaints
The 2013 Jetta has an above-average complaint rate. DSG transmission problems on hybrids and ignition keys that stick lead the list.
Updated November 2026 · based on 633 owner complaints and 7 recalls
386 1.9x the Jetta average
7 free to fix at a dealer
Every Jetta year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Jetta
Top problems and what they cost
DSG transmission
Cracked DSG units and fluid leaks, mainly on Jetta Hybrid.
Fix: Recall on some cars; otherwise $2,500 to $4,500
Transmission and drivetrain
Ignition stuck
The key sticks in the ignition.
Fix: Ignition switch $200 to $500
Electrical
Recalls
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal in...
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk ...
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show all 7 recalls
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupa...
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
- Check the VIN for open DSG recalls if it is a hybrid.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2013 Jetta has 7 recalls on record, listed below.
- Turn the key on and off several times.Key and ignition faults can let the key turn off the engine while driving or let the car roll. Several ignition recalls cover this.162 of the 633 owner complaints about the 2013 Jetta involve the electrical system (26%).
Questions
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
DSG and ignition complaints. The 2013 Jetta has an above-average complaint rate. DSG transmission problems on hybrids and ignition keys that stick lead the list.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta have?
7 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
DSG transmission; Ignition stuck.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.