Owners have filed 47 complaints
about the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 22
4.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
937.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
520.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
625.0%
150,000+ miles
312.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2016peak 6Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
RQ17009Opened 13 Nov 2017Closed 4 May 2018AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fountain Valley, CACrash
AIR BAGS
Airbags failed to deploy during severe front impact crash. Car is supposed to be picked up from body shop by my insurance company tomorrow Thursday 4/13/2023. Don't know if it would be available for inspection after that day. Driver safety was at risk without airbag deployment. Problem was confirmed by auto body shop which is a "service First" body shop for my insurance carrier. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I was told by body shop that the wire to the airbags was disconnected from the airbags and that was the reason for the failure to deploy the airbags.
NHTSA complaint #11516809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,100 milesColumbus, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. ONCE THE SMOKE CLEARED, I WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT THE DASH NEAR THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD COMPLETELY MELTED, THE CEILING HAD BURNED, THE WINDSHIELD HAD SHATTERED, AND SEVERAL OTHER DASHBOARD COMPONENTS WERE MELTED AND/OR MISSING. I NEVER WITNESSED FLAME, AND I CONTACTED 911 IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE POLICE AND/OR FIRE DISPATCHED TO MY HOME TO ENSURE THE SITUATION WAS RESOLVED. A SINGLE OFFICER ARRIVED AND ADVISED THAT WITH NO INDICATION OF CRIMINALITY, I NEED ONLY CONTACT MY INSURANCE AGENT, WHICH I DID.
NHTSA complaint #11279947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Dinuba, CA
POWER TRAIN
I had lost power driving over the grapevine on Highway and then recently I had difficulty putting vehicle in gear and it would make a loud noise. Independent service center confirmed that the TCM was faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11673116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
My Bosch CP4 fuel pump failed causing my engine to stall while turning at a very busy/fast intersection. This can occur at speed without any warning of sudden failure, putting everyone on the road at risk. Fault code P0087 and P0191 were present, along with a flashing glow plug. Following EA No.: EA11-003 I removed the fuel metering valve and observed and documented metal shavings. The failed component is still installed on my vehicle as I will be having it serviced shortly. The fact that this same component has been recalled very recently in many domestic trucks, but not in the 600,000 VW/Audi vehicles it is installed in is concerning. EA No.: EA11-003 Date Opened: 7-Feb-2011 Date Closed: 27-Mar-2015 The date this analysis was closed was months before the Dieselgate Scandal broke, leads me to question its credibility. This repair is very expensive as a whole new fuel system needs to be installed, with the same questionable pump.
NHTSA complaint #11640739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Bosch CP4 fuel pump failed causing my engine to stall while turning at a very busy/fast intersection. This can occur at speed without any warning of sudden failure, putting everyone on the road at risk. Fault code P0087 and P0191 were present, along with a flashing glow plug. Following EA No.: EA11-003 I removed the fuel metering valve and observed and documented metal shavings. The failed component is still installed on my vehicle as I will be having it serviced shortly. The fact that this same component has been recalled very recently in many domestic trucks, but not in the 600,000 VW/Audi vehicles it is installed in is concerning. EA No.: EA11-003 Date Opened: 7-Feb-2011 Date Closed: 27-Mar-2015 The date this analysis was closed was months before the Dieselgate Scandal broke, leads me to question its credibility. This repair is very expensive as a whole new fuel system needs to be installed, with the same questionable pump.
NHTSA complaint #11640739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Plains, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It seems that my vehicle's clock spring has broken. There is already a warranty issue with this part. However, my local service center cannot get my vehicle in for 5 weeks. How is it acceptable for me to drive a vehicle for 5 weeks without a working airbag and horn?
NHTSA complaint #11615445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesLouisville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11615469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garrison, MN
AIR BAGS
The rear right passenger airbag sensor went faulty, was hoping Volkswagen could replace it since it is a safety system.
NHTSA complaint #11580702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCanterbury, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact continued driving to his destination however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; however, the results had not been shared with the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and became aware of a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. The contact related the failure to the high-pressure fuel pump. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11561116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelby, AL
POWER TRAIN
Walked out to the garage where the vehicle had been shut off for a number of minutes to conduct another day’s personal investigation (can’t leave it outside when it rains unfortunately - moonroof leaks). This time: exterior lights on & found the interior lights in what looked to be an odd cycling. Video can be provided, no pictures taken. The price for honesty? Dealers: $500. I can live with that, someone should at some point, do the right thing by others & disclose its problems. The car is a LEMON & by all other standards-has no reason to be. I’m done filing reports, 3 in 30 days & I’m done driving the vehicle after 101 days of personal research. Behind the wheel of this VIN which additionally is covered till 2028 & has also failed previously (Nov ‘22 clock spring) is too much of a safety concern; & the cost to repair exceeds the worth of the car. Value in a sense is relative, and I don’t have much to say about that subject. Additional findings and details can be provided. Also, toxins & emissions are a concern.
NHTSA complaint #11555385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelby, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Walked out to the garage where the vehicle had been shut off for a number of minutes to conduct another day’s personal investigation (can’t leave it outside when it rains unfortunately - moonroof leaks). This time: exterior lights on & found the interior lights in what looked to be an odd cycling. Video can be provided, no pictures taken. The price for honesty? Dealers: $500. I can live with that, someone should at some point, do the right thing by others & disclose its problems. The car is a LEMON & by all other standards-has no reason to be. I’m done filing reports, 3 in 30 days & I’m done driving the vehicle after 101 days of personal research. Behind the wheel of this VIN which additionally is covered till 2028 & has also failed previously (Nov ‘22 clock spring) is too much of a safety concern; & the cost to repair exceeds the worth of the car. Value in a sense is relative, and I don’t have much to say about that subject. Additional findings and details can be provided. Also, toxins & emissions are a concern.
NHTSA complaint #11555385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelby, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Walked out to the garage where the vehicle had been shut off for a number of minutes to conduct another day’s personal investigation (can’t leave it outside when it rains unfortunately - moonroof leaks). This time: exterior lights on & found the interior lights in what looked to be an odd cycling. Video can be provided, no pictures taken. The price for honesty? Dealers: $500. I can live with that, someone should at some point, do the right thing by others & disclose its problems. The car is a LEMON & by all other standards-has no reason to be. I’m done filing reports, 3 in 30 days & I’m done driving the vehicle after 101 days of personal research. Behind the wheel of this VIN which additionally is covered till 2028 & has also failed previously (Nov ‘22 clock spring) is too much of a safety concern; & the cost to repair exceeds the worth of the car. Value in a sense is relative, and I don’t have much to say about that subject. Additional findings and details can be provided. Also, toxins & emissions are a concern.
NHTSA complaint #11555385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelby, AL
ENGINE
The Service Act/Recall for the glow plug was NOT reported to Experian by Volkswagen when it was repaired on 12-11-2014 AND it was incorrectly installed by the VW Dealership in Tulsa who serviced it. It was not disclosed to me and we paid over $1400 this year for an "incorrect" glow-plug, same exact part number. Please update the NHTSA ID # 11553299 to include the Glow Plug. The vehicle is now showing the previously recalled codes for the VW Recalls pertaining to 23U3 and 24CV and 4 more codes since we last spoke. We were sold the vehicle without being disclosed the recall repair on our Experian report. Further, the vehicle is getting worse each day. The vehicle is a lemon & VW will not address the safety of it. They do NOT care about the lives of those who are their customers, something needs to change.
NHTSA complaint #11554262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesShelby, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that cylinder #1 glow plug, and several relays needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the check engine warning light returned. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failures were related to Service Campaign Numbers: 24CV and 23U3 Emissions Modifications (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was advised that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11553299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesShelby, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that cylinder #1 glow plug, and several relays needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the check engine warning light returned. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failures were related to Service Campaign Numbers: 24CV and 23U3 Emissions Modifications (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was advised that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11553299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsboro, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Twice since hitting 50k miles, my high pressure fuel pump has failed, resulting in complete and sudden loss of power midst driving. VW says that it is a warranty issue, but, has no real guidance or promise that it will be fixed. I DO NOT feel comfortable driving the vehicle until we know WHY this issue is happening and how to fix.
NHTSA complaint #11548016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsboro, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Twice since hitting 50k miles, my high pressure fuel pump has failed, resulting in complete and sudden loss of power midst driving. VW says that it is a warranty issue, but, has no real guidance or promise that it will be fixed. I DO NOT feel comfortable driving the vehicle until we know WHY this issue is happening and how to fix.
NHTSA complaint #11548016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain Valley, CACrash
AIR BAGS
Airbags failed to deploy during severe front impact crash. Car is supposed to be picked up from body shop by my insurance company tomorrow Thursday 4/13/2023. Don't know if it would be available for inspection after that day. Driver safety was at risk without airbag deployment. Problem was confirmed by auto body shop which is a "service First" body shop for my insurance carrier. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I was told by body shop that the wire to the airbags was disconnected from the airbags and that was the reason for the failure to deploy the airbags.
NHTSA complaint #11516809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adelanto, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Loss of sudden fuel pressure, Loss of Acceleration,Car shut off while driving.Car would not start again Vehicle unsafe to drive.Check engine light on Glow plug light on.P0087 code low fuel pressure caused by Catastrophic fuel pump Failure Fuel pump fails on these Diesel vehicles requiring to have all of the fuel system to be replaced VW quoted price $9377.13 almost there Price of another used Car
NHTSA complaint #11499109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adelanto, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pressure Malfunction Vw poorly designed the fuel pump When the fuel pump goes out it Shoots Metal shavings into the whole Fuel System Causing the car to lose Fuel Pressure and causing the car to Shut off.Had the Car towed into VW and they told me the whole fuel system hd to be repaired at my expense at an estimate of $9000.Vehicle speed Dropped Drastically I had no acceleration and Car ended up shutting off in trafficc
NHTSA complaint #11498178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baldwin, WI
AIR BAGS
I received an "Error: Airbag" message on my car so I brought it to the dealership on 09/15/2022. According to Schmelz Volkswagen, it is the PODS Module (passenger occupancy detection system) and that VW no longer makes this part nor provides a way to fix it and there isn't anything they can do. I am driving a vehicle that the airbag system will NOT deploy if I am in an accident. I have reached out to various mechanics on what to do and no one is able to give me an answer without this part. Seems very reckless to no longer make a part for a safety feature and I am unsure what to do. My car is basically not worth anything now so I can't get rid of it, not that I want to if I can fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11486886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ingalls, MI
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
According to the dealership my car has a broken clock spring switch in the steering wheel. This part is covered under an warranty extension issued in 2018. Without this switch all of the controls located in the steering wheel are inoperative. I have no driver side airbag and no horn, both of which are safety issues. The dealership stated that the parts to fix this problem are on perpetual backorder. The dealership stated they had another car with the same problem that has had parts on backorder for over a year. That seems like a long time to have parts on backorder to fix problems that affect safety. Since the warranty extension was issued back in 2018 you would think that would have parts to fix this problem by now.
NHTSA complaint #11481856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
AIR BAGS
This is on recall and on backorder. They are calling it an extended warranty? What is going on as I drive this car with no clock spring and a defective airbag? I was told by the dealer that the part is ordered and it is a recall. I paid for the diagnosis and this was supposed to be covered later by a VW dealer, but I had no choice and needed to find out. My clock spring is bad and my air bag light remains on.
NHTSA complaint #11473024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walton, NY
WHEELS
While about to drive my vehicle to work which had been parked in my driveway for about 48 since the last drive made a horrible grinding noise in both drive and reverse moving a few feet. I immediately put the vehicle in park to find the rear driver side suspension collapsed and the tire was pressed against the wheel well. Additionally unidentified parts from either the brake system or wheel well had abraded off. The car was jacked up in place and it was immediately apparent that the spring had broken and had shattered in a section. The spring was properly installed as a replacement for another spring failure by a ASE mechanic using genuine OEM parts from a VW dealer. While it is unknown at this time how much additional damage this faulty failed part caused, it is evident that had the car been driven at any speed when this happened, loss of control would be guaranteed and possibly death. I am retaining the failed part as evidence and plan on contacting an independent investigator or attorney as this could have certainly been fatal and is the most heinous example of metallurgical malpractice.
NHTSA complaint #11467232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walton, NY
STEERING
While about to drive my vehicle to work which had been parked in my driveway for about 48 since the last drive made a horrible grinding noise in both drive and reverse moving a few feet. I immediately put the vehicle in park to find the rear driver side suspension collapsed and the tire was pressed against the wheel well. Additionally unidentified parts from either the brake system or wheel well had abraded off. The car was jacked up in place and it was immediately apparent that the spring had broken and had shattered in a section. The spring was properly installed as a replacement for another spring failure by a ASE mechanic using genuine OEM parts from a VW dealer. While it is unknown at this time how much additional damage this faulty failed part caused, it is evident that had the car been driven at any speed when this happened, loss of control would be guaranteed and possibly death. I am retaining the failed part as evidence and plan on contacting an independent investigator or attorney as this could have certainly been fatal and is the most heinous example of metallurgical malpractice.
NHTSA complaint #11467232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walton, NY
SUSPENSION
While about to drive my vehicle to work which had been parked in my driveway for about 48 since the last drive made a horrible grinding noise in both drive and reverse moving a few feet. I immediately put the vehicle in park to find the rear driver side suspension collapsed and the tire was pressed against the wheel well. Additionally unidentified parts from either the brake system or wheel well had abraded off. The car was jacked up in place and it was immediately apparent that the spring had broken and had shattered in a section. The spring was properly installed as a replacement for another spring failure by a ASE mechanic using genuine OEM parts from a VW dealer. While it is unknown at this time how much additional damage this faulty failed part caused, it is evident that had the car been driven at any speed when this happened, loss of control would be guaranteed and possibly death. I am retaining the failed part as evidence and plan on contacting an independent investigator or attorney as this could have certainly been fatal and is the most heinous example of metallurgical malpractice.
NHTSA complaint #11467232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
AIR BAGS
clock spring / clock part: 5k0953569al Air Bag light is on... steering click.... dealer says parts are nowhere to be found as there are over 5000 back orders right now.. I am not a rich person... what do we do? I am afraid to drive it.
NHTSA complaint #11458153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.