2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi, 4 Dr Sedan 2.0l Trendline/Comfortline, 4 Dr Sedan 2.5l Sportline/Highline, 4 Dr Sedan Hybrid Trendline/Comfortline
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 44 combined · 41 city / 48 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,881–3,318 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 44 MPG combined — 70% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints565 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 180 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 39 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 4 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,177 lb (4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 44 MPG combined (41 city / 48 highway), 70% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 565 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 32 to 44
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Jetta →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,177 lb | 60/40 |
| 4 Dr Sedan 2.0l Trendline/Comfortline | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,881 lb | 60/40 |
| 4 Dr Sedan 2.5l Sportline/Highline | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,082 lb | 60/40 |
| 4 Dr Sedan Hybrid Trendline/Comfortline | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,318 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Hybrid Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 / 48 / 44 | +70% | $1,850 | 200 |
| Jetta Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +24% | $3,000 | 318 |
| Jetta Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 32 | +24% | $3,000 | 315 |
| Jetta SportWagen Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +28% | $3,000 | 318 |
| Jetta SportWagen Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 32 | +28% | $3,000 | 315 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +8% | $2,400 | 316 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +4% | $3,050 | 331 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | 0% | $3,150 | 344 |
| Jetta | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 334 |
| Jetta | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 335 |
| Jetta SportWagen | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 334 |
| Jetta SportWagen | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 335 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 344 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 44 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (7)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Dec 6, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V866000 · 2,167 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 an internal transmission oil leak and a decrease in oil pressure.
- Risk
- A decrease in transmission oil pressure can cause the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit and, as necessary, replace affected parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J6.
Unknown Or Other · Sep 25, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 113 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- Risk
- If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
- Risk
- 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 injury or a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V078000 · 659,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- 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 occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags › Frontal · Aug 4, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V483000 · 415,825 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
- Risk
- 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 of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Suspension › Rear · Oct 20, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V656000 · 442,066 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Power Train · Nov 14, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V568000 · 3,837 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 within the gearbox may corrode. The deposits from this corrosion may cause an electrical short and result in a stall-like condition.
- Risk
- This sudden loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 34F6/4V.
Not every 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 183 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 145 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 112 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Jetta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Jetta | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Jetta | 33 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2024 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2022 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2021 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 70 |
| 2020 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 54 |
| 2019 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2018 Jetta | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →