2013 Volkswagen Jetta

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

Volkswagen Jetta
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,177 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan 2.0l Trendline/Comfortline182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in2,881 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan 2.5l Sportline/Highline182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,082 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan Hybrid Trendline/Comfortline182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,318 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta Hybrid Hybrid1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Front-Wheel Drive41 / 48 / 44+70%$1,850200
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+24%$3,000318
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+24%$3,000315
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+28%$3,000318
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+28%$3,000315
Jetta2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+8%$2,400316
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+4%$3,050331
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 260%$3,150344
Jetta2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 260%$2,600334
Jetta2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 260%$2,600335
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 26+4%$2,600334
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26+4%$2,600335
Jetta2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25-3%$2,700344
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.9 MPG2013 Compact Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Volkswagen Jetta (this car)44 MPGNot rated7
2013 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated0
2013 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated6
2013 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2013 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated3

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

565Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
69,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train183
Electrical System145
Engine112
Unknown Or Other103
Fuel/Propulsion System42
Steering39
Air Bags35
Service Brakes24
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/11: 523/12: 224/01: 624/02: 124/03: 224/04: 124/05: 524/06: 224/08: 124/09: 424/11: 224/12: 125/02: 325/03: 125/05: 125/07: 125/08: 125/09: 125/10: 125/12: 226/02: 226/05: 126/08: 126/10: 223/1124/0224/0524/0925/0225/0725/1026/05max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 183 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 145 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 112 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Jetta34–Not rated00
2026 Jetta34185.8 inNot rated16
2025 Jetta33185.8 in★★★★★231
2024 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★046
2023 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★043
2022 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★143
2021 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★470
2020 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★654
2019 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★11549
2018 Jetta33–★★★★★232
2017 Jetta33183.1 in★★★★★6160
2016 Jetta44183.1 inNot rated4164

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →