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2013 Volkswagen Beetle

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 49.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

50 reports with mileage · 41 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

19 reports
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5 miles · Sep 14, 2016
Electrical SystemPower Train

TAKATA RECALL ON 8/13/16 WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND AS I ATTEMPT TO MOVE OVER THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID THIS SEVERAL MORE TIMES B…

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TAKATA RECALL ON 8/13/16 WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND AS I ATTEMPT TO MOVE OVER THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID THIS SEVERAL MORE TIMES BEFORE I WAS TO SEND IT BACK TO THE CAR LOT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CRANK SHAFT WAS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE. ON 9/13/2016 (1MONTH LATER) WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH ON A BUSY CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, IN FRONT OF AN 18 WHEELER THIS CAR SHUT OF AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED ON ITS VERY OWN. I MOVED OVER TO A SLOWER LANE TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS. I PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME I HAD TO MANUALLY RESTART THE VEHICLE. I PARKED THE CAR AT AN AREA RESTAURANT FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS. I WENT OUT TO START THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO POWER AT ALL. I CALLED TRIPE AAA, THEY CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. FINALLY A TOW TRUCK WAS DISPATCHED AND ARRIVED ABOUT 15 MINS AFTER THE BATTERY CHECK AND ALL LIGHTS WERE OWN. IN ABOUT 10 MINS I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED WITHOUT ANY HESITATION. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE BECAUSE I ABSOLUTELY FEAR FOR MY SAFETY.

NHTSA ODI #10906280

9,000 miles · Aug 12, 2016
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

1. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVE WAY (AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, PARKED IN A LOT), CONVERTIBLE ROOF STALLS UPON OPENING. YOU HAVE TO STOP PRESSING BUTTON AND TRY AGAIN. EVENTUALLY IT STARTS AGAIN AND OPENS. VW SERVICE UNABLE TO REPLICATE. THEY GREASE THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED HOPING IT CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. 2. WHEN CAR W…

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1. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVE WAY (AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, PARKED IN A LOT), CONVERTIBLE ROOF STALLS UPON OPENING. YOU HAVE TO STOP PRESSING BUTTON AND TRY AGAIN. EVENTUALLY IT STARTS AGAIN AND OPENS. VW SERVICE UNABLE TO REPLICATE. THEY GREASE THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED HOPING IT CORRECTS THE PROBLEM. 2. WHEN CAR WAS NEW, NOT WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEMS WERE NOTED. AFTER A YEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE SQUIRTS OUT IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE WIPER DOESN'T GET WET ENOUGH TO CLEAN WINDOW, THUS LEAVING BLURRY STREAKS THAT IMPEDES DRIVER'S SIDE VISION. PASSENGER SIDE OK. TOOK CAR IN 2 TIMES, THEY SAY THEY ADJUST SPRAY. PROBLEM STILL THERE EVEN AFTER REPLACING WIPERS WITH BRAND NEW (VOLKSWAGON BRAND) WIPERS. JUST HAD THE SPRAY FIXED AGAIN LAST WEEK. AFRAID TO SEE IF IT IS ANY BETTER. WILL WRITE ANOTHER REPORT IF PROBLEM PERSISTS. HAD CONVERTIBLE TOP GEARS GREASED AGAIN LAST WEEK. I WONDER IF HOT WEATHER IS EFFECTING THE TOP TO OPEN?

NHTSA ODI #10895365

37,000 miles · Mar 12, 2016
Electrical SystemStructure

TRUNK LATCH INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT OPERATE. VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC KEYLESS LOCKS AND IGNITION.

NHTSA ODI #10846228

37,000 miles · Mar 12, 2016
Electrical SystemStructure

THE TRUNK LATCH DOES NOT WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS KEYLESS ELECTRONIC LOCKS. BROUGHT TO DEALER BUT THE LATCH WORKS FINE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE TRUNK IS NOT ACCESSIBLE UNLESS SOMEONE CRAWLS NOT THE THE TRUNK VIA THE BACK SEAT. CONDITION HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT SINCE PURCHASE.

NHTSA ODI #10846226

56,000 miles · Oct 2, 2015
Electrical SystemEquipment

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN ACTIVATED, THE RADIO PROMPTED THE CONTACT FOR A CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA ODI #10779419

23,000 miles · Jun 27, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

WE WERE DRIVING HOME IN OUR 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE WHEN THE ENGINE DIED CAUSING A LACK OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR BEING ABLE TO MOVE MY FAMILY AROUND SAFELY. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND OTHERS HAV…

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WE WERE DRIVING HOME IN OUR 2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE WHEN THE ENGINE DIED CAUSING A LACK OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THIS CAR BEING ABLE TO MOVE MY FAMILY AROUND SAFELY. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. THE DEALERS ARE NOT ABLE TO "DUPLICATE" THE ISSUE SO THEY SEND YOU AWAY WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. HOPEFULLY THIS DOES NOT WIND UP BEING A SITUATION SIMILAR TO GM WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO LOSE THEIR LIVES BEFORE THE ISSUES ARE CORRECTED.

NHTSA ODI #10730785

4,113 miles · Jan 12, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

CAR WOULD STALL AND ABRUPTLY STOP WHEN OPERATING AND ALL ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS AND SAFETY FEATURES WOULD TURN OFF AND NOT WORK (E.G., ENGINE, ASSISTED BRAKES, AIR BAGS, HORN, RUNNING LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS, ENTIRE DASHBOARD WOULD NOT WORK). ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR WOULD POWER UP AGAIN AND RUN. THE …

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CAR WOULD STALL AND ABRUPTLY STOP WHEN OPERATING AND ALL ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS AND SAFETY FEATURES WOULD TURN OFF AND NOT WORK (E.G., ENGINE, ASSISTED BRAKES, AIR BAGS, HORN, RUNNING LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHTS, ENTIRE DASHBOARD WOULD NOT WORK). ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR WOULD POWER UP AGAIN AND RUN. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT (IT HAPPENED AGAIN) AND NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER COULD FIND THE CAUSE. THE OWNER REFUSED TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE UNLESS THEY FOUND THE CAUSE BECAUSE THE ABRUPT STOPPING COULD BE CATASTROPHIC ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CURRENT POSITION OF THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IS THAT IT NEVER HAPPENED. ANOTHER CASE IS REPORTED HERE WHERE THE SAME CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED THREE TIMES AND THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671852

7,600 miles · Jun 26, 2014
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control

CAR STALLS AND LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. 3RD INCIDENT ON CAR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE CAN'T FIND ANY ISSUE TO REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10606340

150 miles · Aug 30, 2013
Electrical System

THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN WHEN THE HORN BUTTON IS PRESSED AND WHEN IT SOUNDS. THAT'S A HAZARD AND MAKES NO SENSE.

NHTSA ODI #10538079

Official recalls

6

20V785000 · Air Bags:frontal

Dec 16, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.

19V679000 · Unknown Or Other

Sep 25, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy: 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.

19V615000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

Aug 22, 2019

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

14V656000 · Suspension:rear

Oct 20, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

14V658000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Oct 20, 2014

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

12V540000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Nov 15, 2012

Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles, manufactured from February 2012, through August 2012, and equipped with leather sport seats. If the right front passenger seat gets wet, the occupant control module may not properly detect the presence of a child restraint installed in the seat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the control module does not detect a child seat installed, the airbag will not turn off. If the airbag does not turn off, in the event of a crash necessitating front airbag deployment, a child secured in the child seat may be at an increased risk for serious injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and replace the control modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.