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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

12 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2025
Unknown Or Other

Key is getting stuck in the vechile. Wont let me shut the vechile off and took it to the vechile and the said it was the steering lock mechanism

NHTSA ODI #11673968

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2023
Air BagsService BrakesUnknown Or Other

Had the Takata Air Bag Recall completed at VW dealership in CC, Tx. Shortly after the Air Bag kept giving Errors and then it would include Low Air Pressure, ABS and Anti Skid Warnings.. Contacted the dealership, had the system check with no issues.. Had the system checked locally at repair shop with no issues.. went to leave and…

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Had the Takata Air Bag Recall completed at VW dealership in CC, Tx. Shortly after the Air Bag kept giving Errors and then it would include Low Air Pressure, ABS and Anti Skid Warnings.. Contacted the dealership, had the system check with no issues.. Had the system checked locally at repair shop with no issues.. went to leave and Air Bag Warning stated Error,, they rechecked and found no Issues.. Computer showed no Errors.. I was informed that apparently the only issue is "Possibly" the Air Bag needs to be replaced again but the dealership refuses to without a Recall Requests.

NHTSA ODI #11555173

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2022
Unknown Or OtherCrash

I GOT A BUNCH OF CALLS AND MANY NOTICES REGARDING AN AIRBAG RECALL, BUT I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE SHIFT LEVER RECALL. I PARKED MY VEHICLE ON MY STREET AND IT ROLLED AWAY FROM ME AND CRASHED INTO MY NEIGHBORS CAR. IT WAS NOT UNTIL AFTER I PAID OUT OF MY OWN POCKET TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THAT I WAS TOLD IT WAS A RECALL. VW HAS FA…

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I GOT A BUNCH OF CALLS AND MANY NOTICES REGARDING AN AIRBAG RECALL, BUT I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE SHIFT LEVER RECALL. I PARKED MY VEHICLE ON MY STREET AND IT ROLLED AWAY FROM ME AND CRASHED INTO MY NEIGHBORS CAR. IT WAS NOT UNTIL AFTER I PAID OUT OF MY OWN POCKET TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THAT I WAS TOLD IT WAS A RECALL. VW HAS FAILED IN NOTIFYING ME OF THIS AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN KILLED.

NHTSA ODI #11490412

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

While driving on the interstate my 2013 VW Beetle showed a stability malfunction warning then lost power and would not accelerate. I coasted to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. It crank back up and I drove it home. Two months ago, I had the same issue with the vehicle losing power after the engine light illuminated severa…

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While driving on the interstate my 2013 VW Beetle showed a stability malfunction warning then lost power and would not accelerate. I coasted to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. It crank back up and I drove it home. Two months ago, I had the same issue with the vehicle losing power after the engine light illuminated several times before I could get the car into the VW dealership for repair. After a costly emmission valve and hose replacement the engine light didn’t come back on and the care hasn’t lost power until yesterday. My safety was at risk due to a lack of power and had not been able to coast to the shoulder safely, I could have been plowed into the rear of my car by a semi that was fast approaching. This is a vehicle that I purchased for my teenaged daughter and I shudder to think of an inexperienced driver in this situation. I have read lots of post from others who have had this problem with VW. Taking the car back to the dealership tomorrow and praying that I won’t be told that the lose of power is a safety feature that VW has like I was told previously. Safety feature is suppose to prevent an accident not put drivers in a sitution that is potentially fatal.

NHTSA ODI #11447694

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2021
Air BagsSeat BeltsUnknown Or Other

2 RECALLS ARE ON MY BUG FIRST ONE SAYS THE AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY EXPLODE.CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. I CALLED VW THEY SAID IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT. I CALLED THEM AND I TOLD THEM I CAN'T SELL MY CAR LIKE THAT, AND THEY WON'T BUY IT BACK,OR PROVIDE A RENTAL UNTIL THEY COME UP WITH A FIX. IS THIS CAR SAFE …

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2 RECALLS ARE ON MY BUG FIRST ONE SAYS THE AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY EXPLODE.CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. I CALLED VW THEY SAID IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT. I CALLED THEM AND I TOLD THEM I CAN'T SELL MY CAR LIKE THAT, AND THEY WON'T BUY IT BACK,OR PROVIDE A RENTAL UNTIL THEY COME UP WITH A FIX. IS THIS CAR SAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY GRAND KIDS OR NOT AND WHAT DO I DO..I HAVE LET THE CAR SIT UNTIL I HERE FROM SOMEONE

NHTSA ODI #11400350

150,000 miles · Sep 13, 2020
Unknown Or Other

DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER FAILURE AFTER VW DIESEL FIX

NHTSA ODI #11354653

65,000 miles · Jul 23, 2020
Unknown Or Other

TRYING TO TURN OFF THE MOTOR BUT KEY WILL NOT TURN, IT WILL MOVE FORWARD AS IF YOU ARE STARTING IT BUT NOT TO REMOVE THE KEY.THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND I JIGGLES THE STEERING COLUMN AND GEAR LEVER AND EVEN THE KEY SWITCH BUT NOTHING WOULD RELEASE THE KEY AND TURN THE MOTOR OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11341158

45,000 miles · Aug 16, 2019
Unknown Or Other

DOOR LOCK HAVE QUIT WORKING PROPERLY, WHAT MAKE ME THINK THIS MIGHT BE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN THE 600$ I HAVE HAD TO PAY SEPARATELY FOR EACH DOOR IS AN EXPERIENCE I HAD LAST WEEK...UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DOOR, MY BATTERY DIED, AND I WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, AS THE BEETLE REQUIRES THE WINDOW TO LOWER APPR…

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DOOR LOCK HAVE QUIT WORKING PROPERLY, WHAT MAKE ME THINK THIS MIGHT BE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN THE 600$ I HAVE HAD TO PAY SEPARATELY FOR EACH DOOR IS AN EXPERIENCE I HAD LAST WEEK...UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DOOR, MY BATTERY DIED, AND I WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, AS THE BEETLE REQUIRES THE WINDOW TO LOWER APPROX. 1 INCH FOR THE DOOR TO OPEN. I DO NOT KNOW IF THESE 2 PROBLEMS ARE CONNECTED, BUT HAVING ANYTHING WRONG WITH DOOR LOCKS SHOULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD THAT IS FIXED BY THE COMPANY. THE DOORS ARE SUPPOSED TO LOCK UPON ACCELERATION, WITH THE DOUBLE CLICKING I HAVE EXPERIENCED, I'M ACTUALLY NOT SURE IF THEY ARE. I HAVE A VIDEO THAT I COULD SEND, BUT IT IS NOT ATTACHABLE TO THIS FORM (.MOV)I HAVE ATTACHED THE CUSTOMER (DON'T) CARE MESSAGES FROM VW. I HAVE DECIDED TO FIE THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE PASSENGER DOOR FIRST WENT OUT A YEAR OR SO AGO AND I PAID FOR THAT ONE AND NOW THE DRIVERS DOOR HAS FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #11244331

22,433 miles · Aug 24, 2018
Unknown Or Other

MID 2014, WE PURCHASED OUR 2013 VW BUG FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. BY FALL OF THE SAME YEAR, THE BUG WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR IGNITION KEY SWITCH EXHIBITING DIFFICULTY NOT ONLY ENGAGING TO THE "ON" POSITION, BUT ALSO REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE HOUSING SWITCH. THE DEALER SUGGESTING THAT THE KEYS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS…

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MID 2014, WE PURCHASED OUR 2013 VW BUG FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. BY FALL OF THE SAME YEAR, THE BUG WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR IGNITION KEY SWITCH EXHIBITING DIFFICULTY NOT ONLY ENGAGING TO THE "ON" POSITION, BUT ALSO REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE HOUSING SWITCH. THE DEALER SUGGESTING THAT THE KEYS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, AS THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE SALE (AS IF THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE). THEY SUGGESTED PURCHASING A NEW SET OF KEYS. COST: CLOSE TO $400. NOT SURE IF THEY DID ANYTHING ELSE WITH THE CAR WHILE THEY HAD IT, BUT THE "PROBLEM" ABATED FOR A WHILE, RETURNING WITH A VENGEANCE ABOUT A YEAR LATER- WE LITERALLY COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE BUG WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER- THIS TIME FOR A NEW KEY SWITCH CYLINDER, STEERING LOCK AND BOLT. COST APPROX. $625. IF YOUR KEEPING SCORE, THAT'S APPROX. $1000. SPENT. FAST FORWARD TO CURRENT DAY, END OF AUG. 2018. SAME IGNITION ISSUES. TWO WEEKS AGO, WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VW OF AMERICA ACKNOWLEDGING THE "PROBLEM", WITH A SPECIFIC WARRANTEE EXTENSION OFFERED. SO, BACK TO THE DEALER IT GOES. THANKS TO THIS NHTSA WEBSITE, I SEE THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE.

NHTSA ODI #11122200

51,000 miles · Jul 6, 2018
Unknown Or Other

VW BEETLE (2013) WOULD NOT TURN OFF AS THE KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING! STOPPED AT GAS STATION TO FILL UP AND WHEN I TRIED TO REMOVE KEY, WOULD NOT COME OUT. HAD EXPERIENCE PROBLEM THE DAY BEFORE BUT THOUGHT USING A DIFFERENT KEY WOULD HELP BUT IT DIDN'T--SAME PROBLEM. HAVE EXPERIENCED FREQUENT PROBLEMS…

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VW BEETLE (2013) WOULD NOT TURN OFF AS THE KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING! STOPPED AT GAS STATION TO FILL UP AND WHEN I TRIED TO REMOVE KEY, WOULD NOT COME OUT. HAD EXPERIENCE PROBLEM THE DAY BEFORE BUT THOUGHT USING A DIFFERENT KEY WOULD HELP BUT IT DIDN'T--SAME PROBLEM. HAVE EXPERIENCED FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH KEY IN IGNITION SINCE PURCHASING BEETLE. DROVE CAR TO TWO MECHANICS AND THEY COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF IGNITION SO DROVE HOME TO BE IN FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION AND COULD NOT GET CAR ENGINE TO TURN OFF. RECEIVED HELP FROM MULTIPLE PEOPLE BUT STILL COULDN'T GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION AND CAR TO TURN OFF--4 HOURS LATER, FINALLY MECHANIC PROVIDED INSTRUCTION TO DISCONNECT BATTERY, FUSE PUMP, AND FUSE BOX WHILE CAR WAS RUNNING--WHICH HELPED TO TURN THE CAR OFF; HOWEVER, IT ALSO LEAVES CAR SUSCEPTIBLE TO OTHER ISSUES. I ALSO HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR IN OPEN PARKING SPOT--WITH THE KEY IN IT--LEAVING IT AT RISK OF BEING STOLEN!

NHTSA ODI #11109960

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.