2013 Volkswagen Jetta transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026AZTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers

   Mechatronics reprogram for prior recall does not fix failure longterm. The accumulator recall was fixed with original OEM accumulator which prolongs the need for Mechatronics rebuild. The OEM valve body housing is weak and cracks as well. The windshield spray motor just replaced. Appears it is a larger issue, many have issues with.

   NHTSA complaint #11768392 · source
2. Filed Dec 8, 2025TNOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am submitting this complaint regarding Safety Recall 34J6, which is listed as INCOMPLETE for my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen of Murfreesboro, Tennessee to have this recall performed. The dealership refused to complete the repair, claiming it was “too old” — a statement that is factually and legally incorrect. Federal law and NHTSA regulations require manufacturers and their dealerships to repair open safety recalls at no cost, with no…

   NHTSA complaint #11703821 · source
3. Filed Dec 2, 2025NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving the vehicle at about 20mph about a week ago, the check hybrid light began flashing. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The vehicle has been diagnosed at a Volkswagen dealership service center as leaking hydraulic fluid from the transmission mechatronics control unit and needing a new transmission and hydraulic pump. This vehicle is not included on the Safety Recall Code: 34J6.

   NHTSA complaint #11702517 · source
4. Filed Dec 17, 202455,000 miNYElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the compliance recall Campaign Number: 3M02 was completed. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was in drive(D), the key came out smoothly. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle and entering the key in the ignition switch, the Electronic Power Control (EPC) and the check engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11631281 · source
5. Filed Sep 21, 2024OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION As I was accelerating to enter traffic on the expressway the engine lost partial power. I reduced accelerator pressure, and then the engine seemed to recover. I then reapplied pressure to the accelerator, and it seemed normal but when I put in the clutch to shift, the engine accelerated beyond redline. I completed the shift, and car began to accelerate rapidly. I tapped the accelerator, and the acceleration stopped, and then after about 3 seconds it…

   NHTSA complaint #11615745 · source
6. Filed May 24, 2024NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   I bought a 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid in 2015 from a VW dealer with ~15,000 miles on it. Question #1: In December 2017, the power train system/transmission failed and my car lost power and I was unable to drive it. Now, in May 2024, the transmission is failing again and VW had stated that it needs to be replaced for a second time, and they quoted me roughly $10,000 for the repair. Question #2: VW issued a safety recall that mentions "hairline cracks in the transmission gearbox…

   NHTSA complaint #11590681 · source
7. Filed Mar 21, 2024MAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   There is an open recall on 2013 Volkswagen Jetta hybrid for known electrical and power train issues. My car was purchased last year and kept up on in maintenance . I have had it in the shop multiple times for checks due to the lights on my dashboard all going off. Nothing was found until recently the hybrid and engine light turned on out of no where and the cause was the clutch failing which is one of the known recalls. My VIN Isn’t listed under this recall and I have been…

   NHTSA complaint #11578711 · source
8. Filed Mar 11, 2024VAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle on several occasions lost power while driving causing me to coast to the side of the road. After stopping and placing car in park, tried to restart vehicle and started up with no lights on dashboard as to this issue. Took car to VW dealer and was told they would complete the recall work to fix the powertrain issues of gearbox fluid leaking causing corrosion and leaks into transmission. Received call from dealership who stated transmission was totally damaged and…

   NHTSA complaint #11576677 · source
9. Filed Feb 9, 2024ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   The car has 39k miles on it and needs a new transmission. When at stop lights it cycles back and forth from the engine to electric. Sometimes the vehicle jolts forward for some reason unbeknownst to me. Close call running into the vehicle ahead of me. Then other times it is so sluggish and hardly wants to take off from a stop. It makes a clunking noise at slower speeds. It was diagnosed and has a hairline crack within the transmission electronic gearbox which is causing an…

   NHTSA complaint #11571041 · source
10. Filed Jan 22, 2024CABrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    I would assume the issue had something to do with the power train. 2 days after i had bought the car my wife and i were on our way to the gym and we had just came to a complete stop. Upon entering the highway the car would no longer accelerate no matter how much pressure was put on the accelerator pedal. The engine light also came on. Luckily there were no cars behind me and I was able to pull over with the car moving on its own. This is really dangerous. This has happened…

    NHTSA complaint #11566870 · source
11. Filed Jan 17, 2024ARTransmission & Drivetrain

    This is a common problem with the 2013 vw hybrid Jetta. The dealership charged me $300 and told me I needed to just replace my transmission because the mechtronic unit has cracks in it. No mention of a recall. Here is a description of my issue (found online), to the letter: Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing an internal transmission oil leak and a decrease in oil pressure. This can cause the clutch to fail to…

    NHTSA complaint #11565919 · source
12. Filed Nov 30, 2023TXTransmission & Drivetrain

    Dsg unit with hairline crack and fluid leakage just like known recall for this vehicle but mine isn’t covered for some reason

    NHTSA complaint #11557589 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology