2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Complaints

The transmissions on the 2013-2016 Jetta Hybrids have an extremely high failure rate. These transmissions fail without warning and leave the car without propulsion and deactivate the regenerative brakes causing the car to behave erratically. VW issued a recall (19V866000) but are claiming owners within those model years with the exact same issues are "not covered". I have experienced this myself and you can find many many many examples on the complaints section of this website. VW issued a recall but is claiming everyones vin is not included.

Key doesn't turn off car. It will not turn. Stuck in ignition. Issue with ignition switch.

Car was taking by a worker at 970 fort st Lincoln park on 2/1/2022 Never return to work after that He claim to body shop owner he is going to get lunch

Ignition key difficult to pull out from starter. Sometimes difficult to start car, but it can be wiggled in or out with some effort. Dangerous if it can get removed and engine continues working. Key can be reinserted to turn off. Sometimes difficult to start. Taken to local (Tucson AZ) dealership and told that there is no VW recall for this issue. I believe there is a recall. Dealership refused to fix it. Not covered as part of warranty either. We had to pay to get it fixed. Dealership appeared not to know of existence of a recall for the ignition key problem. We request a refund. Please inform them that such a recall exists. Chapman Volkswagen 4426 E 22nd .St. Tucson, AZ (520) 445-4024 Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact went to an auto parts store and replaced the battery however, the warning light illuminated again. Occasionally, the vehicle would fail to start immediately. The contact also stated that occasionally while driving, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing belt failed due to damage to the water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump and timing belt needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E007000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact turned off the vehicle and as he restarted the vehicle, the check engine warning light and the warning message "Hybrid System Failure" illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The contact stated that when he purchased the vehicle new in August of 2013, the vehicle Owner’s Manual advised not to change the transmission fluid on all models of the Jetta hybrid 2013-2016. Then in 2015, the contact received a notice advising to change the transmission fluid after 40,000 miles; however, in 2017 the contact received another notice advising not to change the transmission fluid. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

Transmission failing to go into gear when vehicle is in motion, gear will slip causing vehicle to lose gear and stop until vehicle is shut off and restarted. Problem could cause others to crash into vehicle when this happens from the rear or not have enough space or time to pull over to the emergency lane to shut off vehicle and restart all gears to proceed. Vehicle hasn’t been inspected and will be available for inspection upon request.

On 10/20/2021, the Service Hybrid System light and Check Engine light illuminated. I was able to start the vehicle and drive directly home. During the drive, I noticed the Hybrid system wasn't engaging. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who specializes in European vehicles, and he determined the cause was cracks in the mechatronics unit, causing a loss of pressure, exactly the issue Recall 19V866000 was supposed to remedy. I contacted Volkswagen and was informed that my VIN was not included in 19V866000, which was based on cracks appearing in the mechatronics unit. I find it strange that almost 25% of all Jetta Hybrids were recalled for that issue, but there are several other reports listed on NHTSA of other owners who have experienced the same issue who were also told they weren't part of the recall.

My vehicle was not included in several recalls (e.g. 36F6/4V and 34J6) that were made for identical cars (2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid). As result, the transmission is approaching its end of life (I was quoted $9600 + tax for the replacement). I called VW customer service and they could not offer a reason why some cars are not recalled; they just tried to spin it. The transmission is one big part that is manufactured in Germany and comes sealed. The 2013 recall 36F6 (change the transmission oil because is corrosive) would have saved the transmission.

Transmission is about to fail: at ODO 98800 the CEL indicates code P177B - Clutch Tolerance limit reached. The DSG transmission mechatronic unit was changed at ODO 46734 because the engine was loosing power. Volkswagen's has a recent recall 34J6 for this problem and vehicle type, but mine is not included in the recall.