2013 Volkswagen Beetle
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 171 |
| 1999 | 174 |
| 2000 | 263 |
| 2001 | 203 |
| 2002 | 165 |
| 2003 | 314 |
| 2004 | 349 |
| 2005 | 261 |
| 2006 | 124 |
| 2007 | 56 |
| 2008 | 60 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 90 |
| 2014 | 50 |
| 2015 | 83 |
| 2016 | 47 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: air bags — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The airbags deployed on their own on 7-4-2023 in my daughterâs 2013 VW Beetle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250506
20% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY AND COMPLETING A CURVE TO THE RIGHT I WAS ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF THE OFF RAMP GOING APPROX. 35 MPH. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND A MODERATE VIBRATION WAS FELT IN THE FRONT END/BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130308
7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ge
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.
Campaign 12V540000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014.
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.
Campaign 14V658000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V656000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 19V679000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge.
Campaign 20E064000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles.
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.
Campaign 20V785000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Volkswagen Beetle — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V540000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V658000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V656000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V679000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V785000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.