2013 Volkswagen Golf
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 41 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 73 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 129 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 115 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO WHEN MY CAR HAD 50K MI. RIGHT AFTER IT HAD BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER. INITIALLY, THE YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON OCCASIONALLY (E.G. ON IN THE MORNING AND THEN OFF IN THE AFTERNOON).
NHTSA ODI report, 20180521
26% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 11 distinct reports on file.
21% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL. INSIGNIFICANT UNUSUAL SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT SOUNDS LIKE CLICKS. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180416
16% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that the front passengerâs side seat overheated and burned the occupant. The burn injuries were minor and there was no medical attention sought.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220824
12% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.
Campaign 15V483000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available.
Campaign 16V078000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 18V148000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018.
Campaign 18V329000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019.
Campaign 19V862000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V483000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V078000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V148000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V329000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V862000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Volkswagen Golf is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf have?
5 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.