2013 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems

The 2013 Volkswagen GTI has 2 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
34
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Volkswagen GTI vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Volkswagen GTI recalls

Recall 18V-329: Unknown or Other

Reported May 16, 2018 · 252 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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. 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.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Recall 15V-483: Air Bags

Reported Aug 4, 2015 · 415,825 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

2013 Volkswagen GTI problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine11
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Power Train5
Air Bags4
Electrical System3
Visibility2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2
Service Brakes2
Structure2
Visibility/Wiper1
Tires1
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Volkswagen GTI complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Apr 22, 2025
DSG automatic transmission started going into neutral at various speeds and driving conditions. It feels as though the clutch disengages momentarily, causing the vehicle to slow down and engine to rev. This is definitely not safe when trying to merge or drive on the highway. This is a know issue with VW DSG transmissions and warranted a safety recall on earlier vehicles. My vehicle is newer than the recall so VW has no obligation to help me. They inspected the car and told me it needed a transmission replacement, but that the transmission is no longer produced or available. I would need to…
Engine · at 106,000 miles · reported Mar 1, 2021
I'm on my way to work on the highway going uphill and the temperature red light starts flashing. I decided to slow down because the flashing light had me concerned. The temperature gauge stayed at normal position so I was able to bring it home. I waited awhile and then checked under the hood for coolant level and it was down to the bottom barely any left. So I bought the recommended coolant by vw and filled it up to level. I drove the next day and parked in my drive way and later that day I saw coolant puddle on concrete dripped from engine. I suspect it's the water pump again. I had this…
Service Brakes · reported Dec 4, 2020
I was driving at normal highway speeds and when I went to slow down for a red light my brakes were not engaging until my pedal was pushed well over half way down. This was a very serious issue. I started noticing that if I pumped my brake pedal, the brakes would become more effective, but the vehicle really was not safe. I took the car to my local tires plus repair shop who believed the brake master cylinder was bad and it was replaced under warranty. Once the repair was completed I picked up my vehicle and the brakes still were not effectively engaging. At that point the rear brake calipers…
Engine · at 120,000 miles · reported Feb 24, 2020
Intake manifold was replaced under warranty in 2015. In late 2019 the vehicle displayed a service engine warning which turned out to be the intake manifold again. Out of warranty the service cost me in excess of $1000. I see the warranty was extended on older years for the same exact reason but not the 2013. This needs to be remedied as soon as possible.
Power Train · at 57,000 miles · reported Apr 19, 2019
Without warning the vehicle puts itself into neutral was told nothing can be done unless it's able to be diagnosed or replicated this is a known issue on earlier models that resulted in an extended warranty due to the safety concerns. Did contact dealer and voa

Other Volkswagen GTI years

Compare all Volkswagen GTI years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI: 18V-329 (unknown or other), 15V-483 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Volkswagen GTI?

Owners report engine problems most often (11 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.