Most common 2013 Volkswagen GTI problems
Share of the 34 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen GTI complaints by model year
Best GTI years: 2014, 2020, 2018. Years to avoid: 2019, 2009, 2024, 2015, 2016. Compare all years →
2013 Volkswagen GTI recalls (2)
Unknown or other
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.
Air bags › Frontal
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2013 Volkswagen GTI:
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta…
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while…
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta…
What 2013 Volkswagen GTI owners say
Engine & cooling
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 problem with this car before with cooling system twice. The first time the dealership dealt with it by replacing water pump while it was under warranty. The second time I took it to mechanic and they were able to replace water pump and fix the problem. I was able find the leak and take pictures. …
My 2013 vw GTI has had defective water (coolant) pump. I have already had three (3!) major repairs to replace the faulty water pump and fix the leak of coolant. The issue first started at about 10,000 miles and reoccured at 15,000 miles and then at 25,000. I always maintained and repaired my car at vw dealerships. The issue with the water pump usually started while the car was in motion on a major road or a freeway with my family (including 2 children) inside. The light would usually turn on on the dashboard. Fortunately, in all the instances, we've been not far from the home or a safe location to park and request roadside assistance. These incidents with water pump, while the car is in motion can lead to crash or other serious consequences.
Fuel & propulsion system
My 2013 vw GTI has an ongoing issue-condition with what appears to be a fuel pump and/or low fuel pressure. It usually occurs randomly, without any hint. After the start up the car stalls within a few seconds. At that point the car would die at every attempt to start up again. However, the car will come back to life after staying idle for 40-60minutes (in severe cases even longer). In addition, we had several incidents when the car would stall while in slow motion on a hill. The gas tank in all instances was full or near full. We have had numerous major and minor incidents that have started since approximately 7,000 miles. We had somehow tolerated such randomly occurring incidents until the issue became (suddenly) almost a daily norm in December 2014 and January 2015. The car was repaired by the vw dealership at least 2 times within 2 week period. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that the fuel cap warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to neftin westlake Volkswagen (3550 auto mall dr, thousand oaks, ca 91362, [phone]) where the dealer stated that no recalls were associated with the VIN. The contact stated that an unknown failure was not determined. Upon picking up the vehicle, the warning indicator was no longer illuminated. That after leaving the dealer, the check engine indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
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 source a used transmission and try my luck. It is unacceptable that VW has no liability in this issue that is known, common and a real safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen GTI. While driving at any speed, the gear shifted into neutral and communication was lost with the gear box. Also, the rpms increased. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was placed in park, shut off, and restarted. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to valley auto world Volkswagen [phone], located at 3810 sycamore dairy rd, fayetteville, nc 28303) where it was diagnosed that the computer system needed to be replaced. The computer system was not replaced. The contact called the manufacturer, but was unable to reach anyone. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
2013 Volkswagen GTI engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 24 / 33 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Volkswagen GTI a good car?
Based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 GTI rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GTI at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Volkswagen GTI?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (7) and transmission & drivetrain (5).
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen GTI have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI, the most recent from May 16, 2018 (unknown or other). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen GTI?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2020 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2009, 2024, 2015 and 2016. See the full Volkswagen GTI years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Volkswagen GTI problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 33,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.