Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
VW has replaced the heater core twice on this car. Yet less than 1 year later the heat will not work on just the passenger side which then foggs the windows and eliminates visablility rendering the car useless.
Plugged heater core. OBD code present P2457. Defroster was compromised. Confirmed by VW dealer. Advised by manufacturer to replace heater core and flush system per technical test and repair procedure.
Driving while in inclement weather noticed passenger side window fogging up and didn't think much about it such as heavy rain etc. And didn't think much about it. Fast forward to sub freezing temperatures in a snowstorm and now noticed passenger side windshield frozen and wipers useless. Start diagnostics and find cold air blowing out air vents and read thousands of people have the same issue and Volkswagen knows about it. They actually had an enxtended warranty for some not others to cover this issue and a service bulletin to bandaid the fix. This is affecting thousands of people and is a safety issue affecting thousands and the worst thing about it is replacing the heater core is only temporary as it will have to be done again as they have no permanent fix. I can deal with fog on the windshield but not a frozen windshield only to have no means of getting heat to thaw out. …
I bought this vehicle new and had the heating system serviced at the vw dealer. The heater core has fail two times, both times I had it replaced at a vw dealer. The first time was on 12/21/2016, I contacted vw and they would not cover any of the emplacement cost. The second time was on 01/24/2018, the dealer representative said vw would cover half of the cost of the repair. I paid for my have and then contacted vw to see if they cover the whole cost. They said they would not. Thank you. That is two heater core replacements in a 13 month period. That makes me think there May be a problem with the heater cores.[redacted] '
I was traveling to work on interstate 85 (which as four lanes) and all of a sudden there was a gun shot/explosion sound that rattled my car. I froze and closed my eyes (thank god I was on a straight road & did not yank my steering wheel), when I opened I was covered in glass. For some reason, my sun roof exploded for no apparent reason. It was not below freezing or extreme heat and I had not been under an overpass. I had glass in my clothes, my mouth, my hair, and all in my car.
These steering wheel components stopped working: horn, turn signals, high beams, windshield wipers, and cruise control. Not sure if air bag will in case of a car wreck. Instrument panel displays the following message: "button for driver assistant system defective". Been an ongoing issue for the past since buying the car 2013, roughly 5 years ago. Volkswagens technicians repaired the issue multiple times on seperate occassions *while the vehicle was still under warrant.
The heater core in my car has become clogged and is now failing to produce heat for inside the car and in turn is failing to defrost the windows when they become fogged. I have read many cases from online forums about this same problem. I contacted vw customer care and they advised they cannot help with the problem. My car has 50,000 miles on it and the heater cores in these cars should not be failing already. The problem happens while in motion and while stationary.
No heat coming from the passenger side of the car. This was found out while driving to work on a very cold day and not having the defrost working very well on the passenger side. Taking it to the dealer confirmed that the heater core is clogged and needs to be replaced. This was a month ago. I found out that the parts were back ordered and that I was #502 in line for a replacement.
The heater core in my car has become clogged and is now failing to produce heat for inside the car and in turn is failing to defrost the windows when the temperature drops and it is raining. I have read many cases from online forums about this same problem. The heater cores in these cars should not be failing already.
No heat coming from blocked heater core so defrost system ineffective. Result is obstructed vision because the defrost system is not working efficiently. Known defective part on this model car (internet research) but vw refuses to recall. Happens at all times, stationary and moving. No heat in passenger cabin at all.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 3% of the model year's 749 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.