CarComplaints.com Notes: VW updated the Jetta's interior and added new features like backup cameras to certain trims. Time will tell if these adjustments start falling apart.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,520 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2013 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #119

Feb 032023

Jetta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car would turn on for 2 seconds and turn off for 2 second in a continuous cycle when stationary. The car is available for inspection upon request. Yes the problem has been confirmed by Heritage Volkswagen and they updated the software recall...but the damage is already beyond repair. $10,000 to repair. There were not any warning lamps, messages, just the above symptoms. This started about 5 days ago. Took it to a local auto shop and they said there was an EV when the performed the diagnostics. Would have to take it to the dealership to get it fixed. That day I made an appointment with the dealership for the following morning at 7:30 a.m.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #118

Dec 032022

Jetta

  • miles
Vehicle would not shift, OBD2 code P037B "stuck in gear 6." Vehicle towed to a auto mechanic that said they spoke with VW dealer and confirmed it was a crack in the transmission and was undriveable. I have contacted VW who have said there are recalls for many transmissions of this Jetta but not for my VIN. I have also had issues with the clock spring (replaced) and an air bag sensor (malfunction light still on) and now the transmission. There are recalls for Hybrid Jettas of this year but apparently not for my VIN. It seems like a large coincidence and feels like it should be investigated, especially considering the other issues VW was investigated for at this time of production.

- Cleveland Heights, OH, USA

problem #117

May 102022

Jetta

  • miles
Transmision slips into neutral, stopping car in traffic, other jetta hybrids fall under recall for same reason, it also leaks fluid from Transmission

- Discovery Bay, CA, USA

problem #116

Jun 202022

Jetta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is a hybrid car and the power train at low rpm-€™s should transfer the fuel source from gas to battery. This function should occur in a stop position as well. The car now shifts in and out of battery power source and hesitates severely from a stop position. It sounds very much like the recall of over 25% of these vehicles for the mechtronic issues. My car was not included in the recall but I believe this is the same or similar dangerous issue. I have communicate that with VWoA with no results.

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

problem #115

Jun 272022

Jetta

  • miles
Transmission shifts hard and told to this is a common problem with the Jetta hybrids.

- Lenexa, KS, USA

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problem #114

Jan 052018

Jetta

  • miles
The mechatronic unit in the transmission failed without warning and caused the vehicle to not move while while in traffic. This issue plagues almost every Jetta Hybrid and VW of America will not correct this serious safety issue. This transmission has an extremely high failure rate and needs to be recalled across the board. VW has issued a recall for this issue but is not including all Jetta Hybrids that are experiencing this exact issue. An investigation needs to happen!

- Old Lyme, CT, USA

problem #113

Mar 042022

Jetta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicles transmission is falling in the same manner as described by the current recall. VW claims the VIN is not covered. The car is experiencing the same issue. Many owners cannot get this fixed because VW claims the VIN is not covered.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #112

Mar 162022

Jetta 4-cyl

  • miles
-The Jetta Hybrid relies on a control unit, called the "Mechatronic unit" to decouple the gasoline engine from the transmission. This, in turn, transfers propulsion to the electric motor, inside the transmission housing. The "Mechatronic" is a highly specialized component, the "brains" of the Jetta's hybrid powertrain, and, therefore, can only be found in the Jetta Hybrid. -Market sales data says that a scant 8,515 Jetta Hybrids were manufactured across model years 2013 - 2016. -An open NHTSA safety recall, 34J6, has been applied to a cross section of the total 8,515 Jetta Hybrids produced. -Per recall 34J6, exactly 2,149 Jetta Hybrids have been included by VIN# in this recall. -Safety recall 34J6 specifically addresses the "Mechatronic Accumulator Housing". -Recall description: Hairline cracks may develop in the accumulator housing of the transmission (mechatronic unit), leaking and leading to insufficient transmission oil pressure. If this happens, the transmission warning light will illuminate in the instrument panel. If the warning light is ignored and the vehicle is driven, the clutch may not engage. There could be a sudden loss of power to the wheels, potentially leading to a vehicle crash.  -This describes EXACTLY the problem we have had TWICE with our 2013 Jetta Hybrid. -Mechatronic unit failed and had to be replaced on our dime at 70,683 miles; 30 June 2016 -Mechatronic unit has failed us again on 16 March 2022 at 142,758 mi. -Exact diagnosis from the VW dealer reads: [error code] P0841 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor / Switch. MECHATRONIC UNIT HAS FAILED INTERNALL. CAN NOT GET SEPARATE FROM TRANSMISSION. NEED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION $7,163. -Our vehicle's VIN# was NOT included as part of 34J6, despite the part that is subject of recall 34J6 having failed us twice. -$7,136 repair estimate is more than the resale value of the vehicle. -We request that NHTSA extend safety recall 34J6 to include our VIN# to compel VW to fix the vehicle. Since Volkswagen no longer stocks the "Mechatronic

- Morris, IL, USA

problem #111

Mar 012022

Jetta

  • miles
VW issued a recall (20E064000) for the transmission failing to engage though VW is claiming vehicles within the year range specified and with the exact same problem are not included in the recall. A quick search on complaints on Safercar.gov will show VW is not actually fixing this issue but pushing customers along saying they are not covered. This is a huge safety issue that VW is skirting around. I was told my car - within the years affects and with the same problem - is not included in this recall.

- Windsor , CT, USA

problem #110

Aug 042020

Jetta

  • miles
I was driving on the street and my check engine light popped on as I was making a turn at about 35 miles an hour my car kicked into neutral and when pressing the gas just revved the engine. I was fortunate there was no oncoming cars as I made the turn or I would have been killed. Had this happened on the highway I could of caused a major reck killing multiple people. I was fortunate and pulled over to the side and had the car towed to a mechanic. He took a look and said there was a significant leak coming from the transmission and I should take it to a VW dealership because there are a lot of recalls for this type of stuff. I had it towed to VW and they're professional mechanic said it was a hairline crack in the transmission that caused an oil leak into the electronic gearbox which caused the loss of control and power. They said there is no recall and it would be a $12,000 fix. The car has 47K original miles on it, no wrecks, and I've never missed an oil change. Had I not quickly reacted I could of caused a car accident injuring or killing myself or someone else. This is unbelievable that VW is not being held responsible for this. There is a recall for this exact problem Recall Number: 34J6 but for some reason it does no include my specific Jetta. How is that possible?

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #109

Feb 192022

Jetta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The power train failed while driving on a busy highway at about 50 mph on 2/19/2022. The warning light on the dashboard indicated a hybrid system failure. We were able to coast to the side of the road. The service center says the transmission needs to be replaced. This is exactly the transmission problem described in recall 34J6, but that recall did not apply to our VIN. This problem has been reported online by other drivers who were also not covered by that recall.

- Mead, WA, USA

problem #108

Feb 222022

Jetta

  • miles
I was driving to the store and my transmission disengaged and I had to coast to the shoulder. I had the Jetta towed to the dealer and they said it needs a new transmission. My vehicle has under 70k miles on the chassis and this transmission has been recalled in other countries but not in the US, this makes no sense to me and Volkswagen refuses to take any accountability for this defect even though it-€™s a known problem. My vin number wasn-€™t under the recall they claim.

- Lakewood, WA, USA

problem #107

Jul 162021

Jetta

  • miles
Transmission failing to go into gear when vehicle is in motion, gear will slip causing vehicle to lose gear and stop until vehicle is shut off and restarted. Problem could cause others to crash into vehicle when this happens from the rear or not have enough space or time to pull over to the emergency lane to shut off vehicle and restart all gears to proceed. Vehicle hasn-€™t been inspected and will be available for inspection upon request.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #106

Oct 202021

Jetta

  • miles
On 10/20/2021, the Service Hybrid System light and Check Engine light illuminated. I was able to start the vehicle and drive directly home. During the drive, I noticed the Hybrid system wasn't engaging. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who specializes in European vehicles, and he determined the cause was cracks in the mechatronics unit, causing a loss of pressure, exactly the issue Recall 19V866000 was supposed to remedy. I contacted Volkswagen and was informed that my VIN was not included in 19V866000, which was based on cracks appearing in the mechatronics unit. I find it strange that almost 25% of all Jetta Hybrids were recalled for that issue, but there are several other reports listed on NHTSA of other owners who have experienced the same issue who were also told they weren't part of the recall.

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #105

Aug 132021

Jetta

  • miles
E-Engine and Transmission Problem. In August of 2021, while performing normal driving, the car refused to get in gear and the engine just revved; the Check Engine and Hybrid Systems Failure lights came on, and the car would not work properly. I had it towed to a VW Dealership in Springfield, VA for repairs and was quoted $15,000 for a new E-Engine and Transmission. No Recalls, but online forums show that this is a classic failure of Jetta Hybrids and is due to the corrosive transmission oil used in the sealed transmissions of the Hybrids. Car has remained on VW Dealership lot while a decision is made on the vehicle. November of 2021 I was contacted about a different recall (38C4) for the Jetta; it is a software issue with a European Calibration instead of a US. I am looking to have that repaired to see if it fixes the problem in the car. I am inquiring about the Volkswagen recall 34J6 (or 34J6/4V) for 2013/2014 VW Jetta Hybrids. My VIN does not appear on the list. According to forums, it has experienced the same failure as others that are. This one is for hairline cracks that may form in the Transmission causing it to fail. No warning signs were given before the failure. It was a well maintained car; I was the only owner and drove it for 121,000 miles.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #104

Oct 042021

Jetta

  • miles
While driving on freeway going 80mph in carpool with my toddler in backseat the car turned off losing all power to car. engine stopped, steering did not work, brakes did not work, and all lights on dash turned off along with headlights and break lights. i pulled into emergency lane and pulled key out. the car restarted back up but no lights were on dash to indicate anything was wrong with it. took the car into local mechanic they could not duplicate issue, and didnt find any codes. car was returned not fixed. it has happened 6 more times 5 times while driving and one time while sitting in a starbucks drive through each time taking key out and able to restart car. took car into vw dealership, and told them the issue with no light saying anything. checked for codes. no codes where found mechanic still now trying to duplicate issue. this is very dangerous issue that needs attention to if it wasn't for just a few cars on the freeway my son and myself would have been gone from a malfunction from the vehicle. I hope no one else encounters this issue.

- San Clemente, CA, USA

problem #103

Jul 252017

Jetta

  • miles
I was driving on the street and my check engine light came on, as I was making a turn at about 35 miles an hour my car acted like it kicked into neutral and when pressing the gas just revved the engine. I safely pulled over to the side and had the car towed to a mechanic. He took a look and said there was a significant leak coming from the transmission and I should take it to a VW dealership because there are a lot of recalls for this type of stuff. I had it towed to VW and they said it was a hairline crack in the transmission that caused an oil leak into the electronic gearbox which caused the loss of control and power. They said there is no recall and it would be a $12,000 fix. The car has 47K original miles on it, no wrecks, and I've never missed an oil change.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #102

Sep 022021

Jetta

  • 136,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated that after stopping at a red traffic light and attempting to move off, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause for the failure. The contact had the vehicle taken to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train) which the contact believed was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #101

Oct 292021

Jetta

  • miles
Car was purchased recently from used car dealer Unique Imports in Tucson. Car was being driven by my wife onto I10 at about 50mph and suddenly lost drive. There was no power being transmitted either from the electric motor or the gasoline engine. With foot on the gas pedal as the car lost speed the gas engine was heard revving but there was no drive. She stopped the car put hazards on and called me. I drove to the car, swapped with her and waited an hour. I was able to start the car and by that time drive had returned so I retrieved the car and returned the short distance home. Then on 10/29 the car was being driven along Tangerine Road and the same problem recurred. A complete loss of drive without warning, necessitating a careful pull over without power onto the hard shoulder. A sudden loss of drive like this is dangerous but fortunately this did not happen on the Interstate this time. Again I drove out to the stranded car, swapped cars and waited. I was able to return home a distance of about 5 miles although the problem recurred twice on the way and each time I had to pull over on the dirt shoulder and wait with hazard signal active for some time for the transmission to restore drive. When it did, it took longer each time. I called VW North America to see if this vehicle was subject to the recall for the mechatronic unit malfunction that causes clutch drivetrain failures exactly like this one. This car had no open recalls in spite of the symptoms, failure mode and driving risk all matching NHTSA 19V-866 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V866-3182.PDF I was informed by VW NA that there was a recall work undertaken by VW North Scottsdale earlier in 2021 pertaining to this issue. The car is not safely driveable until this issue is resolved. Clearly this is not an isolated event. This dangerous failure mode is a systematic problem with this model of vehicle that should be fully addressed by the manufacturer despite the previous recall

- Vail, AZ, USA

problem #100

Sep 282021

Jetta

  • miles
This is the same as Campagin number 19V866000 (VW recall number 34J6). Hairline cracks have developed in the mechatronic unit, causing transmission oil leaks and decreases in oil pressure. Loss of power greatly increases the risk of a crash, because the issue is largest at low speeds or after stopping.

- Ovid, CO, USA

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