CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Volkswagen Golf has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (14 reports).
2013 Volkswagen Golf recalls
Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's side air bag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature swings.
Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules
Some 2011-2017 Volkswagen vehicles were modified while they were in an internal evaluation period, and those changes may mean the vehicles do not fully comply with all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
Driver airbag inflator may explode and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can build up excessive internal pressure when it deploys, which may cause the inflator to rupture.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments at Occupants
The driver's frontal airbag inflator may be subject to excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys.
Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Debris can contaminate the steering wheel clock spring, a flat spiral cable that keeps the driver's front airbag electrically connected while the wheel turns.
Most common 2013 Volkswagen Golf problems
Problem areas named in the 43 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 14 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 |
| Air Bags | 9 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Steering | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Suspension | 4 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Structure | 1 |
What owners report
i was driving down the freeway on the way to work at 75 mph when all of a sudden my EPC went off in my 2013 volkswagon gti my entire car shut down (manual transmission) i lost all steering ability while on the freeway going 75 mph i couldn't get over to the shoulder due to loss of brakes due to entire car shutting down .i was almost smashed by a semi due to inability to steer my vehicle to total loss of power . i got the vehicle towed to a service shop they tell me that my timing chain had stretched and timing chain tensioner has failed, which caused significant damage to my engine . i bought the vehicle used and have taken meticulous car on it since i have owned it 3k oil changes ,proper
The low beam headlamp burned out. I replaced the bulb successfully, but then the headlamp needed adjustment to be aimed properly with the new bulb. I found instructions online to aim the headlamp. There are three adjustment points, covering both low and high beams, according to the online document. I will try to attach photo of this document. The three adjustments are labeled as: L1, L2H2, and L3. On my VW, there is no adjustment available for location shown as L3. I even drilled into the plastic headlamp housing looking for the hidden adjustment point, but there was none. As a consequence, I am unable to aim that headlamp properly: either the low beam is pointing too high or the hig
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. The contact mentioned that the front passenger side fan was failing as well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no failure was determined. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and the contact was informed that the rear passengerâs side door had mildew and mold and that there was a leak that caused electrical damage inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 40,000.
The steering wheel clock spring was replaced on my vehicle as part of a recall in May 2016 by a local VW dealer. Within the last month I've received an "Error: Airbag" notification on my dash. My mechanic scanned the Air Bag Control Module for codes and there was 1 in memory: B1000 Igniter for Driver's Air Bag, Resistance Too Large". I understand that the defective Air bag clock spring replacement part is unavailable as it has been nationally on back order for the past year, and 7,000 vehicles are waiting for the part. This issue has affected everything controlled through the steering wheel, including my horn, making the otherwise perfectly good car unsafe and perhaps illegal to drive.
Car shut off while driving on the freeway at a high rate of speed. EPS and Check Engine light came on. Luckily was able to pull over without hurting anyone. Local repair shop said it is the timing chain system.
2013 Volkswagen Golf questions
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf: Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules; Driver airbag inflator may explode and spray metal fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments at Occupants; Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf?
Based on 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (14), Fuel/Propulsion System (11), Air Bags (9).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Volkswagen Golf has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.