2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: 3 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 31 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 gti, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 golf, 2012-2019 beetle and beetle convertible, 2017-2019 golf sportwagen and 2011-2018 jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts May enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the…
Why it matters: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that May result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #19V679000 · 2019 · 113 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen passat, 2018 tiguan lwb, 2007-2009 jetta sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 jetta, 2013 jetta hybrid, 2008-2009 jetta sportwagen, 2015 golf sportwagen, 2013 golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 beetle and beetle convertible, 2008-2010 beetle, and beetle convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation…
Why it matters: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V785000 · 2020 · 105,652 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen beetle and beetle convertible vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (2): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has 8 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 11 Beetle Convertible model years for complaints (2.1× the average Beetle Convertible year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 50,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (0 complaints, 3 recalls), 2014 (4 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 39 | 30 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (5), fuel & propulsion (2), electrical (1).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible get?
EPA ratings run up to 31 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM-S6)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.