This page covers 2 recalls, 34 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Volkswagen Gti.
25–27 mpg combined
8.7–9.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Engine and fuel system complaints lead the 2013 GTI owner reports, with a secondary cluster around airbags. On the engine side, owners describe coolant loss, overheating warnings, and intake manifold failures, several report the intake manifold throwing a check-engine light and requiring replacement, in some cases more than once on the same vehicle. The fuel and propulsion complaints overlap with engine behavior, with owners noting unexpected power loss and rough running. A smaller but notable group of owners reports the DSG dual-clutch transmission momentarily dropping out of gear at highway speeds, described as the clutch briefly disengaging, causing the engine to rev and the car to lose drive. Brake pedal complaints appear as well, with a few owners describing a soft or unresponsive pedal that requires being pushed well past the halfway point before the brakes engage effectively.
34
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Volkswagen GTI has 2 recalls, the most serious being a driver's frontal airbag that may fail to deploy in a crash because debris can contaminate the clock spring, the coiled cable that keeps the airbag circuit connected while the steering wheel turns.
The second recall involves vehicles that were part of an internal evaluation period and may not meet all applicable regulatory requirements, which can raise the risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
At a glance
What can fail
Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may have left these vehicles not fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair vehicles to restore full compliance or Volkswagen will repurchase them at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
Debris may contaminate and tear the air bag clock spring—a spiral cable that powers the driver's front air bag during steering wheel turns—causing the air bag to lose electrical connection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the clock spring if the air bag light is off, or replace the clock spring if the light is on. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
