Used 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Consumer Reviews
Used Jetta Hybrid for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
RUN Fast... RUN Far ...away from this car!
starman_007, 06/15/2022
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in 2018 @ 53k miles for $13000. My hopes were a German car would have a very high powertrain life. Boy... was I wrong! Within 1 month of owning the vehicle, the check engine light and EPC light came on. The dealership fixed it for free due to lemon laws. They said it was a faulty sensor that was causing the issue. After this fix, the car remained riddled with issues. CEL would come on and go off randomly. Here's a breakdown of what happened and when. 55k miles - CEL Issue + Rear tail lamp malfunction. Fix was a brake light switch $400 + $150 diagnostics. CEL light due to EVAP sensor. P0456 62k miles - Rear stabilizer links are loose and need to be replaced. $320 72k miles - Front springs broken, whole suspensions replaced - $1200 78k miles - Front suspension bushings eroded away. replaced - $300 82k miles - CEL, Engine misfiring due to leakage in oil, caused due to faulty gasket. the dealer made me replace the whole oil pan. -$700 87k miles - The car started shuddering heavily. The cause was found as rusted brake discs, calipers, and brake pads. Also, control arms and bushings were damaged, again. - $1600 88k miles - The car's engine would start and stop continuously. The car refused to stay in hybrid/electric mode. But, would cycle through it every few seconds. Regenerative braking became dangerous and unpredictable, almost causing me a crash. The dealer quoted $350 just for diagnosis and $3000 for replacing the failed mechatronic unit, just outside of the 8-year hybrid warranty. No check engine light or any other warning lights at all. Finally got rid of the car completely, and did not bother fixing it anymore. Other minor issues: - All the door locks would freeze every winter and the electronic unit would fail to lock/unlock, making getting in and out very difficult. - AC Sync and Off never worked, in spite of software updates from the dealer. - Hybrid system malfunction message would appear randomly. Total repair cost over 35k miles and 3.5 years. - $5020, not considering regular oil changes and tire rotations, and other routine maintenance. Just FYI - Transmission Replacement cost: - $7000, Hybrid system repair, including battery - $9500 Save yourself the trouble, and buy a new Hyundai. Compared to the even the current-gen Jettas, they are much more sophisticated and reliable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Lemon!
Brian, 03/29/2019
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We bought this car used in 2016 with 70k on it. The previous owner did all the required maintenance and did alot of highway driving. The car was quick for a hybrid had a nice look and a nice stereo. That was the good. Within a year we lost the heat. Needed a heater core. Then we started having a hard shift almost like it was ready to stall transitioning between electric and gas. That never got better only worse. Gas mileage was 30mpg at best and it requires premium gas. Went through 2 sets of tires bc the camber on this car was never right and none of the shops could align it right. Then the ultimate kick in the nuts happened. After not even having the car 3 years with a little over a 100k the engine failed. Started with a light tapping noise on the top end brought it in dropped the oil pan and chunks of metal were in there. After further investigation the piston broke apart.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
WAS a great car...
Kevtennis, 02/16/2019
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It WAS a great car and then 4500 miles over the warranty - the MAIN BIG BATTERY goes out! $7K to fix it and the car is worth $7k WORKING!!! BE CAREFUL if you buy a hybrid - yes i know they do not make them anymore... smart move on their part to get out... I now have a GREAT looking car in my driveway that I cannot start with spending at least $7K!!! Any recommendations for the car?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Pretty much as advertized -- fun to drive hybrid!
nareautogo, 04/24/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
19 of 31 people found this review helpful
I'm 3000 miles on the premium model (no xenon fender or camera) but still quite nice. Gets 45 mpg if you drive 60-65 also nice is that in traffic (where can't accelerate too much) you'll still get 40 mpg or so. Drive like a sports car though -- 35ish. But, moreso, I've been driving hybrids since 2003 and love how this car handles, accelerates and has comfortable drive. VW did really well this car. Quiet ride to boot. I know people will say the "diesel" gives you more bang for your buck...BUT DIESEL IS NOT AS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AS UNLEADED, even "clean" diesel" -- it's just cleaner than previous diesel. This one gets ZERO emissions about 25% and can be more. Much better epa.gov ratings.
Do not buy this car
Marilyn , 10/11/2021
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
VW tried making a hybrid in 2013 (this car) and stopped quickly because they realized they weren’t good at it. You’ll wait months for a part since they don’t make them. You’ll pay thousands in repairs since only master mechanics can figure the problems out.