VehicleVerdict

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Beetle Convertible years?

Beetle Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted17 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 11 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Beetle Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Beetle Convertible years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags563%
Fuel System225%
Electrical System113%

Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V785000AirbagsDecember 16, 2020 · 105,652 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BC.

19V679000OtherSeptember 25, 2019 · 113 units

Defect

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 period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

19V615000Electrical SystemAugust 22, 2019 · 679,027 units

Defect

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 transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V785000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 6, 2025

“PURCHASED AS A CPO VEHICLE IN SEPT '17. STARTED STALLING MONTH LATER. CAR STALLED GOING 50 MPH, STALLED IN A PARKING LOT AND STALLED ON HIGHWAY! VERY DANGEROUS! BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO VW 3 TIMES TO BE FIXED - FINALLY THEY REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND ISSUE SEEMED TO BE RESOLVED. FAST FORWARD 18 MONTHS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 30, 2019

“The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a stop sign and removing the foot from the brake pedal, the contact became aware that the hill holder hill assist feature, designed to make hill starts easier by preventing the vehicle from…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 21, 2024

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible — common questions

Is the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.