What are the most common problems with a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel?

The biggest MOT weak spot is coil springs: flagged on 15.4% of tests, 2.1× the rate for all 2013 cars, followed by suspension arm bushes and joints (14.2%).

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel?

Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel as on other cars the same age.) Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Volkswagen Jetta first registered in 2013 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 2,910 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,910MOTs of 2013 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025

66%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%)

8,400typical miles a year

2.1×the usual rate for coil springs

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

Coil springs2.1× usual

Volkswagen Jetta
15.4% All 2013 cars
7.5%

Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 3.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual

Volkswagen Jetta
14.2% All 2013 cars
7.7%

Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Suspension arm5.2× usual

Volkswagen Jetta
6.8% All 2013 cars
1.3%

Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Braking performance1.9× usual

Volkswagen Jetta
8% All 2013 cars
4.3%

Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Better than most

Number plate lights: 1.7% here, against 5.6% of all 2013 cars. Shock absorbers: 2% here, against 5.3% of all 2013 cars.

Common 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Suspension

37% of testsRough price £120–£400

At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Tyres

33% of testsRough price £70–£150

At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Brakes

28% of testsRough price £150–£350

At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
Lights and electrics

14% of testsRough price £10–£80

At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Wipers, windscreen and mirrors

7% of testsRough price £15–£250

At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Driveshafts and joints

3% of testsRough price £60–£350

At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel as on other cars the same age.)
Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta diesel as on other cars the same age.)
Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Volkswagen Jetta?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Jetta compared

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2026	–	Too new for MOT data
2018	–	Too few tests
2017	1,046	Tyres 27%
2016	2,272	Tyres 28%
2015	3,337	Tyres 29%
2014	2,923	Suspension 34%
2012	3,487	Suspension 41%
2011	2,697	Suspension 43%
2010	1,968	Suspension 42%
2009	3,145	Suspension 46%
2008	4,660	Suspension 49%
2007	6,177	Suspension 50%
2006	4,371	Suspension 48%
2005	–	Too few tests
1992	–	Too few tests
1991	173	Brakes 35%
1990	158	Suspension 25%
1989	–	Too few tests
1988	–	Too few tests
1987	–	Too few tests
1986	–	Too few tests
1985	–	Too few tests
1984	–	Too few tests
1983	–	Too few tests
1982	–	Too few tests
1981	–	Too few tests
1980	–	Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen Jetta cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score