Model year guide

2013 Volkswagen Golf R

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Volkswagen Golf R is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.

2013 Volkswagen Golf R — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 Volkswagen Golf R at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints4
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$25,358

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2013 Volkswagen Golf R recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2013 Volkswagen Golf R common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2013 Volkswagen Golf R MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,750
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionManual 6-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2013 Volkswagen Golf R worth?

Low
$21,900
Typical price
$25,358
High
$28,250

From 13 comparable 2013 Volkswagen Golf R listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 Volkswagen Golf R costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,750
Fuel only$18,750
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
165.7 in
Width
70.1 in
Height
57.9 in
Wheelbase
101.6 in
Curb weight
3,325 lb
Front track
60.2 in
Rear track
59.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 519

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 519.

Suggested fuel additive

Bulletin V0116152014815_20 · Engine · Sep 2026

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

Bulletin SM 39-2026 · Sep 2026

Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order

Bulletin TT 00-13-04_7 · Aug 2026

Differences between a leak and seepage

Bulletin V0026012081638_2 · Aug 2026

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive…

Bulletin VOS-26-42 · Electrical System · Jul 2026

Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement

Bulletin V1718062017813_24 · Engine · Jul 2026

Lubricating engine components before reassembly.

Bulletin TT 10-18-02_2 · Engine · Jun 2026

Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.

Bulletin TT 13-20-01_3 · Engine · Jun 2026

Inquiries

Bulletin V6919012010479_17 · Air Bags · Jun 2026

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards

Bulletin V1719012012855_81 · Engine · Jun 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the GOLF R AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Volkswagen Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf (Mk7) is a C-segment car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen. It is the seventh generation in the Golf series and the successor to the Golf Mk6, and was introduced in Berlin on 4 September 2012, before a public launch at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, with European sales beginning in November 2012 for the 2013 model year.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2013 Volkswagen Golf R trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 256 hp

2013 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles on record

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Other Volkswagen Golf R model years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2012 2004 2002

2013 Volkswagen Golf R — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R?

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R get?

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf R has a U.S. EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2013 Volkswagen Golf R worth?

Comparable 2013 Volkswagen Golf R listings run roughly $21,900–$28,250, typically around $25,358 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.