CSR

Volkswagen · NHTSA safety record

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

606

Complaints

27

Crashes

9

Fires

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have filed 606 safety complaints with NHTSA between October 2010 and July 2025. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 185 of them (31%). The typical failure was reported at 50,000 miles, the median across the 498 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 7 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (7)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

19V679000 · September 25, 2019

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

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 113 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

19V615000 · August 22, 2019

The 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."
The risk
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.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 679,027 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

15V483000 · August 4, 2015

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
The risk
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 415,825 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

14V656000 · October 20, 2014

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
The risk
The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 442,066 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

11V490000 · October 3, 2011

The defect
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
The risk
DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
The remedy
VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · up to 168,275 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

11V466000 · September 7, 2011

The defect
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 JETTA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 18, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2011. SOME VEHICLES HAD A STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIP INSTALLED AT THE PORT DURING IMPORTATION. THESE EXHAUST TIPS MAY EXTEND BEYOND THE ORIGINAL LENGTH OF THE FACTORY-INSTALLED EXHAUST PIPES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR INADVERTENT CONTACT TO OCCUR WITH A PERSON'S LEG.
The risk
IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
The remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · up to 30,294 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

11V196000 · March 29, 2011

The defect
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 JETTA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2010 THROUGH MARCH 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTRICAL WIRING AND FUSE LAYOUT WHERE THE CONVERTER BOX IS PROTECTED BY THE SAME FUSE USED BY THE SIGNAL HORN AND THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SYSTEM. SHOULD THAT FUSE BE BLOWN, THE CONVERTER BOX WILL BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SUPPLY WHICH, IN TURN, WILL SHUT OFF APPLICATIONS SUCH AS THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, LIGHTING SYSTEM, AND WIPERS.
The risk
SHOULD THIS HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE ENGINE COULD STALL, OR THE HEADLIGHTS OR WIPERS COULD TURN OFF UNEXPECTEDLY, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy
VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS WHEN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES OF REPAIRS KITS ARE AVAILABLE. DEALERS WILL SEPARATE THE WIRING FOR THE HORN AND THE THEFT PROTECTION HORN FROM THE POWER SUPPLY OF THE CONVERTER BOX AND ROUTE THE WIRES TO SEPARATE FUSES TO CORRECT THE CONDITION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · up to 71,043 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (5)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

EA18003

Still open engineering analysis · opened April 18, 2018

the air bags

In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.An Engineering Analysis has been opened to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a thorough review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 10762670, 10760644, 10758777, 10749901, 10748922

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

RQ17009

Closed recall query · opened November 13, 2017 · closed May 4, 2018

the air bags

In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.This Recall Query has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-003) to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 107626

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

PE15010

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened March 24, 2015 · closed September 28, 2015 · led to recall 15V483000

the air bags, the electrical system

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.Complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.When the SCCM fails electrically, an air bag warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle.If a vehicle with a failed SCCM were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly, or deploy at all.As the result of an Information Request response from Volkswagen, ODI determined that the same SCCM was used in several vehicle models and MYs including: 2010-2013 CC, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2013 Golf, 2012-2013 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, 2010 and 2012-2014 Passat and 2011-2014 Tiguan.ODI identified a total of 29 NHTSA complaints across all affected vehicles potentially indicating a failed SCCM.Drivers often indicated that an audible noise was heard from the steering column when the unit failed. Some drivers also mentioned that there was a noticeable but minor resistance to turning of the steering wheel after the failure with noises coming from the steering column.The average failure mileage is approximately 30,500 miles and failures often occur outside of the factory warranty.There were no reported crashes or injuries identified in either the NHTSA or Volkswagen data as a result of SCCM failures.On July 30th, 2015 Volkswagen notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-483) to remedy the SCCMs in 415,825 MY2010-2014 vehicles.According to Volkswagen, the SCCM can become contaminated with human hair or similar fibers entering the unit between the steering wheel and steering column.Over time this can cause the electrical cable to tear and lose connection between the steering wheel and vehicle.Volkswagen will install a cover that attaches over the SCCM to help prevent contaminants from entering the unit.A new SCCM designed to reduce outside contamination intrusion was previously introduced into new vehicle production during the 2014 model year; accordingly vehicles equipped with the new design SCCM are not included in the recall.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer addresses the safety risks identified by the investigation.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10760644, 10758777, 10748922, 110734168, 10731545, 10721424, 10717651, 10715305, 10713742, 10713139, 10712295, 10711945, 10704830, 10704221, 10702926, 10702212, 10701406, 10691906, 10683944, 10682136, 10672715, 10670517, 10669312, 10628549, 10607240, 10575783, 10561143, 10552113, 10397670.

Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage

PE11023

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened August 2, 2011 · closed December 2, 2011 · led to recall 11V490000

the diesel fuel system

By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built from September 2009 through September 2011.According to Volkswagen, in U.S. applications of the above cited TDI vehicles including engine codes CJAA and CBEA, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2 in specific load and RPM conditions.This resonance creates additional stress on the fuel line which a small number of parts (based on the statistic spread of line strength) cannot withstand over its lifetime.As a contributing factor, VW indicated that a supplier used tube material with scratch marks from a grinding process during certain production periods.Lines manufactured in these periods were installed in vehicles produced in the following 10 months:December 2008, January-February 2009, October 2009, March-April 2010 and September-December 2010.Injector lines using this material exhibit a significantly higher failure rate.Dealers will replace injector line #2 in all vehicles built in these months.In addition, as a precautionary measure, all recalled vehicles will have vibration dampers installed on all four fuel injector lines.Analysis of NHTSA complaints, VW complaints, VW field reports and warranty claims found allegations of injector line leakage in 443 subject vehicles.The leaking line was not identified in 62 of the vehicles.For the 381 that did provide information about which injector lines were leaking and/or replaced, 358 (94%) involved an injector line #2 leak/repair.Almost three-quarters of the injector line #2 leak/repair incident vehicles were built in the 10 months identified by VW, which accounted for approximately one-quarter of the recalled vehicles.The failure rate for injector line #2 in vehicles built in the 10 months affected by the supplier line scratching issue is 6.0 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).The failure rate for injector line #2 in other production months of recalled vehicles is 0.8 IPTV.The leak/repair rates for the other injector lines are all well under 1 IPTV.The action taken by Volkswagen is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

EA11003

Closed engineering analysis · opened February 7, 2011 · closed March 27, 2015

the diesel fuel system, the fuel system

The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 606.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 185 31%
ENGINE 90 15%
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 82 14%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 77 13%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 64 11%
POWER TRAIN 54 9%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 41 7%
AIR BAGS 36 6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 26 4%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 25 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 24 4%
STEERING 23 4%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2011 at 100.

2010 2011 2025
2010 to 2025

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ENGINE

2 injured · crash · towed · 50,000 miles

2011 VW JETTA TDI FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. AS CAR SLOWED DUE TO TRAFFIC, THE COIL (GLOW PLUG?) LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CAR CAME TO COMPLETE STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THERE WAS NO TIME FOR ME TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY DUE TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION SO I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. WAITING FOR CA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR HELP, TRAFFIC CLEARED AND I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY HIT BY A CAR MOVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND SUSTAINED INJURIES (RIBS, BACK AND NECK INJURIES, AND CONCUSSION) ONLINE, THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF OTHER VW CARS THAT EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUE (COIL/GLOW PLUG LIGHT, THEN ENGINE FAILURE). THIS HAPPENED

NHTSA complaint 10911258, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 injured

WE HAD JUST ARRIVED TO OUR NEPHEW'S POP WARNER FOOTBALL GAME. WHEN WE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE WE TOLD OUR 8 YEAR OLD SON TO STAND BY THE CAR WHILE WE PULLED OUT OUR OTHER SON'S STROLLER OUR OF THE TRUCK. OUR 8 YEAR OLD LEANED AGAINST THE DRIVER SIDE REAR END WHEN SUDDENLY WE HEARD HIM SCREECH IN PAIN. WE ASKED WHAT HAD HAPPENED HE SAID THAT HE FELT SOMETHING HOT HIT HIS LEG. WHEN WE LOOKED WE NOTICED THAT HE HAD BURNED HIS RIGHT CALF AND IT WAS BECAUSE THE EXHAUST PIPES STUCK OUT TOO FAR. WE TRIED TO TREAT THE BURN OURSELF WITH BURN OINTMENT BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH. THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK HIM TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM TO HAVE A DOCTOR LOOK AT IT AND SHE SAID THAT HE HAD 3RD DEGREE BURNS AND THAT IT

NHTSA complaint 10434593, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed

IN A ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS STOPPED AND HIT IN THE REAR AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. HEAVY FRONT AND REAR DMG AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, JUST SOME SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE

NHTSA complaint 10862069. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 79,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, SHOULDER, BACK, AND LEFT KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

NHTSA complaint 10968423. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
ABS Control Module total failure No warnings appeared prior to the total failure of the ABS Control Module to indicate that the car needed servicing. ABS would have failed in an emergency braking according to the dealership. Just driving the car without knowing the ABS had issues put my family at risk. After the lights appeared I took it to the dealership who performed the diagnostics and determined that the ABS needed total replacement and advised that the car was not safe to drive. Lights appeared after the failure. There were no brake issues' warning lights prior to the failure. For at least 8 years I've complained that my brakes screeched and for years I was told that my brakes were

NHTSA complaint 11677285, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

fire

driving on freeway (speed around 70mph) out of nowhere i start smelling strange burning smell then about 1 minute later the car brakes lock up in the front and I loose control of car but luckily it was in light traffic and I regained control enough to get it off to the shoulder. I got out to address the issue and notice the front tires smoking alot and it was at night and the inside (rotor, brake caliper, and rim were glowing bright red and the heat was melting the tire". Then I notice a flame and grabbed a bottle water and applied the tire and extinguish it. I sat there for a good 30 minutes to let everything cool down and the car would not move. "THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFTEY RECALL" AND IF

NHTSA complaint 11673804, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

crash

Because of recall, car was not engaged in park completely like it stated after I got out it rolled away down the hill and hit a tree, therefore the recall caused my accident. Yes the problem has been confirmed it is a recall. No it has not been inspected by dealer or police. Volkswagen will not engage in any further investigations they say it's my fault. There were no warning lamps.

NHTSA complaint 11656916. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Component/System Failure/Malfunction: ignition switch and starter, possibly transmission Yes, available for inspection upon request. Car has randomly stalled while in motion; ignition and starter switch have been replaced as well as microswitch panel - yet problem persists. Power steering shuts down, steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn. Have to put car in neutral, typically, and try to restart while in motion. Has happened over 100 times; replaced alternator as well. Battery was replaced, brand new, yet was drained multiple times - recharged at Autozone. Vehicle was brought to Larry H. Miller Volkswagen - was advised the problem was fixed, as well as recall repairs (microswitch),

NHTSA complaint 11615800, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
EGR is getting stuck open / closed

NHTSA complaint 11609555. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the horn was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the alarm system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V196000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint 11604268. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Volkswagen Jetta

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 23 2
2024 39 0
2023 42 0
2022 42 1
2021 66 4 2
2020 51 6
2019 545 11
2018 31 2
2017 159 6 1
2016 160 4
2015 193 7
2014 386 4
2013 516 4
2012 499 5
2010 852 4

Other 2011 Volkswagen models

Every Volkswagen on this site — 152 vehicles, 256 recall campaigns and 2 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst