2011 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 640 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 28 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Other or unspecifiedSep 25, 2019
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.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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.
Campaign 19V679000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, control moduleAug 22, 2019
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 19V615000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalAug 4, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V483000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearOct 20, 2014
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 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.
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.
Campaign 14V656000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, dieselOct 3, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 11V490000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust systemSep 8, 2011
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS, PART NUMBER 1K0 071 910 U, SOLD AS ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 JETTA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 18, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2011. 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.
IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
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.
Campaign 11E036000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust systemSep 7, 2011
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.
IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
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.
Campaign 11V466000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, fuses and circuit breakersMar 29, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 11V196000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: diesel
82 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 19, 2011
THE DIESEL FUEL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED CAUSING METAL PARTICLES TO CONTAMINATE THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 3, 2011
2011 VW JETTA TDI BEGAN TO FEEL SLUGGISH AROUND 7,200 MILES. AT 8240 GOING 35 MPH CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START. TOLD ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 22, 2011
DURING SHORT DRIVE HOME, THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, THE CAR THEN WENT INTO LIMP MODE. WHEN I GOT HOME, 2 MILES LATER, THE CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START. I HAULED THE CAR TO THE VW DEALER AND THEY SAID MY HPFP FAILED. VW IS GOING TO FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY, I PRODUCED THE LAST 4 FUEL FILL UPS SHOWING NO GAS HAD BEEN PUT IN THE CAR. THIS WAS A 2011 JETTA TDI, MANUFACTURE DATE UNKNOWN, BUT CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 12, 2011
CRACK IN SUPPLY LINE TO #2 INJECTOR. FUEL SPRAY ALL OVER BACK OF ENGINE/ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO GROUND WHILE DRIVING, FUEL MIST/FILM ALL OVER BACK OF CAR. "ENGINE CONTROL FAILURE" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. STOPPED TO INVESTIGATE, NOTICED DIESEL SMELL, BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING ELSE (IT WAS DARK). RESTARTED, LIGHT NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. AFTER ABOUT 2 MILES, LIGHT CAME BACK ON ALONG WITH "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME, SO I CAME ON TO THE HOUSE. THERE I NOTICED A STRONGER DIESEL SMELL, THE FILM ON THE BACK OF THE CAR. GOT FLASHLIGHT AND NOTICED THE FUEL DRIPPING AND THE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CALLED VW 24 HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER ON THE NEXT MORNING, A SATURDAY. THEIR DIAGNOSIS (MONDAY) WAS CRACKED FUEL LINE. I ASKED WHICH CYLINDER/INJECTOR, SHE SAID #2. I ASKED THEM TO SAVE PARTS AND TO DOCUMENT AND INFORMED THEM THAT THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION. THE REPAIR SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY END OF DAY ON TUESDAY. PART HAD TO BE OVER-NIGHTED FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL HOSE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL HOSE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,015.
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 31, 2011
ENGINE POWER LOSS, UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE BEHAVIOR AND UNKNOWN ENGINE RPM RESPONSE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION 8/30 NEW CAR DEALER FUELED FULL TANK OF DIESEL 6PM: STOPLIGHT INTERSECTION PULL AWAY ON GRN LIGHT:: ENGINE RPM DROPS TO IDLE IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION <RESPONSE: DEPRESS ACCELERATOR NO CHANGE IN RPM MOMENTARILY THEN INSTANT ACCELERATION @ MODERATE-TO-HIGH RPM> UNCONTROLLED SITUATION AS TRAFFIC BEHIND DIDN'T HAVE ANY WARNING OF SLOW IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION, NO BRAKE LIGHTS, FORCED TRAFFIC BRAKING TO AVOID OVERRUNNING MY STALLING CAR. 7:40PM: IN-TOWN DRIVING:: DROPOUT OF RPM LOSS OF POWER MOMENTARILY <2000RPM <NO RESPONSE> NO CONSEQUENCE 8/31 7:55AM: RH TURN FROM LEVEL ROADWAY TO MODERATELY STEEP INCLINED SIDE STREET:: ENGINE RPM DROPPED COMPLETELY TO IDLE AND SUSTAINED LOSS OF POWER < RESPONSE: MAINTAINED ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION DURING DROP THEN DEPRESSED EXPECTING RPM RECOVERY CONTINUING TO WOT WHEN NO CHANGE IN RPM {BRAKE TO HOLD CAR ON INCLINE} RELEASE PEDAL AND STARTOVER> NO CONSEQUENCE 7:56AM: LH TURN INTO PARK:: NO THROTTLE RESPONSE RPM DROP FROM LOW RPM TO IDLE < RESPONSE: MAINTAINED ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION WATCHING FOR RPM POWER RECOVERY OR PICKUP IN RPM TO NO EFFECT {BRAKE TO STOP CAR FROM HITTING STRUCTURE IN FRONT OF PARKING PLACE} STARTOVER> DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCE WITH OBSTACLE IN FRONT OF CAR PARKING SPOT WITH 2 FT. REMAINING TO PULL CAR OUT OF TRAVELED ROADWAY AND INTO THE PARKED POSITION. I DID NOT LIKE THE LOSS OF ENGINE CONTROL UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE BEHAVIOR AND UNKNOWN ENGINE POWER RESPONSE TO DRIVER INPUT. FIRST INDICATION THAT THESE REPEATING ENGINE FAILS ARE NOT BENIGN. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 31, 2011
VEHICLE LOST POWER ABOVE 1000 RPM WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. AFTER COASTING TO A SAFE LOCATION, FOUND ENGINE COMPARTMENT SOAKED WITH FUEL. VEHICLE HAD LEFT A TRAIL OF FUEL BEHIND IT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER: FUEL LINE FROM THE COMMON RAIL TO INJECTOR #2 WAS REPLACED. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 25, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI SPORTWAGON ON INTERSTATE 94 IN MICHIGAN I OBSERVED WHITE SMOKE COMING OFF MY VEHICLE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT. DUE TO THE HEAVY SMOKE AND DIESEL FUMES I PULLED THE VEHICLE TO SAFE LOCATION AND SOUGHT SERVICE. THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A HEAVY LEAK IN ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTION LINES ON TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED WITH DIESEL FUEL FROM FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY VOLKSWAGEN. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 10, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WE STARTED TO SMELL DIESEL FUEL. WHEN WE STOPPED WE NOTICED FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE CAR. VOLKSWAGEN WAS CONTACTED TO COME TOW THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER. BEFORE THEY WOULD TOW THE CAR THEY REQUESTED THAT I HAVE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COME OUT AND CERTIFY THE CAR SAFE TO TOW. ONCE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM THEY STATED ONE OF MY O RINGS HAD WEEKEND CAUSING A #2 INJECTOR LINE LEAK. THEY REPLACED THE PART, CLEANED UP THE CAR AND RETURNED IT TO ME.
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 9, 2011
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM IS LEAKING FROM ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. THERE IS CURRENTLY AN INVESTIGATION GOING ON THAT WAS BROUGHT MY ATTENTION TO SEE IF I HAD THE PROBLEM. AND IT LOOKS AS IF I DO.
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 8, 2011
VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE UPON ACCELERATION AT A STOP SIGN, OR MOST OFTEN WHEN TRAVELING AT 25-45 MPH. SUSPECT LINK TO RECENT INVESTIGATION INTO FUEL LINE LEAKAGE. SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP HAS STATED HE FEELS AS THOUGH HE HAS "BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND" AT AND MPH UP TO FREEWAY SPEEDS IN HIS 2011 JETTA TDI.
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 8, 2011
FUEL LEAKING OUT OF INJECTORS VOLKSWAGEN 2011 JETTA SPORT WAGON TDI *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 8, 2011
2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTSWAGON TDI. CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT RESTART. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THERE WERE CARS FOLLOWING BEHIND AS CAR STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, DURING THE STALL CAR LOST POWER STEERING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER TO SITE OF STREET. CAR WOULD NOT RE-START AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. CAR WAS NEARLY NEW (JUST OVER 2 MONTHS AND HAD LESS THAN 3,000 MILES). *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 8, 2011
I'D LIKE TO ADD MY VEHICLE TO THIS INVESTIGATION #: PE11023 - AFTER READING ABOUT THIS STORY TODAY - I CHECK THE ENGINE BAY AND FOUND POOLING LIQUID ABOVE THE #1/2 INJECTORS ON MY '11 JETTA SPORTWAGEN TDI WITH ONLY 850 MILES. HTTP://FILES.ETIVITI.COM/MISC/11JSWTDI/IMG_2010_SM.JPG HTTP://FILES.ETIVITI.COM/MISC/11JSWTDI/IMG_2016_SM.JPG. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 8, 2011
SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING - DROVE DIRECTLY TO DEALER. RESULT WAS INJECTOR LEAK. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Jul 11, 2011
FUEL LEAK ON VW JETTA TDI DEALER CHANGED LINE AND INJECTOR ON #2 CYLINDER. *TT
Fuel system, Diesel, Jul 10, 2011
2011 VW JETTA SPORTWAGEN TDI SURGING AT TIMES AND SPUTTERING. ONLY 1000 MILES AND HAVE HAD FOR 2 WEEKS. THE CONTROLLABILITY AT THAT SURGING MOMENT SEEMS OFF AND IF IT'S DOING THAT WHILE I NEED TO AVOID SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IT COULD BE DANGEROUS. ALSO SURGING OR BUCKING WHILE YOU STOP. RECIPE FOR A REAR END COLLISION. THIS IS A 6SPD AUTOMATIC AND IT FEELS LIKE A WEIRD DOWNSHIFT AS YOU COME TO A STOP. FINALLY WINDOW NOW DECIDES TO GO DOWN ON IT'S OWN THIS COULD BE AN ISSUE AT THE WRONG TIME IN A RAIN OR SNOW STORM. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 8, 2011
WHILE ON AN OUT OF STATE ROAD TRIP. WE STOPPED AT A FUEL STATION AND SMELLED A REALLY STRONG DIESEL SMELL. THINKING THERE WAS JUST DIESEL SPILL AT THE FUEL STATION WE CONTINUED ON OUR WAY ON THE INTERSTATE. APPROX. 30 MILES LATER DOWN THE INTERSTATE OUR GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK, WHICH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. WE WENT TO THE NEAREST EXIT AND STOPPED THE CAR. WHEN WE GOT OUT THE DIESEL SMELL WAS EVEN STRONGER. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE HOOD AND DIESEL WAS HEAVILY DRIPPING FROM THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP IN OREGON. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS A #2 FUEL INJECTOR LEAK AND THAT VOLKSWAGEN WANTS THEM (THE DEALERSHIP IN OREGON) REMOVE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND SEND IT TO GERMANY FOR EXAMINATION ON A TEST STAND. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE OREGON DEALERSHIP THEY CALLED ME AND INFORMED ME I COULD COME GET IT. I DROVE BACK TO OREGON TO GET THE CAR AND IT STILL SMELLED EXTREMELY STRONG OF DIESEL AND THE EXTERIOR WAS STILL COVERED IN THE DIESEL THAT LEAKED FROM THE ENGINE. I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CHANGE THE FIBER ENGINE COVER. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO REASON TO DO THAT AND WOULD HAVE TO GET THAT APPROVED. I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME TO CALIFORNIA AND THEN CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA TO GET MY CAR FIXED RIGHT. THEY HAD ME BRING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM IN ROSEVILLE, CA. ROSEVILLE VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE WORKER IDENTIFIED THE CAR HAVE A STRONG DIESEL SMELL JUST WALKING NEAR THE CAR. THEY WROTE ON THE SERVICE TICKET THAT THEY FOUND THE FIBER ENGINE COVER "SOAKED WITH DIESEL FUEL. ROSEVILLE VOLKSWAGEN HAD THE CAR FOR NINE MORE DAYS TO CLEAN AND DETAIL THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR.
Fuel system, Diesel, Jun 2, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT FUEL INJECTOR LINE NUMBER TWO EXPLODED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FAILED ENGINE WOULD BE SENT TO ONE OF THEIR FACILITIES IN GERMANY TO BE INSPECTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE 6,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ UPDATED 08/01/11
Fuel system, Diesel, May 20, 2011
WE PURCHASED A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI THAT BROKE DOWN WITH ONLY 3081 MILES. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON; IT JUST STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY (WITHOUT WARNING) AND WOULDN'T START BACK UP. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT! WE PAID AN ADDITIONAL THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY (BUMPER TO BUMPER), BUT THE REPAIR ISN'T COVERED (OR THE TOW BILL). WE UNKNOWINGLY PURCHASED FUEL THAT HAD WATER IN IT AND THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WILL NOT PAY FOR ANYTHING. THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM! THE REPAIR WILL COST OVER $6,000.00 AND VOLKSWAGEN'S CORPORATE OFFICE IS UNWILLING TO HELP EVEN THOUGH VOLKSWAGEN FAILED TO PUT A SIMPLE SENSOR IN THE FUEL FILTER SYSTEM TO INDICATE THAT WATER WAS IS IN THE FUEL. EVERY OTHER MAJOR DIESEL ENGINE MANUFACTURER IN THE WORLD HAS A LIGHT IN THE DASH THAT INDICATES WATER IS IN THE FUEL SO THAT YOU CAN SIMPLY DRAIN THE WATER OUT BEFORE IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY STOP RUNNING AND EXCESSIVE DAMAGE THE ENGINE. VOLKSWAGEN CHOSE TO USE A HIGH PRESSURE COMMON RAIL DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM SIMILAR TO WHAT THEIR COMPETITORS HAVE; THIS FUEL SYSTEM IS VERY SENSITIVE AND IS EASILY DAMAGED BY WATER. VOLKSWAGEN OVERLOOKED THE OBVIOUS AND FAILED TO PUT ANY TYPE OF WATER IN FUEL WARNING DEVICE ON THEIR VEHICLES EVEN THOUGH THE REST OF THE WORLD HAS BEEN USING THEM FOR YEARS AND EVEN DECADES. FORD, GM, CHEVROLET, DODGE, AND MERCEDES ALL HAVE WATER IN FUEL WARNING LIGHTS (ONE EVEN HAS A BELL THAT CHIMES FIVE TIMES TO WARN THE DRIVER THAT WATER IS IN THE FUEL. VOLKSWAGEN DIDN'T BOTHER PUTTING ANY TYPE OF PROTECTION ON THEIR EXTREMELY SENSITIVE FUEL SYSTEM. ALSO, VOLKSWAGEN SAYS THERE IS NO WAY TO KEEP IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN! WITH A SINGLE REPAIR AT OVER 20% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE, WE ARE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE EACH TIME WE FILL UP WITH FUEL. ARE WE SUPPOSED TO CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER EACH TIME WE FUEL UP? THIS DANGEROUS FLAW HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS, BUT VW DOESN'T CARE! *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, May 19, 2011
2011 VW JETTA TDI WITH 1445 TOTAL MILES ON THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER WITH GLOW PLUG LIGHT ON THE DASH BLINKING. CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DIAGNOSIS IS THE FUEL PUMP DESTROYED ITSELF AND SENT DEBRIS THROUGH THE FUEL PUMPS, FUEL INJECTORS, FUEL LINES AND FILTER. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THERE IS NO ESTIMATE OF WHEN THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, May 17, 2011
AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR 1 HOUR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SMOKE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER WE STOPPED. PRIOR TO STOPPING, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY WITH SOME REDUCED POWER. THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF DIESEL FUEL OUTSIDE CAR AND INSIDE CAR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. LEAKING SOLID FUEL LINE TO FUEL INJECTOR #2 DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED. PHOTO'S OF DEFECTIVE PART ARE AVAILABLE. FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO HOT ENGINE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM CREATING A POTENTIAL FIRE RISK. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, May 4, 2011
1. WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH IN 6TH GEAR, LOST POWER, CAR TURNED OFF, LIGHTS ON DASH FLASHING INCLUDING GLOW PLUG LIGHT AND "CHECK ENGINE SERVICE NOW!". HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THIS TANK OF DIESEL FOR OVER A WEEK WITH NO ISSUE. MORE THAN QUARTER TANK LEFT. 2. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR 45 MIN, FINALLY STARTED AND DROVE HOME. DROPPED OFF AT DEALER NEXT DAY FOR ALREADY SCHEDULED PANORAMIC MOON ROOF GETTING STUCK. 3. DEALER SAID METAL SHAVINGS DESTROYED HPFP (FUEL PUMP), LINES, AND INJECTORS. FUEL NOT SUSPECTED BAD OR CONTAMINATED. THEY BLAMED FACTORY DEFECT SPECIAL TO MY CAR. WILL BE REPLACING ALL UNDER WARRANTY AS OF NOW. THEY THINK IT WILL BE A WEEK OR SO, AND PROMISE THAT THIS ISSUE WILL NEVER OCCUR AGAIN. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Apr 25, 2011
MEDIUM-PITCHED WHINE COMING FROM ENGINE - EVENTUALLY CAR LOSES ALL POWER, GLOW PLUG LIGHT FLASHES, SERVICE MESSAGE APPEARS ON DISPLAY, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. CAR GOES INTO "SAFE MODE" OR "LIMP HOME" MODE (VERY LITTLE POWER - FEELS LIKE TURBO IS SHUT DOWN). FIRST OCCURRENCE AT 2300 MILES, 2 MORE OCCURRENCES WHERE MESSAGE AND FLASHING GLOW PLUG LIGHT RESETS AFTER RESTART, 1 MORE OCCURRENCE WITH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) IDENTIFIED AS BAD BY VW DEALERSHIP. DEALER IS NOW ORDERING PARTS TO COMMENCE REPAIR (NO DEFINITIVE ANSWER ON WARRANTY COVERAGE). *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Apr 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE BEFORE STALLING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL FILTER HAD BECOME CLOGGED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,800.