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: electrical system
201 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jul 28, 2013
OCCASIONALLY, THE REAR DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE WONT OPEN EVEN THOUGH I UNLOCK THE DOOR WITH REMOTE KEY. I HAVE FOUND IN THE VW CONSUMER FORUM THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY MY CAR'S ISSUE, BUT MANY VW JETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I ALWAYS SHOULD GET INSIDE FROM OTHER DOOR AND OPEN THE APPLICABLE FROM INSIDE. THIS IS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN SO IT IS BEING COMMON FOR ME TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR MY KID WHO USUALLY SITS IN THE BACK. IF THERE IS ANY ACCIDENT AND WHETHER POLICEMAN OR FIREMAN SHOULD OPEN THE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE, THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE SEVERE DELAY ON RESCUE THE PASSENGER WHO SITS IN THE BACK, USUALLY CHILDREN BECAUSE THE DOOR IS NOT BEING OPENED BY ANYHOW FROM OUTSIDE. I THINK VW SHOULD RECALL THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 27, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON UNTIL YOU GO CRANK THE CAR. THE DEALER COMPLETED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND HE SAID EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT OK....THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND MY CONCERN WOULD BE WILL IT EVENTUALLY AFFECT THE BATTERY. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2013, fire
WHILE DRIVING TO AN EARLY MORNING APPOINTMENT, I NOTICE A BURNING SMELL WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF STARTING THE CAR. I SOON SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. AT THAT POINT I SAW A FLAME APPEARING AT THE FRONT END OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE ROCKER PANEL. PLASTIC AT THE BASE OF THE ROCKER PANEL HAD MELTED AND I COULD SEE ELECTRICAL WIRES. I TRIED TO STAMP OUT THE FIRE, BUT IT WAS GROWING RAPIDLY AND I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITHIN SECONDS, THE FLAMES WERE SEVERAL FEET HIGH. I CLOSED THE DOOR AND CALLED 911. THE FLAMES EVENTUALLY EXTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN THE CLOSED CABIN. THE FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED AND OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR. MOST OF THE DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, AND THE HEADLINER WERE MELTED. THERE WAS A LOT OF EXPOSED BARE WIRE VISIBLE. THE TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME WAS 34 DEGREES F, AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TRIP OF THE DAY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS TURNED ON HIGH, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON, AND THE RADIO WAS ON. NO OTHER OPERATOR CONTROLLED ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE ON. THERE HAD BEEN NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL INCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR, NOR WERE THERE ANY AFTERMARKET ELECTRICAL ITEMS INSTALLED ON THE CAR. THE WEATHER WAS DRY. THIS JETTA IS A TDI MODEL (DIESEL). *TR
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2012
STARTING THE END OF OCTOBER, 2012 MY HORN STARTED WORKING ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD PEOPLE PULLING INTO MY LANE WITHOUT LOOKING, AND I TRIED TO HONK TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS THERE, YET THE HORN WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO BRAKE HARD, OR SWERVE ABRUPTLY TO AVOID BEING HIT. IT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN I AM LOCKING THE CAR WITH THE ALARM ALSO. THIS IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUSE PROBLEM THE CARS WERE RECALLED FOR EARLIER. THE HORN WOULD QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER IF THE FUSE WENT BAD. SOMETIMES THE HORN WORKS, AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I HAVE LOGGED ONTO SEVERAL ON-LINE FORUMS FOR VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS, SUCH AS WWW.TDI.CLUB AND NOTICED THAT OTHERS WITH THE SAME CAR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO VOLKSWAGEN TO HAVE IT FIXED, AND THEY SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE HORN HAPPENED TO BE WORKING THAT MORNING. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE PART(S) PROBLEM IF MANY ARE EXPERIENCING THE ISSUE. IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE LOSS OF THE HORN AT THE WRONG TIME HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE SOME ACCIDENTS. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2012
THE CAR TURNED OVER AND THEN TURNED ITSELF OFF. THE IMMOBILIZER ACTIVATED AND THE CAR REFUSED TO START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT WAS DONE TO FIX IT. THE YESTERDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2012, WE WERE 5 MILES FROM THE HOUSE AT A PARK AND THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME, BECAUSE WE WERE WITHOUT A PHONE, WE WALKED HOME AND GOT IT TOWED. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO BODILY INJURIES, THIS IS AS MUCH A SAFETY ISSUE AS ANYTHING ELSE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2012
COMING BACK FROM THE MALL, I TURNED ON MY CAR AND A FEW SECONDS LATER THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND "IMMOBLIZER ACTIVE" MESSAGE APPEARED. RESTARTED CAR AGAIN, ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND THE SAME MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN. I TRIED IT A COUPLE OF TIMES MORE AND THEN CALLED VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO MY DEALER, WHICH LUCKILY, IS NEAR BY THE MALL I WAS AT. ONCE AT THE DEALER (GOT THERE AT 4:30PM, AND THEY CLOSE AT 5 ON SATURDAYS), THE TECHNICIAN HAD TIME TO LOOK AT MY CAR. HE CAME BACK 15 MINUTES LATER AND WAS SURPRISED OF WHAT HE FOUND. THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE COULD NOT READ THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. HE SAID THAT PRETTY MUCH ACCORDING TO THE TEST, THE ECM/ECU DID NOT EXIST! I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS (BRAND NEW) AND ONLY APROX. 9500 MILES DRIVEN SO FAR. THEY WILL CHECK THE CAR IN DETAIL ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. WILL WAIT FOR RESULTS. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE ALSO WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PUSH TO STOP BUTTON FAILED. A SWITCH CLIP ON THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. UPDATED 05/31/12*LJ
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2012
THE VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER ACTIVATES, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STARTED AND LEAVING DRIVER STRANDED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Dec 20, 2011
ATTEMPTED TO START 2011 JETTA TDI WITH 11000 MILES AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING IN A PARKING LOT FOR 9 HOURS. TEMPERATURE 45F OUTSIDE. VEHICLE STARTED PERFECTLY AND THEN DIED SECONDS LATER. ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE AGAIN, BUT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE GETTING IT TO START AND WHEN IT DID IT WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND THEN WOULD DIE IMMEDIATELY. FINALLY ABLE TO START VEHICLE AND KEEP IT RUNNING AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 30+ MILES HOME - STARTED FINE AFTER. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE. THIS FIRST OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AGO WITH 8000 MILES ON VEHICLE. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS IN MID FORTIES. CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL - KEPT TURNING OVER, BUT WOULD NOT START. GLOW PLUG LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR THE CAR STARTED UP FINE WITHOUT HESITATION. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER 2 DAYS PRIOR TO SECOND INCIDENT, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. VEHICLE WILL BE RETURNING TO DEALER ASAP. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Dec 2, 2011
THIS IS A RE-OCCURRENCE OF THE COMPLAINT 10425920 THAT WAS SUBMITTED BY ME ON 17 SEPTEMBER AND IS LISTED ON THIS SITE. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. SYMPTOMATICALLY IT IS THE SAME. WHILE TRYING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE VEHICLE THE KEY FOB WOULDN'T OPEN THE DOORS. AFTER GAINING ENTRY TO THE VEHICLE ALL LOCKS ARE INOPERATIVE AND THE FUSE IS BLOWN. THE INITIAL ISSUE WAS WORKED ON BY MY LOCAL VW DEALER BUT DUE TO THE ODD NATURE OF THE ISSUE VW TECH WAS CONSULTED. THE SYSTEM FUSE WILL ONLY BLOW IF I TRY TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE CAR WITH THE KEY FOBS. IF A NEW FUSE IS INSTALLED AND THE SENSORS ON THE ACTUAL DOOR HANDLES ARE USED THE FUSE WILL NOT BLOW. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR A WEEK AND VW WAS INDECISIVE ABOUT WHAT TO DO. VW ADVISED THE DEALERSHIP TO JUMP OUT THE FUSE AND RETURN THE VEHICLE TO ME (AND THEY DID!) UNTIL THEY COULD FIGURE OUT THE WAY AHEAD. I WAS ASKED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A FEW WEEKS LATER AND A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT CENTRAL LOCKING CONTROL UNIT WAS INSTALLED. I AM RETURNING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT SOLVING THE PROBLEM. I AM QUITE SURE THAT VW SHOULDN'T BE ADVISING DEALERSHIPS TO JUMP OUT FUSES AND RETURN VEHICLES TO CUSTOMERS FOR USE. BEYOND THE TECHNICAL ISSUE VW TECHLINES BEHAVIOR IS ALARMING AND IT WOULD BE WORTH ASKING TO SEE THE DIALOG FILES FOR MY ISSUE. I WILL ADVISE REGARDING THE OUTCOME OF THIS NEXT VISIT. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD ACTIVATE AT ANY TIME INDEPENDENTLY AND COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V196000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO SPEAK WITH THE DEALER. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/02/11*LJ UPDATED 06/13/2012 *JS
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 18, 2011
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAIL TO WORK. MANUAL ENTRY MUST BE GAINED TO VEHICLE AND DOORS OPENED ON ALL DOORS OTHER THAN DRIVERS BY PULLING ON INSIDE HANDLES. UNABLE TO ACCESS TRUNK WITHOUT GRABBING LONG HANLED STICK AND ACCESSING TRUNK EMERGENCY OPENING LATCH THROUGH BACK SEAT ARM REST TRUNK OPENING. WHILE INVESTIGATING FOR A POSSIBLE BLOW FUSE IT WAS NOTED THAT VW FAILS TO PROVIDE A FUSE MAP/DIAGRAM FOR THESE CARS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND ON THE BACK OF BOTH THE UNDERHOOD AND IN CAR FUSE PANELS. VW EXPLAINS THIS AWAY IN THE OWNERS MANUAL ON PAGE 324 AS A DECISION THEY MADE DUE TO THE " CONSTANT ONGOING DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAR" BEYOND THE ISSUE WITH THE LOCKS I BELIEVE THAT FAILING TO PROVIDE THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE FUSE MAPS COULD HAVE POETENTIAL RAMIFICATIONS AS AN OWNER MAY BE UNABLE TO SOLVE A SIMPLE TECHNICAL FAULT ON THEIR VEHICLE THUS HAZARDING THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. INSPECTION AND CHANGING OF FUSES IS OWNER LEVEL MAINTANENCE/TROUBLESHOOTING AND VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD BE MADE TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION TO OWNERS. IF YOU WEB SEARCH VW FUSE DIAGRAM OR MAP YOU WILL SEE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TT
Electrical system, Jul 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT LOCATE A FAILURE AND THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR TWENTY FIVE MILES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,800.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2011
AT 500 MILES EXACTLY, I HEARD A SINGLE CLICK WHILE DRIVING. A QUICK SCAN OF THE INSTRUMENTS SHOWED THAT THE ODOMETER READ 500 MILES AND WAS NOT INCREASING, OF COURSE THE TRIP ODOMETER AND FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAYS ALSO FAILED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE ODOMETER. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AND SAID THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER THERE WERE NONE IN STOCK AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA DOES NOT HAVE ANY REPLACEMENTS. EITHER. THE VEHICLE RUNS PERFECTLY SO FAR BUT READING THROUGH OTHER COMPLAINTS AT NHTSA I'M CONCERNED ABOUT TAKING A PLANNED 1200 MILE TRIP NOT KNOWING WHETHER A CATASTROPHIC ELECTRICAL FAILURE MIGHT LEAVE ME STRANDED. THE DEALER SAID VOLKSWAGEN HAS NO IDEA WHEN THE UNITS WILL BE AVAILABLE. IT COULD BE MONTHS AND IT'S NOT CLEAR IF THE REPLACEMENT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM OR HOW LONG IT WILL LAST.
Electrical system, Jul 15, 2011
2011 VOLKSWAGEN TDI WAGON DOES NOT START WITH ANY ORIGINAL KEYS BASED ON THE MESSAGE THE 'IMMOBILIZER ACTIVATED'. I AM AFRAID THIS SYSTEM COULD SHUT DOWN MY CAR IN BAD SITUATION FOR NO REASON. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I THINK BASED ON MY RESEARCH MANY OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS. *TT
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2011
MY VW JETTA TDI SPORTWAGEN WAS OPERATING NORMALLY ON THE MORNING OF THE INCIDENT, BUT WHEN I WENT TO THE GARAGE TO START IT THAT AFTERNOON, THE DISPLAY READ "IMMOBILIZER ACTIVE" AND "SAFE". THE CAR WOULD START FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND THEN DIE. EVIDENTLY, THE BUILT IN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM HAD DECIDED THAT MY KEYS (I TRIED BOTH SETS OF KEYS, PLUS THE VALET KEY) DID NOT BELONG TO THE VEHICLE. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY PERFORMED A REBOOT OF THE COMPUTER TO CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THEY CITED A POSSIBLE CAUSE AS BEING THE RECENT ELECTRICAL STORMS IN OUR AREA. I PERSONALLY THINK THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO OFFER SUCH A LAME EXCUSE BECAUSE SURELY THEY HAVE ELECTRICAL STORMS IN VWS HOME COUNTRY OF GERMANY, TOO. I HOPE THIS IS THE LAST TIME THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, BUT I HAVE READ OTHER SUCH INCIDENTS WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2011
TRAVELING 30 MPH. BATTERY LIGHT LUMINATED AND ENGINE STALLED. PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED ENGINE AND IT STARTED FINE BATTERY LIGHT TURNED OFF. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED A RELAY. ONE WEEK LATER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 75MPH ENGINE STALLED AGAIN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. STARTED RIGHT BACK. DROVE ANOTHER 10 MILES AND IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. STARTED UP AND DROVE IT RIGHT TO THE DEALER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW. THE 2011 JETTA WAS ISSUED A RECALL, AND THAT REPAIR WAS DONE A MONTH AGO. *KB
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE BATTERY LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 558.
Electrical system, Interior lighting, Jun 16, 2011
DASHBOARD LIGHTS FOUND IN THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER WILL TURN ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF. THIS MAKES READING THE DASHBOARD DIFFICULT. DEALER NOTICED THE PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY AND ORDERED A REPLACEMENT DASHBOARD FROM VW. IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS AND WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE PART TO BE SHIPPED TO THE US FROM GERMANY. CAR HAS UNDER 1K MILES. *TR
Electrical system, May 20, 2011
THE ABS, AIR BAG, AND TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WARNING INDICATOR ON DASH ALL LIT UP AND WOULDN'T GOES AWAY EVEN AFTER ENGINE WAS SHUTOFF. THIS CAR A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAS RECENTLY BOUGHT LAST MONTH. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2011
WITH THE SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED AND WHILE PRESSING THE DECELERATION SWITCH ON THE TURN SIGNAL ARM TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, THE SPEED UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASES. EACH PRESS OF THE DECELERATION SWITCH NORMALLY CAUSES THE SPEED TO BE REDUCED BY 1 MILE PER HOUR. THE FIRST FEW PRESSES CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE AS IT SHOULD, BUT OCCASIONALLY ON THE THIRD OR FOURTH PRESS THE SPEED JUMPS BACK UP BY 2 OR 3 MILE PER HOUR. SOMETIMES IT CORRECTS ITSELF AND SOMETIMES IT KEEPS REPEATING THE PATTERN.
Fuel system, Diesel, Electrical system, Apr 19, 2011
ON FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH AT APPROX 10:30PM I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 VW JETTA TDI (WITH LESS THAN 1800 MILES ON IT) ON THE HIGHWAY APPROX 2 1/2 HOURS FROM HOME AND IT STALLED. I COASTED OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. AFTER NEARLY 2 HOURS THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED THAT VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SENT AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS ABOUT 60 MILES AWAY FROM THE BREAKDOWN POINT. I HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN A HOTEL IN A STRANGE AREA. ON MONDAY, APRIL 18TH THE DEALERSHIP STATED AN OUTSTANDING ELECTRICAL RECALL WAS THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED A WIRE HARNESS AND SOME FUSES AND THE CAR WAS READY FOR PICK UP. I DROVE 100 MILES TO RETRIEVE MY CAR ON APRIL 18TH. TODAY ON APRIL 19TH AFTER SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALERSHIP IN MY HOME TOWN. STILL WAITING FOR WAITING FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THEY ONLY HAVE 1 VW TECHNICIAN AND HE IS ON VACATION THROUGH FRIDAY APRIL 22ND. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment, Apr 2, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD RANDOMLY CREEP UP THE WINDSHIELD AND WHEN THE WIPERS GOT ALL THE WAY TO SERVICE MODE, ALL THE DOORS WOULD UNLOCK. THE RADIO WOULD FADE IN AND OUT AND THE WHEN ADJUSTING THE SOUND ON THE RADIO LOUD CRACKING, POPPING AND STATIC SHOULD WOULD COME FROM THE RADIO SPEAKERS. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 31, 2011, crash
I OWN A 2011 VW JETTA WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW INTELLIGENT CRASH RESPONSE SYSTEM (ICRS) WHICH WAS PUT INTO PLACE TO MAINTAIN SAFETY DURING A FRONT END COLLISION BY TURNING CAR OFF, UNLOCKING DOORS, SHUTTING OFF FUEL SUPPLY, AND DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY FROM THE ALTERNATOR. I HAVE CONFIRMED WITH THE SALES MANAGER AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP THAT THE SENSORS FOR THIS TO ENGAGE ARE LOCATED IN THE FRONT BUMPER AND THE FRONT DOORS. I WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR AT A SPEED OF 60MPH ON AN INTERSTATE AND THIS SYSTEM ENGAGED. THE RESULT OF THIS ENGAGEMENT ALSO POWERED DOWN MY STEERING AND BRAKES PROVIDING ME NO WAY TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE FROM THE REAR IMPACT. MY VEHICLE SUBSEQUENTLY EXCELERATED TO A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED AT WHICH TIME I WAS LUNGED PASSED APPROX 10 CARS OR 25 YARDS WHEN MY TIE ROD BROKEN AND LUNGED ME BACK INTO TRAFFIC AT WHICH TIME A FRONT SIDE COLLISION FINALLY BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO REST. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS SYSTEM, IT APPEARS ITS INTENTIONS ARE FOR FRONT END IMPACTS AND IS NOT SET TO ENGAGE FROM A REAR IMPACT. HAD I BEEN ABLE TO STEER OR BRAKE MY VEHICLE, THIS LOSS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO DRAMATIC AND SERIOUS IN NATURE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO A PARKING LOT. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280.