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: engine
119 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Oct 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DPF FILTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 21, 2015
38,875 MILES - TOTAL COLLAPSE OF THE FUEL LINE DUE TO AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE TANK FUEL PUMP (HPFP). VW DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND METAL IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. VW DEALER TESTED THE FUEL IN MY TANK AND IT SHOWED CLEAN DIESEL FUEL WITH NO CONTAMINANTS. VW PAID DEALER TO REPLACED FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS & CLEANED TANK, UNIT IN TANK & HARD LINES. ADAPTED INJECTORS,BLEED FUEL BY STEM AND TESTED. I'VE RETAINED RECORDS, COMMUNICATION, AND SAMPLE OF GAS IN TANK AT TIME OF COLLAPSE. ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER WITH VEHICLE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2015
MANUAL TRANSMISSION TDI SPORTWAGEN. DRIVING 30 MPH IN 4TH GEAR. FLASHING GLOW PLUG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SPEED. ATTEMPTED TO DOWNSHIFT. ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND RPM WENT IMMEDIATELY TO 0. LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH SPEED TO BRING VEHICLE TO CURB. VEHICLE STOPPED AT INTERSECTION AND HAD TO BE TOWED. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS HPFP FAILURE.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 14, 2015
I PURCHASED THE JETTA USED FROM CARMAX IN NASHVILLE, TN IN 2014. IT BEGAN HAVING SAFETY ISSUES ON MARCH 2014. RANDOMLY, MY CAR WILL JUST STOP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, OR AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION WHEN MOVING ON FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. I CAN BE DRIVING ANYWHERE FROM 15 MPH TO 50 MPH, AND ALL SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. THE BATTERY LIGHT GOES ON, THE STEERING LOCKS, AND THE BRAKES LOCK. I ALWAYS PANIC, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND HAVE LUCKILY MANAGED TO VEER OFF TO THE SIDE OF A ROAD AND STOP, SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND TURN IT BACK ON AGAIN. EUROFIX TRIED TO MANAGE THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE CRANK SENSOR AND CAM SHAFT. BUT HE PROBLEM CAME BACK, MUCH WORSE. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS NOW I CANNOT UNLOCK MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WITH MY MAGNETIC KEY OR BY STICKING THE ACTUAL KEY IN THE LOCK. I SEE THAT ANOTHER RECALL HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2011 JETTA THAT IS NOT PULLING UP VIA MY VIN NUMBER, BUT I BELIEVE IT MIGHT BE MY CAR'S ISSUE: ONLINE, ATE THAT IN MARCH 29, 2011 (PUBLISHED BY NHTSA) IN WHICH AN ISSUE WITH "AN ELECTRICAL WIRING AND FUSE LAYOUT WHERE THE CONVERTER BOX IS PROTECTED BY THE SAME FUSE USED BY THE SIGNAL HORN AND THE ANTI-THEY ALARM SYSTEM. SHOULD THAT FUSE BE BLOWN,, THE CONVERTER 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." PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!! WHAT DO I DO. WHAT WILL REMEDY THIS SITUATION SO I DON'T GET KILLED OR KILL OTHERS. I'T GONNA HAPPEN....THEN MY FAMILY WILL FILE A LAWSUIT. I NEED GUIDANCE AND FOR THIS CAR TO BE FIXED/TRADED OUT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE NUMBER TWO AND THREE FUEL INJECTORS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2015
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, WHICH INCLUDES CROSSING A TOLL BRIDGE DAILY. I WAS ON THE BRIDGE, WHICH IS ONLY A 2 LANE BRIDGE, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY DIESEL ENGINE FAILURE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I LOST ACCELERATION AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY AND TURN OFF THE CAR. I SAT THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES CONTEMPLATING IF I SHOULD CALL AAA TO GET A TOW TO THE DEALER. SEEING AS I WAS ONLY ABOUT 5 MILES FROM THE VW DEALER, I DECIDED TO SEE IF MY CAR WILL MAKE IT THERE. IT STARTED BACK UP NO PROBLEM AND I WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE BACK INTO TRAFFIC AND MAKE IT TO THE DEALER WITH NO FURTHER ISSUES. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE REP. AND THEY CHECKED IN MY CAR AND I WAITED FOR THEM TO CALL ME WITH THE ISSUE. LATER IN THE DAY, I RECEIVED THE CALL FROM THE SERVICE REP., AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED, AND THEY WILL HAVE TO REBUILD THE FUEL SYSTEM, AS THERE WERE METAL PARTICLES FOUND IN THE GAS AND GAS LINES. HE SAID THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS WHEN A CUSTOMER MAY USE BIODIESEL FUEL OR A LOWER GRADE OF DIESEL. HE ALSO SAID THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO SEND THE GAS SAMPLES OFF TO VW LAB TO REVIEW IN ORDER FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE APPROVED SINCE I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I AM SHOCKED THAT THIS OCCURED, SEEING AS MY CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 50K MILES ON IT. THANKFULLY, THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT AND NO ONE WAS HURT.
Engine, Jul 6, 2015
MY CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AS I WAS DRIVING. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH MY EPC LIGHT. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BREAKDOWN ON THE INTERSTATE. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT WAS FINE. I DROVE A LITTLE WAYS DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, SO I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED L HAD A BAD IGNITION COIL WITH THE CODES 351,300,301,304,130. THEY REPLACED THE PART AND ALMOST EXACTLY A YEAR LATER 7/6/2015 I'M HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 26, 2015
THE CAR LOSES POWER, STALLS THEN IT DIES. AT TIMES IT SPEEDS UP, AND STALLS DIES WITHOUT WARNING. LOSES ALL POWER, FOUND RECALL IN REFERENCE TO THIS ISSUE. VIN# MATCHES SERIES, MATCHES DATE, AND PLACE WHERE THE CAR WAS MADE, EXCEPT FOR THE LAST FEW DIGITS. RECALL 11V19600, AND VW WILL NOT REPLACE HARNESS TO ELECTRCIAL FUSE AND CIRCUIT BREAKER. I NEED TO HELP TO GET THIS RESOLVED. I HAVE BEEN BATTLING THE DEALER AND VW OF AMERICA SINCE 03/20/2015 UNTIL TODAY 06/26/2015
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2015
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55MPH, STARTED SWITCHING LANES AND STEPPED ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE. THE CAR SPUTTERED AND THE ENGINE VIBRATED. THE CAR FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO STALL DRIVING IN THE HIGH-SPEED LANE. THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND EPC LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. SWERVING BACK INTO THE LOWER SPEED LANE I COULDN'T EVEN KEEP THE CAR AT 55MPH. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE HIGHWAY TO SEE IF I COULD MAKE SENSE OF IT. AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND THEN BACK ON, THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE CAR WAS FINE. I TOOK IT TOO THE MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AFTER $85.00 DIAGNOSTIC. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR 2 DAYS UNTIL THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN. THIS OCCURRED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY ABOUT EVERY 1-2 DAYS FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THREE TRIPS TO THE MECHANIC WITHIN THOSE 2 WEEKS AND WITH EACH VISIT THERE WAS A COMPUTER CONNECTED TO THE CAR AND A FULL SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTIC REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT BECAME DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE THE CAR AND EVEN MORE SO TO DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER THE SECOND WEEK THE LIGHTS FINALLY CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE ENGINE MISFIRING IN 2 OF THE CYLINDERS. THE MECHANIC CHANGED WITH THE IGNITION COIL ON 12/15.2014. THE ENGINE RAN COMPLETELY FINE WITHOUT ANY ISSUES UNTIL LAST WEEK, 3/19/2015. AT 3 MONTHS AND ONLY 28,000 MILES ON THE CAR THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED TO REOCCUR WHILE GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM 40-45MPH. IT STARTED JUST AS IT DID BEFORE INTERMITTENTLY AND ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE AND EPC LIGHTS WERE ON PERMANENTLY AGAIN. AFTER THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME COMPONENT WE CHANGED THE SAME PART AGAIN. I AM EXPECTING TO BE CHANGING IT AGAIN IN 3 MORE MONTHS, IF I STILL HAVE THE CAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 25, 2015
MY VW HAS HAD PROBLEMS SINCE A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT IT. WHILE GOING 1500 RPM'S AROUND 15-25 MPH MY CAR CHUGS AND STALLS. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO VW 4 TIMES, AND A PERSONAL MECHANIC. EACH TIME VW SAID THERE WAS A EITHER A COMPUTER ISSUE AND THAT THEY HAVE FIXED IT OR SAID THERE WAS NO ISSUE. THEY COMPLETELY RESET MY CARS COMPUTER BACK TO FACTORY SETTINGS DUE TO THEM SAYING THAT MY CAR LEARNED MY DRIVING STYLE. THIS DIDN'T HELP. YEARS LATER I AM STILL HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN IN A FEW CAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE STALLING/CHUGGING PROBLEM. I HAVE AN INFANT AND CAN'T HAVE MY FAMILY CAR CAUSING SUCH PROBLEMS. *JS
Engine, Feb 10, 2015
TRAVELING ALONG AT HIGHWAY SPEED. CAR SPUTTERED AND DIED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND BE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. APPARENTLY THERE IS A WELL-KNOWN DESIGN FLAW IN THE INTERCOOLER INTAKE PIPE ON ALL VOLKSWAGEN TDI (DIESEL) ENGINES SINCE 2009 THAT CAUSES MOISTURE TO DEVELOP IN THE INTERCOOLER INTAKE PIPE DURING COLD WEATHER. IF ENOUGH MOISTURE COLLECTS IN THIS PIPE, IT WILL GET CHANNELED TO THE ENGINE AND BE FED INTO THE CYLINDERS, CAUSING THE CAR TO SPUTTER AND STALL EXACTLY AS MINE DID - OR TO SIMPLY NOT START ON COLD DAYS. OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS, ARE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. VW IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, AND HAS ISSUED A TSB ABOUT IT. "TSB# 21 11 06 / 2025464 FROZEN AIR CHARGE COOLER" AND THERE IS A REPAIR PART THEY HAVE ALREADY DESIGNED - # COLD WEATHER IC KIT 1K0-198-803-B... HOWEVER, THE PART IS ONLY MADE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AND AT OWNER EXPENSE IF OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE; THIS IS HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND A DESIGN FLAW THAT VW NEEDS TO CORRECT FOR ALL OWNERS. THIS SITUATION ALSO, APPARENTLY DOES NOT THROW ANY CODES TO THE VEHICLE COMPUTER, AS THERE ARE NO SENSORS OF ANY TYPE IN THIS INTERCOOLER PIPE. THE ONLY WAY TO DETERMINE THAT THIS IS THE CAUSE, IT TO PUT THE VEHICLE UP, AND REMOVE ONE END OF THIS HOSE AND SEE IF WATER OR 'SLUDGE' DRAINS OUT OF IT, AND THIS PIPE WOULD PROBABLY BE DESTROYED IN ANY FRONT-END COLLISION, AS IT'S FAR FORWARD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE IS A TON OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. HERE IS A LINK TO JUST ONE OF THE ARTICLES I FOUND AFTER THIS HAPPENED TO ME. HTTP://FORUMS.THECARLOUNGE.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5574701-TDI-INTERCOOLER-ISSUE-DESIGN-FLAW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 9, 2015
WAS DRIVING OUR 2011 JETTA SPORTWAGEN TDI 25 MPH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ENGINE HEATER LIGHT WERE FLASHING. CAR WENT INTO SAFE MODE WITH VERY LITTLE THROTTLE CONTROL. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD A CATASTROPHIC FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FOUND OTHER CAR OWNERS ONLINE HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. IT IS BEING COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT IF THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. THIS WOULD BE A HUGE EXPENSE OVER $6,000.00 IF NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE COOLANT LEVEL DECREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT FILLED THE COOLANT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Engine, Jan 18, 2015
I HAVE A 2011 VW JETTA TDI (DIESEL). AFTER LEAVING MY CAR PARKED FOR ABOUT A WEEK, IT WOULD NOT START. THE BATTERY WAS FINE, SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT CONDENSATE HAD BUILD UP IN MY INTERCOOLER AND AIR INTAKE LINES AND FROZEN. THE SUGGESTED REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE THE INTERCOOLER, AND ASSOCIATED PARTS, BUT I HAD THEM THAW AND DRAIN THE LINES AND TOOK MY CAR HOME. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE IF THE CONDENSATE BUILT UP IN THE LINES AND GOT INTO MY ENGINE I CAN POTENTIALLY THROW A ROD CAUSING SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID WHILE UNLIKELY, IT COULD POTENTIALLY HAPPEN. I'D LIKE TO KNOW THE PREVALENCE OF THIS IN THE 2011 JETTA TDI SO I CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF MY CAR. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2015
BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR A DPF LIGHT. DEALER DIAGNOSED WITH A CLOGGED PARTICULATE FILTER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. PICKED UP CAR DROVE ABOUT 5 MILES AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON TURNED AROUND AND HEADED BACK TO DEALER CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE (ON I93 RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC) SHUT CAR OFF IN VW PARKING LOT AND TECH COULD NOT GET IT TO START AGAIN. RECEIVED A CALL NEXT DAY WITH THE HPFP FAILURE NEWS AND THE FRAGMENT WENT THROUGH THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. DEALER TESTED FUEL AND CONFIRMED NO GAS IN THE 3/4 OF A TANK THAT IS IN THE CAR CURRENTLY. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 6, 2015, fire
I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR EARLIER THAT DAY (ABOUT 40 MILES) WITH NO PROBLEMS. I GOT HOME AT ABOUT 7:30PM AND PARKED THE CAR OUTSIDE OUR HOUSE. AT ABOUT 2AM, I HEARD A BEEPING CAR HORN. I LOOKED OUTSIDE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL 2011 JETTA SPORTWAGEN. I DIALED 911, THE CAR CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND PUT IT OUT. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I'M ONLY HAPPY IT WASN'T PARKED INSIDE A GARAGE WHERE THE FIRE WOULD HAVE DESTROYED OUR HOUSE AS WELL. NO WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON THE CAR RECENTLY AND NO AFTERMARKET OPTIONS WERE INSTALLED. I HAVE ONLY ONE QUESTION - WHAT COULD CAUSE A COMPLETELY COLD CAR (NOT DRIVEN IN OVER 6 HOURS) TO SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAME?? THANK YOU.
Engine, Dec 21, 2014
I WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT TURN ON AND OFF THEN THE CAR TURNED OFF AND IT DIDN'T TURN BACK ON. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Electrical system, Dec 18, 2014
NOVEMBER 2014 INCIDENTS: TWO INCIDENTS OF FAILING TO START. FIRST INCIDENT: CAR FAILED TO START ONCE AND STARTED ON SECOND TRY. SECOND INCIDENT: CAR SEVERAL TIMES FAILED TO START & ENGINE MADE CLANKING NOISE. HAD CAR TOWED TO VW AGENCY. CAR STARTED AFTER UNLOADED FROM TOW TRUCK AND AGENCY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. DECEMBER 2014 INCIDENT: CAR STARTED, BUT AFTER SLOWLY DRIVING TO PARKING LOT EXIT AND BEFORE AT FULL STOP, AT ENGINE QUIT AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND BACKED DOWN A SLIGHT GRADE TO GET CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC; AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE CAR STARTED UP.
Power train, Engine, Nov 28, 2014
THIS CAR STALLS OUT AS IT SLOWS DOWN. IT DOES NOT CHANGE TO A LOWER GEAR IN TIME WHEN DECELERATING AND STALLS OUT. IT WILL NOT STALL OUT EVERY TIME I SLOW DOWN. I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL STALL. IT'S VERY RANDOM AND I HAVE STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS AND ANY SITUATION SLOWING DOWN. I BROUGHT THIS CAR BACK TO THE DEAL TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I PLEADED WITH THEM THAT THE CAR IS DANGEROUS BUT THEY SENT ME PACKING. I AM WRITING THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT THEM TO RESELL THIS CAR TO SOMEONE, THE CAR STALLS OUT AND THEY GET INJURED. FOR FOUR YEAR, I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE THIS CAR USING EITHER THE MANUAL SHIFT, OR PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL WHEN SLOWING DOWN. I AM RETURNING THE CAR TODAY. PLEASE DON'T LET THEM RESELL THIS CAR. ALSO, SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT STAY UP. I WILL ROLL IT UP AND IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY ROOM DOWN LIKE SOMETHING IS OBSTRUCTING IT. *TR
Engine, Nov 13, 2014
WHILE DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, THE JETTA TDI ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE ENGINE STARTED LUGGING. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE INTERCOOLER HOSE THAT TRAPS CONDENSATION IN THE SYSTEM. WHEN THE CONDENSATION FREEZES, THE ENGINE IS DEPRIVED OF AIR. ACCORDING TO THE FORUM POST BELOW, THIS ISSUE IS VERY WIDESPREAD AND CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE FROM HYDROLOCK. IF THE CAR IS MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT CAN BE DANGEROUS. VW IS CHARGING CUSTOMERS WHO ARE OUT OF WARRANTY OVER $1,000 TO FIX A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS FROM THIS PROBLEM. FORUM DESCRIBING THE WIDESPREAD NATURE OF THIS ISSUE; HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5574701-TDI-INTERCOOLER-ISSUE-DESIGN-FLAW. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2014
PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2011. VW FIXED THE FUEL EXHAUST PORTS. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTICULATE FILTER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO WARNED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD SERIOUS ISSUES. I HAD ONE YEAR LEFT TO PAY THIS CAR OFF, IT HAD 90K MILES ON IT AND I HAD TO TURN IT IN. HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH SELLING A BRAND NEW CAR FOR $28K TO HAVE IT CRAP OUT WITH NO REPERCUSSIONS LIKE THIS? *TR
Engine, Sep 23, 2014
DRIVING VEHICLE ON SOUTH BOUND I-5 GOING 60MPH RIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE TACOMA DOME IN FAR LEFT LANE WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT AND ENGINE DIED AT THE SAME TIME. I HAD MULTIPLE VEHICLES SCREECHING TO A STOP RIGHT ON I-5 AND HONKING AT ME, ALMOST HITTING ME, BARELY MISSING ME. I ALMOST DIED. NO SHOULDER TO GET OFF ON. ENGINE LIGHT THEN WENT OFF. I SAT IN MY CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES CRYING, SHAKING AND THEN TRIED STARTING CAR AGAIN. CAR BARELY STARTED, ABLE TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT CAR WAS SHAKING AND JUMPING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. LARSON'S VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING ME $480 AND SAYS THIS HAPPENED DUE TO "FAILURE IN IGNITION COIL PACK A" I ALMOST DIED, WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS? *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 17, 2014
ISSUES BEGAN WITH FAULTY STARTER. THEN PROGRESSED TO A BATTERY OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES FROM WINDOWS MOVING IN REVERSE OF DESIRED ORDER TO HORN AND KEYS DYING. EACH TIME DEALER BRUSHED OFF ISSUE. WHEN HORN AND KEYS DIED (ALSO WITH FAULTY START BUTTON) DEALER TRIED TO FORCE ME TO DRIVE UNSAFE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY GOT AROUND TO FIXING THE PROBLEM. MOST OTHER TIMES THE ISSUE WAS IGNORED OR I WAS TREATED AS THOUGH I WAS MAKING UP THE PROBLEM. (THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDE RADIO STAYING ON WHEN CAR IS COMPLETELY OFF, AND AFTER MANUALLY SWITCHING IT OFF, IT THEN WILL TURN BACK ON WHILE THE CAR IS STILL OFF (EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WILL NOT START AND I HAVE TO USE THE LONG HOLD LOCK FUNCTION TO ROLL WINDOWS UP). THE CAR ALSO WILL REOPEN TRUNK UPON CLOSE, FLASH PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNINGS WHEN THE SEAT IS EMPTY, NOT DISPLAY GEAR WHEN MOVING, NOT DISPLAY MILEAGE/FUEL LEVEL WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY LISTING MILEAGE RANGE FROM SELECTED SCREEN, ETC. PROBLEMS ARE WORSE IN EXTREME WEATHER. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE PROBLEMS FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES TO NO AVAIL. RECENTLY, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE SERVICE LIGHT DIAGNOSED. DEALER RESET LIGHT EACH TIME WITHOUT BOTHERING TO CHECK THE SOURCE. PROBLEM PROGRESSED TO ENGINE NOT STARTING, SLUGGISH AND JERKY ACCELERATION, LURCHING STOPS, AND, MOST RECENTLY, SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A MANUFACTURER ISSUE, AND I AM PLANNING TO PURSUE ALL OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO RECTIFY. NOT ONLY HAS VOLKSWAGEN PRODUCED AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, BUT THEY ARE ALSO AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS AND MAKE A GREAT EFFORT TO AVOID DEALING WITH THEM. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 26, 2014
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW WE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE STUTTERING WHEN DRIVING AND AT TIMES SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY AS IF IT STALLED (THE VEHICLE IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION). WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE VW DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE TECH COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND SENT US ON OUR WAY AND TOLD US TO COMEBACK IF IT KEPT OCCURRING. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AGAIN AND THEY SAID THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND AND ONCE AGAIN SENT US AWAY AND TOLD US TO COME BACK IF THE PROBLEM KEPT OCCURRING. THE VEHICLE IS NOW STUTTERING AND STALLING MUCH MORE OFTEN AND THE WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT. I CALLED THE VW HQ THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN AND HAVE THE TECH LOOK AT IT WHICH HAS COST ME $112 IN WHICH THEY ONCE AGAIN FOUND NOTHING AND RECOMMENDED I LET THE CAR WARM UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT IS CURRENTLY SUMMER AND THE LOW TEMPERATURES ARE AROUND 70 AND THE HIGHS ARE 85+. IN ADDITION THIS IS A MODERN VEHICLE AND HAD I KNOW I WAS GOING TO NEED TO LET IT WARM UP I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IT. THIS ISN?T THE 50?S. MY WIFE AND I NOW FEEL THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FACT IT STALLS OUT AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES. IF VW DOES NOT FIX THIS ISSUE I WILL BE TRADING IT IN DUE TO THEIR DISREGARD FOR SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. *TR