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: fuel/propulsion system
81 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT NIGHT DURING TRAFFIC HOURS WHEN MY ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I WAS DOING 50MPH WHEN MY ENGINE SHUT OFF. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND TRAFFIC WAS FLYING BY ME ON BOTH SIDES OF MY CAR SO I WAS AFRAID TO GET OUT THE VEHICLE. LUCKY FOR ME A TOW TRUCK SEEN ME IN DISTRESS AND HELPED GET ME AND MY CAR OFF THE EXPRESSWAY. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP DISINTEGRATED AND SENT METAL SHARDS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. VW TRIED TO ACCUSE ME OF PUTTING REGULAR GAS IN A LOW DIESEL FUEL ENGINE. BUT I HAD MY RECEIPTS FOR PROOF. VW NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. SINCE A VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF DURING TRAFFIC HOURS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE TOW TRUCK HADN'T SEEN ME WHEN HE DID THE RESULTS MIGHT HAVE BEEN FATAL. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS 16,690 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,700.
Steering, Fuel system, Diesel, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2012
TRAVELING IN THE LEFT LANE ON 95 N OUTSIDE BALTIMORE MD AT 65 MPH MY VEHICLE'S GAS PEDAL STOPPED RESPONDING AND THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND LURCH FORWARD AND EVENTUALLY DIE AS THE YELLOW DIESEL ENGINE INDICATOR ALONG WITH THE YELLOW ENGINE INDICATOR BEGAN BLINKING. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC AND COAST OVER TWO LANES TO AN OFF RAMP BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. AFTER CONTACTING VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HERITAGE VW LOCATED AT 9215 HARFORD ROAD #2 PARKVILLE, MD 21234 (877) 398-1963. IT WAS AFTER 9:00 P.M SO THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN THE LOT AND ALL THE PAPERWORK WAS DROPPED IN THE BOX. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CITED A FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION ALONG WITH A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE AS THE ISSUE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE HAD TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO YOUR AGENCY FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUES (PLEASE SEE REFERENCE NUMBER 10417213), THE AGENTS INFORMATION IS LISTED BELOW. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2012
ON MAY 14, 2012 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON CALIFORNIA I-15 NORTH. I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC AROUND THE TAMECULA AREA, AND TRAVELING 15-20 MPH TO DUE TO THE TRAFFIC. I STOPPED MY VEHICLE BECAUSE TRAFFIC STOPPED. TRAFFIC BEGAN TO MOVE ONCE AGAIN, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE ONCE AGAIN. WHEN I REACHED 15 - 20 MPH, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND SLOW DOWN. I RECEIVE A ORANGE BLINKING AMBER LIGHT ON MY DASH CONSOLE. I DOWN SHIFT, AND PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR ONCE AGAIN AND VEHICLE PRODUCED LITTLE POWER. I REFERENCED THE BLINKING ORANGE AMBER LIGHT IN OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE MANUAL STATED THE LIGHT MEANT "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" AND TO CONTACT DEALER IMMEDIATELY. I AS PROCEED ON I-15 NORTH, WHEN I HAD TO TRAVEL UP A HILL, THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO DECELERATE EVEN IF I DOWN SHIFT. THE NEXT MORNING MAY 15, 2012 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. LATER THAT AFTER NOON, I WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THE FUEL SENSOR HAD GONE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL SENSOR AND I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ON THURSDAY MAY 17, 2012. ON FRIDAY MAY 18, 2012 I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK. ON THE WAY HOME, AROUND THE SAME AREA ON THE I-15 NORTH TAMECULA CITY LIMITS. AGAIN MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME MALFUNCTION AS BEFORE, LOST OF POWER, LOST OF ACCELERATION, AND BLINKING ORANGE AMBER LIGHT. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ONE I PROCEEDED TO GO, AND 20 MILES LATER RECEIVED THE BLINKING ORANGE AMBER "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" LIGHT AND "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THE MAY 19, 2012 AND LATER THAT DAY WAS TOLD THE FUEL SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP HAD GO BAD. IT IS MAY 29, 2012 AND THE DEALERSHIP STILL HAS THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM, AND HOW TO FIX VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN AUGUST 2011. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2012
WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING, ENGINE STALLED IN BUSY INTERSECTION DURING EVENING RUSH HOUR. LUCKILY CAR COST INTO ADJACENT PARKING LOT. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL VW DEALER WHO SAID TOTAL FUEL SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. REPAIR TOOK SEVERAL WEEKS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2012
MY 2011 VW JETTAS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE DEALER SAID THAT IS WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL. THE REPAIRS ARE WELL OVER $8000. I UNDERSTAND THAT NHTSA IS LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT HAS HAPPENED TO SO MANY OTHER VW DIESEL JETTA CARS. I HAVE NOW TALKED TO OVER 15 PEOPLE IN MY AREA THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. I OWN NUMEROUS OTHER DIESEL TRUCKS THAT FILL UP AT THE SAME FILLING STATION AND HAVE NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT A RECALL SO THIS IS COVERED BY VW. I CAN SEE IF THIS PROBLEMS WAS JUST A FEW CARS, BUT THE TDI WEB SITE LISTS THOUSANDS OF CARS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. *JS