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 system
97 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER TO THE ENGINE OF MY 2011 JETTA TDI. UNDER WARRANTY I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE VW DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM WAS DESTROYED BY THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, AND IT WAS POSSIBLY BE DUE TO THE DIESEL I USED, BEING DIRTY OR OTHERWISE CONTAMINATED. I HAD ALL MY RECEIPTS FOR DIESEL FILL-UPS FROM THE SAME STATION, AND IT WAS LISTED ON THE VW.COM WEBSITE AS A LOCATION FOR DIESEL. THE TANK WAS SUPPOSEDLY EMPTIED AND FILTERED DURING THE REPAIR AND I WAS NOT INFORMED OF CONTAMINATION. ON READING FURTHER I NOTE THAT MANY TDI OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM VW THAT THIS IS A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM, NOT A CUSTOMER MISUSE OF DIESEL FUEL. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS STARTING OUT FROM A RED LIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT LANE AND THEN THE SHOULDER. THE DANGER ON A BUSY ROADWAY COULD BE LETHAL. READ EDMONDS.COM AND OTHER JETTA OWNER BLOGS AND NOTE THE EXACT SAME INCIDENTS OCCURRING. WITH THE EXPLODING INTEREST IN DIESEL CARS FOR FUEL ECONOMY, THIS SITUATION NEEDS EVALUATION. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Vehicle speed control, Jul 24, 2013
I WAS PASSING A SEMI AND NEEDED TO ACCELERATE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF CAR TO MY REAR...DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND NO RESPONSE. TWO DAYS LATER EXPERIENCED SIMILAR EVENT AT LOW SPEED (30 MPH). *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Engine, Jul 9, 2013
THE FUEL PUMP IN MY CAR'S 2.0 TDI DIESEL ENGINE BROKE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND A "SERVICE ENGINE NOW" INDICATOR LIT. AT THIS TIME, THE CAR ENTERED LIMP MODE AND POWER WAS GREATLY REDUCED. I DECIDED TO DRIVE STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER TO DROP IT OFF. OVER THE NEXT FEW MINUTES THE CAR PRODUCED LESS AND LESS POWER (A FEELING AKIN TO RUNNING OUT OF GAS, BUT THERE WAS STILL 1/2 TANK OF DIESEL IN THE CAR) UNTIL IT DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. NO OTHER WARNINGS, NO OTHER DRIVABILITY CUES, JUST A DEAD CAR ON THE FREEWAY UNABLE TO BE STARTED OR MOVED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS/POSSIBLY FATAL HAD I NOT BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO FORCE MY WAY TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE CAR COMPLETELY GAVE OUT. SO TO SUM UP - ONE OWNER (PURCHASED NEW) DIESEL JETTA; CAR MAINTAINED BY DEALER AT APPROPRIATE INTERVALS. FUELED AT PRETTY MUCH THE SAME THREE STATIONS FOR MUCH OF ITS LIFE, NEVER HAD A NON-DIESEL PUMP ANYWHERE NEAR IT; DRIVING PERFECTLY ONE MINUTE, FIVE MINUTES LATER, A DEAD CAR. IT HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER TODAY, FROM THE SYMPTOMS IT SOUNDS LIKE THE NOTORIOUS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) HAS CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Engine, Jun 1, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND THE POWER DROPPED TO ALMOST NOTHING. BEFORE I COULD GET TO A SAFE STOPPING POINT, THE ENGINE DIED. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DIAGNOSED IT WITH A FAILED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP(HPFP). IF IT HAD BEEN OUT OF WARRANTY, IT WOULD HAVE COST $6000 TO REPAIR. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4 LANE EXPRESSWAY, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Apr 25, 2013
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. BEFORE IT COULD BE PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO SAFETY, THE ENGINE DIED COMPLETELY. THE PASSENGERS HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND PUSH IT ACROSS THE ROAD AND INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. PROPER MAINTENANCE AND FUELING OF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RIGOROUSLY FOLLOWED ON THIS VEHICLE. THE OWNER IS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND DIESEL ENGINE ENTHUSIAST. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Mar 29, 2013
2011 VW JETTA DIESEL AT 70 MPH GOING UP A HILL AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR LOST POWER AND SPEED DROPPED MAKING IT UNSAFE TO HAVE TIME TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE CARS BEHIND ME HAD TO ALL SLOW WAY DOWN TO LET ME GET OFF THE ROAD. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. MY MECHANIC COULD NOT START IT AND SAID IT WAS A FUEL PROBLEM BUT COULD NOT FIX IT. VW REPORTED THE CAR STARTED FOR THEM AND THEY RAN OFF AND FOUND FAULT FOR LOW FUEL PRESSURE BUT NO REASON FOR THE PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2013
APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO, MY ENGINE BEGAN TO GIVE A CLEAR SENSE OF THE CAR SHUDDERING OR ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. WHILE SOMETIMES THE FEELING WOULD OCCUR EVEN WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE TIME THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT CONSISTENT LOW SPEEDS. IN ALMOST ALL CASES, I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT SPEED AROUND EITHER 13PMH OR 30 MPH. EVENTUALLY, I FOUND THE ROCKING MOTION VERY EASY TO REPRODUCE. I'D SET THE CAR TO 30 MPH VIA CRUISE CONTROL AND DRIVE DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD WITH VERY SLIGHT UPWARD AND DOWNWARD SLOPES. WHILE IT HAPPENS EVEN ON FLAT GROUND, I FOUND THAT A SLIGHT DECLINE IS MOST LIKELY TO REPRODUCE THE FEELING. MY BEST GUESS IS THAT THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY THE FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM/TRANSMISSION IS TRYING TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT DIESEL NEEDS TO BE SUPPLIED TO THE ENGINE. THE FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM SEEMS TO ALMOST CUT OUT BECAUSE GIVING DIESEL WOULD PRODUCE A SPEED TOO HIGH, AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON SUDDENLY, BECAUSE GIVING IT NO DIESEL WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO SLOW TOO MUCH. WHILE SOMETIMES THIS IS SIMPLY A NUISANCE, I HAVE HAD ON MANY OCCASIONS FELT THAT IT WAS A GENUINE SAFETY HAZARD SINCE I COULDN'T PREDICT HOW THE ENGINE WOULD REACT. THIS IN COMBINATION WITH OVERLY STRONG ENGINE BREAK WHEN LETTING OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND DELAYED ACCELERATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE PEDDLE THAT CAN CAUSE INCONSISTENCIES AND SAFETY HAZARDS WHEN MANEUVERING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE MENTIONED THIS PROBLEM EVERY SINGLE TIME I'VE TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR IT'S REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS A DIESEL DSG ENGINE, AND AS I'VE BEEN TOLD BY SERVICE TECHNICIANS AND REPRESENTATIVES, SOME OF THE THINGS LIKE STRONG ENGINE BREAKING ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TYPE OF ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE CAR'S ROCKING MOTION CERTAINLY GOES BEYOND ANYTHING THAT COULD REALISTICALLY BE CONSIDERED NORMAL AND SAFE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2012
I HAD JUST EXITED THE HIGHWAY, WHEN THE ENGINE DIED AT 35 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AFTERWARDS. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED WITH METAL SHAVINGS. THIS APPEARS TO BE ANOTHER CASE OF FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WITH THE 2.0 TDI ENGINE. ONLY DIESEL FUEL HAS *EVER* BEEN USED IN THE VEHICLE. AS PER VW'S TSB, THE DEALER TESTED THE FUEL AND INDICATED THAT IT WAS OK. VW COVERED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM UNDER WARRANTY. OTHERWISE, THIS WOULD HAVE COST APPROXIMATELY $10K. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2012
TDI DIESEL JETTA WITH 30,000 MILES BY ORIGINAL OWNER WAS BEING DRIVEN 35 MPH CITY SECONDARY STREETS, VEHICLE ABRUPTLY LOST POWER. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. POLICE WERE CALLED, THEY ASCERTAINED THAT LOCATION WAS SAFE ENOUGH UNTIL TOW. TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER SAID FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO DEALER A FEW DAYS BEFORE FOR 30,000 MILE SERVICE. DIESEL FUEL ALMOST ALWAYS PURCHASED AT SAME 3 YR OLD BUSY STATION, AND CAR WAS RUNNING ON SAME TANK OF FUEL AS WHEN IT WAS SERVICED. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF PROBLEMS, NO HESITATION, NO LOSS OF POWER, NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE TOTAL SHUTDOWN OF ENGINE. ON A FREEWAY, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2012
JETTA TDI HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP & FUEL LINE BLOW-OUT; STALLING OF ENGINE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 16, 2012
CAR ENGINE STOPPED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. DRIFTED TO SIDE OF ROAD; CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD TO PAY $250 FOR TOW TO DEALER. SERVICE PERSON CALLED TO SAY THERE WAS METAL IN MY FUEL SYSTEM/TANK, BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG. HE ALSO ACCUSED ME OF PUTTING THE WRONG GAS IN MY CAR. I INFORMED SERVICE PERSON THAT IT TOOK 5 SECONDS ON THE INTERNET TO LEARN ABOUT THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO THE MANY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM FAILURES THAT CAUSE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING. INTERESTINGLY, HE CALLED BACK 2 HOURS LATER AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT FUEL SYSTEM AND POWERTRAIN AND OTHER STUFF NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CAR. I COULD HAVE BEEN GOING 65 ON THE FREEWAY WITH A SMALL CHILD OR OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR, ALL OF WHOM COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN CAR SUDDENLY LOOSES ALL POWER AND MOMENTUM. MANY ONLINE COMPLAINT REPORTS ARE FOR SECOND FAILURES, AFTER REPAIR. I DO NOT TRUST THE SERVICE DEPT. OF ANY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT THE PROBLEM IS ELIMINATED. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2012
2011 JETTA TDI DIESEL - SECOND OCCURRENCE OF ENGINE STALL DUE TO HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT 40 PLUS MILES PER HOUR. CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS CAR HAS BEEN TOWED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DESIGN WHICH RESULTS IN THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP FAILING SENDING DEBRIS THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM. NHTSA SAYS IN CONCLUDING STATEMENTS DATED 12/21/12 THAT (NHTSA RECALL NO. 11V-490) 'THE ACTION TAKEN BY VOLKSWAGEN IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE DEFECT REMAINS AND IS POTENTIALLY A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES AS THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLS WHILE IN MOTION. AS THIS IS THE SECOND REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL SYSTEM THE DEFECT REMAINS A PROBLEM AND THE CONSUMER IS EXPOSED TO NOT ONLY SAFETY ISSUES BUT HIGH COSTS IN REPAIR AT $10,000+ IF THE CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE TREND IS CONTINUING WITH 2012 TDIS AS WELL. PLEASE FORCE VW TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS I NOW HAVE AN UNSAFE CAR. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 24, 2012
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE CONFIRMED BY VW DEALER. WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT (YELLOW COILS) LIT UP AND CAR LOST ALL POWER. MALFUNCTION LIGHT WENT OFF AND ALTERNATOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER LIGHTS CAME ON. CAR COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AND WAS TAKEN DIRECTLY TO DEALER ON FLATBED. REPAIRS ARE UNDERWAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 19, 2012
DRIVING 55MPH CAR BEGAN LOOSING POWER CHECK ENGINE AND GLOW LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHTS CAM ON IMMEDIATELY. ONCE ARRIVED HOME WE VERIFIED THE CAR COMPUTER IT RETURNED THAT THERE WAS LOW PRESSURE IN FUEL LINE AND THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAILING. WE HAD CAR TOWED TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP. AFTER 4 DAYS DEALER STATED FUEL HAD TRACES OF GASOLINE, THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE I HAVE NEVER PUT GAS IN MY DIESEL CAR. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN MAKING PHONE CALLS AND THE FUEL COMPANIES WHERE FUEL PURCHASED FOR LAST 5 FUELINGS WHERE REQUESTED. LAST PURCHASE FROM SHEETZ HAGERSTOWN I NOTIFIED THEM WHAT DEALERSHIP WAS PROPOSING THE CORPORATE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP 'SHARRETTS' AND REQUESTED PROOF OF THEIR BLAME. ONCE I HAVE MADE CONTACT TO SHEETZ AND SHELL THEY INTURN CALL DEALERSHIP THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS NOTED IN ADDITION TO THE FUELRAIL SYSTEM FAILURE. ON THIRD CALL TODAY THEY WERE NOT SURE IT WAS COVERED AND A FUEL TEST WAS BEING SENT OUT FOR OFFICIAL TESTING TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF GASOLINE CONTAMINATION. AFTER I THREATENED A LAWYER THEY STATE WILL CALL CORPORATE FOR DIRECTION AND HAVE REP REVIEW. VW HAS CONTINUOUSLY LIED TO MANY OWNERS THAT THE DIESEL WAS CONTAMINATED WHEN IN FACT IT IS NOT, THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED MY CAR IS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD PURCHASED NEW WITH ONLY 4 MILES ON IT I HAVE MADE ALL THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND HAD 3 RECALLS FIXED WITHIN 7 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. I DEMAND AN INVESTIGATION AND AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THESE DIESEL MOTORS THIS IS NOT FAIR TO THE CONSUMER. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 13, 2012
I WAS DOING MY 20K SERVICE (DIESEL FUEL FILTER). WHEN I OPENED THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING I FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN, AND ON TOP OF THE FUEL FILTER CARTRIDGE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED RIGHT TO A VW DEALERSHIP KNOWING THAT THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE, AND ONGOING INVESTIGATION WITH THE NHTSA ON HPFP FAILURES. VW AGREED THAT THEY SAW METAL IN THE FUEL AND ON THE FILTER, AND PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT THIS WAS "NOT ABNORMAL". THAT EVERY TDI CAR THEY SERVICE HAS METAL BITS IN THE FILTER. I AM A ASE MASTER TECH IN A HIGH VOLUME LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT DEALS IN A VERY HIGH VOLUME OF DIESEL REPAIR SERVICE. METAL IN FUEL IS NOT NORMAL. THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE FOR THE METAL TO COME FROM, AND THAT IS THE HPFP. VW PUT A NEW FILTER IN THE CAR AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I GUESS I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE CAR TO STOP DEAD IN TRAFFIC AND NOT RESTART TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 3, 2012
AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 JETTA TDI SPORTSWAGON, I NOTICED A STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND DIESEL SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THERE WAS DIESEL ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND BELTS, AND LARGE AMOUNT OF STEAM WAS COMING OUT. WHEN I TOOK OF THE ENGINE COVER AND STARTED THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE 2ND CYLINDER INJECTOR PIPE. I DO NOT HAVE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE FIXED AND PAID BY VW. THERE IS SMELL IN THE VEHICLE, FOAM IS SOAKED WITH DIESEL, AND BELTS MIGHT HAVE LESS LIFE IN THEM. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE SO THIS WOULD BE FIXED AT NO COST TO ME. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 29, 2012
I WAS APPROACHING A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION, AND THE VEHICLE'S GLOW-PLUG LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN, AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP JUST SHORT OF THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AAA TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP VIA FLATBED. THE DEALERSHIP INITIALLY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS WATER IN THE FUEL, BUT AFTER FLUSHING THE FUEL SYSTEM, THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. AT THAT POINT, THEY TOOK APART THE FUEL PUMP, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PUMP HAD FAILED INTERNALLY, AND PUT METAL SHAVINGS INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. REPAIR QUOTE WAS APPROXIMATELY $10,000. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 15, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, AS DID THE DPF LIGHT AND THE PRE-HEAT COIL LIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A DRIVEWAY BEFORE IT QUIT. WOULD NOT START AGAIN. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. WAS INFORMED THAT THE HPFP FAILED, AND THAT THE PUMP AND FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. SERVICE DIRECTOR INDICATED THAT THE REPAIR BILL WOULD BE $10-11,000. VW IS COVERING THE COST OF THE REPAIR. AM GRATEFUL THAT I HAD DROPPED MY WIFE AND YOUNG DAUGHTER OFF AT HOME, AND THAT I WAS NOT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN THIS OCCURRED. *TR
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 system, Gasoline, Engine, May 1, 2012
CAR IS A 2011 VW JETTA TDI. I WAS TOLD BY THE VW DEALER THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FALLEN APART CAUSING METAL TO GO THROUGH THE FUEL SYSTEM.I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN JULY OF 2011.VOLKWAGEN IS REPLACING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT DAMAGE MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE TO THE ENGINE. *JS
Fuel system, Diesel, Mar 16, 2012
FILLED UP WITH 13.455 GALLONS OF #2 ULSD DIESEL ON 01/25/12 WITH 11,363 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO FILLING THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN A 1/4 TANK OF DIESEL. ON 02/05/12 WAS TRAVELING IN VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND STARTED TO HEAR PINGING NOISES FROM THE ENGINE BAY. SLOWED TO A STOP WHERE THE ENGINE DIED AND REFUSED TO START. THE VEHICLE HAD 11,721 MILES ON IT, 358 MILES (90% WHICH WERE HIGHWAY MILES) SINCE THE PREVIOUS FUELING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL VW DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THE TANK WAS DRY AND HPFP HAD FAILED AS A RESULT. CONTESTED THE FACT THAT THE TANK WAS DRY GIVEN THE FACT THE VEHICLE HAD SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 1/4 TANK PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE THAT IT HAD RUN DRY GIVEN THE FACT THAT THE TANK HAD BEEN FILLED TO THE TOP AT THE PRIOR FILLING AND THAT I HAD NOT DRIVEN ENOUGH DISTANCE TO HAVE USED UP THE FUEL. VW TECH CONFIRMED THAT THE GAS GAUGE WAS OPERATIONAL AND CORRECT. VW DEALER REPLACED HPFP UNDER WARRANTY BUT WOULD NOT LISTEN TO ME WITH REGARDS TO RUNNING THE TANK DRY. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Feb 16, 2012
I WAS OPERATING THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR LOST ALL POWER IN TRAFFIC. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A SERIOUS INCIDENT OCCURRING. I WAS A BIT SHAKEN AS THE CAR JUST TOTALLY FAILED IN TRAFFIC. THE CAUSE ACCORDING TO THE DEALER IS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE INJECTOR PUMP (DIESEL). DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE INJECTOR PUMP, INJECTORS, INJECTOR LINES, PRIMARY FUEL LINES, PRIMARY FUEL PUMP, AND THE FUEL TANK ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE INJECTOR PUMP TOTALLY CAME APART AND DISTRIBUTED METAL THROUGHOUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 21K ON IT. DEALER ADMITTED THAT THE INJECTOR PUMPS ARE OF QUESTIONABLE QUALITY AND THERE IS A HISTORY OF FAILURE DUE TO INFERIOR PARTS IN THE PUMPS. DEALER SAID THAT THE NEW PUMP IS UPGRADED AND AFTER THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM IS REPLACED THE CAR WILL BE TROUBLE FREE. DEALER ALSO NOTED THAT THE FUEL PUMPS ARE DESIGNED TO OPERATE ON EUROPEAN DIESEL WHICH CONTAINS SULFUR FOR LUBRICITY. US DIESEL WHICH HAS LOW SULFUR IS DESTROYING THE PUMPS. SEEMS AS THOUGH A TOTAL RECALL SHOULD BE ORDERED TO REMOVE THESE BAD INJECTOR PUMPS. DEALER STATED THE TOTAL COST OF THE WORK IN EXCESS OF 10K WHICH WILL BE PAID BY VW AT NO COST TO ME. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, AND THE FUEL LINES. THE STALLING FAILURE WAS CORRECTED, BUT THE VEHICLE NO LONGER PERFORMED WITH THE SAME FUEL EFFICIENCY. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS CAUSED THE DECREASE IN FUEL EFFICIENCY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE FUEL EFFICIENCY FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,299 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,558.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 7, 2012
THE CAR MADE LOUD KNOCKING NOISES AND STOPPED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR FIRST SAID THERE WAS AN IGNITION IN THE FUEL PUMP, THEN 10 DAYS LATER HE SAID IT WAS FUEL PUMP FAILURE. ALL DIESEL FUEL I PURCHASED FOR THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AT PMM MOBIL, 26393 VERMONT AVE., HARBOR CITY CA., 90710. I HAD JUST FILLED UP WITH FUEL 10 MILES EARLIER AND I WAS 1/2 BLOCK AWAY FROM MY HOME WHEN THE CAR FAILED, I COULD HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE! THE SAME SERVICE ADVISER GAVE NO SUGGESTIONS TO HELP PREVENT ANOTHER FAILURE, LEAVING ME TO RELY ON THE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING. *TR