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
640 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jul 30, 2016
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AS VEHICLE IS SHIFTING DOWN, IT LUNGES FORWARD AND YOU FEEL A HARD KNOCK COMING FROM TRANSMISSION. INTERMITTENT ISSUE. SAFETY CONCERN AS IT OCCURS AS YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN. WHEN RESEARCHING ONLINE NOTICED OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUE. I TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE ISSUE.
Engine, Jul 27, 2016
CAR STALLS INTERMITTENTLY UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS ACCELERATING DE-ACCELERATING WARMED UP, AND COLD FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH FILTER AND NOW POWER RELAY HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT IT STILL STALLS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2016
I GOT INTO MY CAR AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK AND THE THE CAR STARTED FINE, BUT THE RADIO IS SUDDENLY GONE BLANK. RADIO DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE RADIO WAS WORKING JUST FINE PRIOR TO MY STOP FOR FUEL.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 21, 2016
REAR LEFT TIE ROD FRACTURED RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AT 45 MPH ON A WV HWY 152.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2016
RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY (HIGH & LOW BEAM, TURN SIGNAL, DRL), RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT, THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL ALL STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. DASH INFORMATION CENTER REPORTED ALL OF THESE LIGHTS NEED TO BE CHECKED. AFTER 1.5 HOURS OF TROUBLESHOOTING WITH A FLUKE MULTI-METER, I FOUND A POST ON TDI FORUMS REFERENCING CAMPAIGN 97AM TO CHECK THE FUSE PANEL UNDER THE HOOD, POSITION F16, 30AMP FUSE FOR MELTING. I CHECKED THIS FUSE AND THE FUSE PANEL AND FUSE IS MELTED. I CONTACTED THE VW DEALERSHIP THAT VERIFIED THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO MY VIN. I THEN CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER CARE WHO ALSO SAID THERE IS NO RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY WILL NOT CORRECT IT BASED ON NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ISSUE ON THE 2009 - 2012 JETTA SPORTWAGENS. VW ADVISED ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS BUT ADVISED I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHARGES TO FIX THE CAR.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2016
MY BOYFRIEND AND I DROVE TO GET DINNER. ON THE WAY THERE MY RADIO WAS FINE WE WERE SINGING AND LAUGHING. WE GET TO THE RESTAURANT AND I TURN MY CAR OFF AND THERE WERE THESE LITTLE BUZZING SOUNDS, DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. IT WAS A HOT DAY CARS MAKE SOUNDS. AFTER DINER GETTING IN THE CAR AND GETTING READY TO START DRIVING I REALIZE I CAN'T PLAY MUSIC! I ALWAYS USE THE AUX CORD. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS MY PHONE THEN I LOOKED UP AND SEEN THAT MY TOUCH SCREEN WAS BLACK.... THEN I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS TURNED OFF SO I TIRED PUSHING THE POWER BUTTON... NOTHING. SO ON THE WAY HOME MY BOYFRIEND LOOKED UP THE FUSES GOT THE CHART, AND WE PULLED IT OUT AND IT WAS PERFECT NO NOTHING. THEN I IMMEDIATELY GOT ON THE INTERNET AND STARTED READING. NO ONLY DID I FIND THAT SIMILAR MODELS AND PREVIOUS YEARS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT IN A FEW MONTHS IT LEADS TO DEAD BATTERIES, AND THE POSSIBLY THAT'S YOUR CAR IS NOT RELIABLE AND IT SHOULD BE WITH AN EASY FIX. I ALSO FOUND THAT THE TYPE OF RADIO IS VERY HARD TO FIND, I COULDN'T FIND IT IN VW PARTS AND REPLACEMENTS, BUT INSTEAD FINDING EARLIER, AND MORE UPDATE VERSIONS!
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2016
ON MY WAY TO MY LOCATION I WAS LISTENING TO MY RADIO WITHOUT ANY ISSUE. I GOT BACK IN MY CAR AND MY SCREEN IS BLACK AND RADIO IS NOT WORKING. I BOUGHT MY CAR 4 MONTHS AGO AND AM FURIOUS BECAUSE THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS AND SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE. WHY THE HELL HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS. FROM MY RESEARCH IT IS $800-$1000 TO FIX. IT IS NOT A BLOWN FUSE; ALREADY CHECKED. SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS COMMON PROBLEM AND WE NEED TO HOLD TH!M ACCOUNTABLE. THIS IS MY FIRST JETTA, AND MAY VERY WELL BE MY LAST IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2016
THE KEY WILL NOT TURN OVER! SINGLE MOM WITH TWO KIDS THIS IS HORRIBLE. JETTA SAYS THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE AND THEY ARE SURPRISED THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED! THE WHEEL IS LOCKED AND YOU CANNOT MOVE THE KEY, JETTA ESTIMATES ABOUT 600.00 TO FIX! AND SHOULD TAKE 7-10 BUSINESS DAYS! PLEASE PEOPLE COMPLAIN THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!
Air bags, Jul 11, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT NO FAILURE COULD BE DETERMINED OR DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V196000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2016
THE RADIO IS COMPLETELY DEAD. I HAVE CHECKED ALL APPLICABLE FUSES, NONE OF THEM ARE BLOWN.
Service brakes, Jul 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AT 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY. THE WRENCH AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE BRAKES FAILED TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER RESET THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,629.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 28, 2016
FUSE BOX WITH BLOWN FUSES . UNABLE TO REPLACE FUSES WITHOUT DIAGRAM. VW DEALER STATES I NEED TO BRING CAR IN AND PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH TOTALS OVER $100.00 THAT I CANNOT AFFORD. I AM ABLE TO CHANGE FUSES MYSELF THAT ARE BLOWN BUT NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE FUSE IS FOR AND THIS IS WHAT VW DEALER TOLD ME I HAVE TO DO, GET TEST FROM VW DEALER OR PAY FOR A DIAGRAM. I FEEL THIS IS WRONG, AS LONG AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING, ALL FUSE BOXES WILL HAVE A DIAGRAM OF FUSES SO INDIVIDUAL CAN CHANGE FUSE THEMSELVES. HOW CAN I RESOLVE THIS ISSUE FOR DIAGRAM WITHOUT COSTING ME OVER $100.00. I WILL AWAIT YOUR REPLY. NOTICED MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND PHONE CHARGE WAS NOT WORKING. DID NOT NOTICE WHEN CAR WAS PURCHASED. CHANGED A 20 AMP FUSE THAT WAS BLOWN, THAT TOOK CARE OF CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND CHARGER, BUT NOW MY HORN DOES NOT WORK. THAT IS WHY I AM ASKING ON ADVISE ON HOW TO RESOLVE SITUATION. THANK YOU *TR
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2016
HORN QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY AS WELL AS HONK WHEN ALARM IS ACTIVATED. ALSO WHEN ALARM GOES OFF THERE'S NO SOUND. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY CASES ONLINE WHERE OWNERS EXPERIENCE SAME SAFETY CONCERN. I CALLED VW AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX NOR DO THEY CONFESS A SAFETY CONCERN EVEN WITH OBVIOUS MULTIPLE JETT'S OF SAME YEAR HAVING THE EXACT SAFETY ISSUE. WILL IT TAKE A FEW DOZEN ROAD SIDE DEATHS FOR VW TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX THESE SAFETY ISSUES? HORN FAILS WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. NO BLOWN FUSES, AND THE RELAY CLICKS WHEN THE HORN IS DEPRESSED ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WE'VE CALLED 2 VW DEALERS WHO REFUSED TO FIX BUT THEY OFFERED TO CHARGE US TO TELL US WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW BEING ITS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. WE ALSO CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY WOULDN'T TELL ME HOW MANY OWNERS HAVE TO DRIVE UNSAFE VEHICLES BEFORE VW ACTS. SOME OWNERS HAD THEIR JETT'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FIXED UNDER NTHSA 11V19600 BUT WE WERE REFUSED ASSISTANCE SO THIS SEEMS TO BE SELECTIVE SAFETY CORRECTIONS.
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2016
VEHICLE DRIVEN EARLIER IN THE DAY WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. LATER IN THE DAY, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY WHILE IN IGNITION TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE. TOWED IT TO NEARBY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND DIAGNOSIS PROVED THAT IGNITION LOCK AND CYLINDER HAVE FAILED WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION OF WHAT COULD OF CAUSED IT. SEARCHED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OWNERS OF 2011 AND UP EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. CURRENTLY, MY VEHICLE HAS 76,000 MILES.
Air bags, Jun 21, 2016
THE CLOCK SPRING GOT DEBRIS IN IT, PUSHING THE RIBBON OFF THE GUIDE WIRES AND CAUSING A KINK. THIS CAUSES A FAULT IN THE AIRBAG CONTROLS AS THERE IS UNRELIABLE CONNECTIVITY WITH THE COMPUTER. THUS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN TURNS ITSELF OFF. VW VOLUNTARILY RECALLED 420,000 CARS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, INCLUDING SOME VEHICLES WITHIN OUR SAME YEAR AND MODEL. FROM VW'S RECALL NOTICE: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING COULD BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH LONG HAIR OR LONG FIBERS WHICH MAY CAUSE A DISPLACEMENT OF THE INTERNAL GUIDE LOOPS. WHEN THE GUIDE LOOPS ARE DRAGGED OUT OF POSITION, THEY MAY APPLY TENSION TO THE INTERNAL FLAT CABLE AND CAUSE IT TO TEAR. SHOULD THE CABLE TEAR, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIRBAG MAY BE LOST, CAUSING THE AIRBAG MONITORING INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. IN A CRASH THAT WARRANTS A DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY, LEADING TO A RISK OF DRIVER INJURY. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR VEHICLE, VERBATIM. OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE AFFECTED RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY A VW TECH THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE THE PART INCLUDES A COMPUTER MODULE FOR THE HIGHLINE DISPLAY. THIS CONTROLS ALL STEERING COLUMN-MOUNTED BUTTONS (RADIO, ETC), AND MUST BE MANUALLY REPROGRAMMED FOR EACH MODEL IT'S INSTALLED IN. THE PART COST INCREASES FROM $115 TO $375 AND THE LABOR FOR INSTALLATION INCREASES FROM $100 TO OVER $400. SO BY NOT REPLACING THE HIGHLINE MODULES, VW WILL SAVE SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS. MEANWHILE, PEOPLE ARE RIDING AROUND WITHOUT FUNCTIONING AIRBAGS BECAUSE VW CAN'T DESIGN A STEERING COLUMN THAT KEEPS LONG HAIR FROM GETTING TANGLED IN THEIR CLOCK SPRINGS. THE DESIGN FLAW ISN'T IN THE CLOCK SPRING ITSELF BUT IN THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY THAT CAN'T BLOCK DEBRIS FROM GETTING DOWN INTO THE CLOCK SPRINGS TO BEGIN WITH.
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2016
RADIO (INCLUDING BLUETOOTH) SUDDENLY WENT OUT AT 39K MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT RADIO FAILED.
Exterior lighting, May 27, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL TURNING SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUSE PANEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS MELTED WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,351.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2016
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE GLOW PLUG INDICATOR LIGHT STARTS FLASHING WITH A LOSE OF POWER. THE VEHICLE STALLS BUT LUCKILY WHILE EXITING FREEWAY. THE JETTA WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED HPFP FAILURE AND THE WHOLE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS NOT FIXED ($6000) AS IT WAS PAST THE WARRANTY BY 1000 MILES.
Air bags, Apr 28, 2016, crash
IN A ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS STOPPED AND HIT IN THE REAR AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. HEAVY FRONT AND REAR DMG AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, JUST SOME SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE
Power train, Apr 5, 2016
VEHICLE CLUTCH PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE WOULD STILL START BUT ONLY IN NEUTRAL. IF I WERE TO TRY AND START VEHICLE IN A GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH PRESSED IN THE CAR JUMPS FORWARD OR REVERSE. THIS COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO BE CRUSHED IF THEY WERE STANDING IN FRONT OR BEHIND WHEN VEHICLE IS BEING STARTED. ALSO IF THIS FAILURE WERE TO HAPPEN WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF GEAR AND COULD CAUSE AND ACCIDENT. LUCKILY MINE FAILED IN MY GARAGE OVER NIGHT. BROWSING AROUND ON THE INTERNET IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD FAILURES WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 90,000 MILES. CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS AIR GETTING INTO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM. THE SLAVE CYLINDER WAS BLEED AND IT WORKED FINE AGAIN. I ENDED UP REMOVING THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACING THE SLAVE AND MASTER CYLINDER SINCE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE BAD. NO VISIBLE FLUID COMING FROM EITHER PART THOUGH.
Electrical system, Apr 4, 2016
THE RADIO LOUD POPPING WENT DEAD . TURNS ON BY ITSELF SOMETIMES ABOUT 1 TIME EVERY 2 WEEKS OR SO. LOUD POPPING STATLED WHILE DRIVING.
Engine, Mar 28, 2016
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP BREAKDOWN LITTERED THE DIESEL INJECTION SYSTEM WITH METAL PARTICLES. AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING WERE DAMAGED, ACCORDING TO VOLKSWAGEN FUEL PUMP HAS METAL IN IT INTAKE FUEL PUMP HIGH PRESSURE PUMP AUXILLARY FUEL PUMP FUEL LINES 4 INJECTORS FUEL RAIL W/SENSORS THIS IS A $6,500 FIX AND THERE IS AN ASTRONOMICAL FAILURE RATE THAT IS GREATER THAN 1%. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE REVISITED.
Seat belts, Mar 25, 2016
MY 3 YEAR OLD SON'S SEATBELT LOCKED AROUND HIM WHEN HE THRUST HIMSELF FORWARD IN HIS CAR SEAT. I ATTEMPTED TO GET HIM OUT, BUT HE HAD APPARENTLY PUT THE TOP PORTION OF THE SEATBELT BEHIND HIS NECK. ANY ATTEMPT I MADE TO GET HIM OUT ONLY RESULTED IN THE SEATBELT TIGHTENING MORE AND MORE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I HAD TO CALL 911 AND MEDICS CAME TO CUT HIM OUT OF THE SEATBELT.