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, Electrical system, Nov 28, 2014
TRANSMISSION KICKED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE CRUISING ON HIGHWAY. HAD TO PULL OVER AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND RESTART THE CAR BEFORE IT WOULD ALLOW ME TO SHIFT BACK INTO DRIVE. THE FAULT RECURRED A FEW MILES LATER AND HAS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN. THE CAR IS NOW TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
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
Equipment, Nov 18, 2014
2011 JETTA SPORTWAGEN TDI: STOCK ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (RCD 510) WENT DEAD. HEARD A LOUD POP, TOUCH SCREEN WENT BLACK, AND ALL FUNCTIONALITY WAS LOT. I CONSIDER THIS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM ALSO INCLUDES THE HANDS FREE PHONE INTEGRATION. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN THE SPORTWAGEN COMMUNITY (SEE THE FOLLOWING THREAD HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T36009_DS552583?SNTEMLID=181117531#MSG390217) YET VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND ACKNOWLEDGE A FAULTY PART. IN ESSENCE, VOLKSWAGEN IS KNOWINGLY PUTTING THEIR CUSTOMERS AT RISK BY SELLING CARS WITH A FAULTY ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDES THE HANDS FREE PHONE INTEGRATION. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V196000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING FOR THE HORN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Tires, Nov 13, 2014
EXTREME CRACKING OF TIRE SIDEWALL, ADJACENT TO THE BEAD AREA OF HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A. SIZE: 205/55R16 91H. DOT 1 GRP DY H 0211 THIS TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A NEW 2011 VW JETTA SPORTWAGON TDI. IT HAD NEVER BEEN TAKEN OFF THE RIM AND WAS USED DURING NON-WINTER MONTHS ONLY, WITH APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES OF USE. THE DEFECT IS ON THE INNER SIDEWALL AND WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THE WINTER WHEELS/TIRES WERE BEING PUT ON THE CAR. IT IS FORTUNATE THAT THIS EXTREME CRACKING DID NOT CAUSE A HIGH SPEED CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT. *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
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2014
THE HORN ONLY WORKS SPORADICALLY, NOT SURE WHEN IT WILL OR WILL NOT FUNCTION. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 22, 2014
TURNED MY VEHICLE ON AND HEARD THE RADIO POP AND HAS BEEN USELESS EVER SINCE. THE RADIO IN THIS VEHICLE CONTROLS EVERYTHING. I HAVE TALKED TO VWOA AND SEVERAL OTHER VW REPAIR SHOPS AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND I MUST PAY FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR MYSELF. I AM VERY DISPLEASED WITH THE QUALITY OF PARTS AND SERVICE IN THIS VEHICLE. ALSO THE WAY EVERYONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT LIES ABOUT IT REALLY GETS ON MY NERVES. ITS NOT RIGHT THAT A MULTI BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY CAN CONTINUE TO DO THIS TO PEOPLE LEGALLY. I HOPE THAT THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE AT YOUR ORGANIZATION THAT CAN MAKE THIS RIGHT. I HAVE FOUND SO MANY DIFFERENT WEBSITES, BLOGS , FORUMS. AND DISAPPOINTED PEOPLE THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE INCLUDED JUST A FEW OF THE ONES I HAVE FOUND WITH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN. HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2010/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T36009_DS552583 HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/VW_JETTA.HTML HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/REVIEWS/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/R51763/COMMENTS/PAGE-23/ HTTP://FORUMS.EDMUNDS.COM/DISCUSSION/6721/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/VW-JETTA-ELECTRICAL-PROBLEMS/P9 HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/2011/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/RADIO_STOPPED_WORKING.SHTML HTTP://WWW.MOTORTREND.COM/CARS/2011/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/RECALLS/ HTTP://FORUMS.FOURTITUDE.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5801721-RCD-510-JUST-STOPPED-WORKING HTTP://WWW.TRUEDELTA.COM/VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA/PROBLEMS-280 HTTP://JETTAJUNKIE.COM/VW-JETTA/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?45226-HELP-RADIO-AND-CIG-OUTLETS-STOPPED-WORKING-2011-TDI HTTP://VOLKSWAGENOWNERSCLUB.COM/VW/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/23920-2009-JETTA-SW-PROBLEMS-IN-RADIO-CIRCUIT-%28FUSE-8%29. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2014
MY EXTERNAL LIGHT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WENT ON. I STOPPED AND SAW THAT THE LEFT RUNNING LIGHT AND THE RIGHT LOW BEAM LIGHT WERE OUT. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON 2 HOURS LATER THE INDICATOR WAS OFF AND ALL THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. TODAY I GOT THE WARNING AGAIN AND IT CYCLED THROUGH TO SHOW MULTIPLE EXTERNAL LIGHTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT. IT APPEARS THIS IS THE MELTED FUSE BOX ISSUE. I SEE THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON SOME VWS. IS THE 2011 JETTA TDI RECALLED FOR THIS? *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
Air bags, Sep 30, 2014
THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 22 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER FOR COLLEGE. 02/05/13, 9332 MILES, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LAMP CAME ON, DEALER REPLACED PASSENGER "SIDE" AIRBAG, CONNECTORS AND WIRES REPAIRED. 06/03/14, 17,960 MILES, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LAMP CAME ON, DEALER CLEARED FAILURE CODE. 06/24/14, 18,520 MILES, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LAMP CAME ON, DEALER REPLACED PASSENGER "FRONT" AIRBAG. 08/12/14, 19,785 MILES, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LAMP CAME ON, DEALER REPLACED PASSENGER "FRONT" AIRBAG AND REPAIRED/MODIFIED WIRING HARNESS. 09/03/14, 20,750 MILES, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LAMP CAME ON, DEALER RAN NEW WIRES FOR T5 CONNECTOR. 09/26/14, 21,870 MILES, AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LAMP CAME ON, PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NET. CONSIDERING REPLACING THIS VEHICLE AS I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS SAFE FOR MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE DUE TO FAULTY ENGINEERING OF THE AIRBAG CONTROL SYSTEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2014
THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT STAY UP WHEN AUTOMATICALLY ROLLED UP FROM WINDOW BUTTON OR FROM LOCKING CAR USING KEY IN DRIVER SIDE DOOR.
Power train, Sep 26, 2014
THIS 2011 VW SPORTWAGEN TDI (DIESEL)WOULD EASILY STALL IN FIRST GEAR. SINCE THE FIRST TEST DRIVE WE WERE TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP, THIS MANUAL TRANSMISSION TAKES GETTING USED TO. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO OWNS A 2011 GOLF TDI WITH A SIMILAR ISSUE. HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH I BECAME MORE ACCUSTOMED TO DRIVING IT, I WOULD STILL STALL IN FIRST GEAR...SOMETIMES IN INTERSECTIONS. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR, DURING SEVERAL SERVICE VISITS AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST THE WAY THESE CARS ARE. EVERY TIME A SERVICE ADVISOR WOULD TEST DRIVE MY CAR THEY'D STALL IT. THEY NEVER LOOKED INTO IT. AT 89,000 THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THIS POINT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WENT TO AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (THAT I TRUSTED)AND ASKED HIM TO NOT ONLY REPLACE THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL, BUT THE CLUTCH PLATE AND THROW OUT BEARING AS WELL. HE SAID THE CLUTCH PLATE AND THROW OUT BEARING LOOKED FINE. I SAID SINCE WE HAVE THIS APART I DON'T WANT TO TAKE ANY CHANCES. SINCE REPLACING THE PARTS WITH ORIGINAL VW PARTS IT DRIVES LIKE A NORMAL MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR SHOULD...I NO LONGER STALL THIS CAR IN 1ST GEAR. ONE CAN CHECK ON LINE AND SEE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. BESIDES THE EXPENSE IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS. I'M SURPRISED THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. ON SEPTEMBER 19TH I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT FLYNN VW, AND ASKED HIS ADVICE ABOUT DEALING WITH VW AND HE REITERATED THAT THE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS ON THE DIESELS (TDI) WERE LIKE THAT. HE STATED HE STILL STALLS WHEN DRIVING THE DIESEL VWS. HOWEVER HE SAID THE GAS ENGINES DIDN'T SEEM TO STALL LIKE THE DIESELS. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2014
DRIVING ON I-5 SOUTHBOUND IN OUR 2011 VW JETTA TDI; MY CAR DROPPED HORSE POWER AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. THE CAR DID NOT SHUT OFF, BUT THE HORSE POWER WAS CUT SIGNIFICANTLY. WE STOPPED AT THE NEXT INTERCHANGE 6 MILES AWAY AND CALLED VW. THEY SAID IT SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT MONDAY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. IT RESTARTED AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT WAS NOT ON. CAR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY ON THE DRIVE HOME (35 MILES). I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY AND THEY RAN SOME TESTS. THE HPFP ON THE ENGINE WAS OUT. IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE. IT IS COVERED BY MY 60 POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. BUT MY CAR ONLY HAS 34,000 MILES. IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE ARE QUITE A FEW ISSUES ON THIS TYPE OF TDI WITH THE HPFP. IS THIS SOMETHING THE NTSB WILL BE INVESTIGATING? *TR
Structure, Sep 23, 2014
MY CLEAR COAT BEGAN PEELING LAST YEAR, I MADE THE MISTAKE OF WAITING TO DISCUSS IT WITH VOLKSWAGEN UNTIL THIS YEAR, NOW THEY ARE SAYING MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED WHICH WE HAD BOUGHT THE 6 YEAR PLAN AND THAT THE CLEAR COAT IS NOT THEIR ISSUE ANYMORE PLUS A SPOT ON MY REAR FENDER IS DARKENING EVERY TIME I WASH MY CAR. I'VE SPOKEN WITH 4 SEPARATE BODY SHOPS AND ALL OF THEM HAVE SAID THAT BOTH ISSUES ARE IN FACT A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND THAT I NEED TO GO BACK AND KEEP TRYING TO GET THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAULT. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH WILL BRING UP SEVERAL VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND SAME YEAR MODEL, I'VE FOUND ONLY ONE THAT WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING THEIR CAR FIXED. I HOPE THAT MY STORY HELPS OTHERS, BECAUSE THEY ARE BASICALLY JUST IGNORING IT WITH ME. *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
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2014
VERY MUSTY SMELL IN VEHICLE WHEN THE A/C IS RUNNING.
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2014
REAR TRUNK LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 21, 2014
THE LATCH ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAS BECOME LOOSE. AS I WAS DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS, I NOTICED THE DOOR WOULD RATTLE HARD. I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND NOTICED THE LATCH ATTACHED TO THE CAR WAS LOOSE. I TIGHTENED UP THE SCREWS AND THE DOOR WAS ABLE TO CLOSE TIGHTLY AGAIN. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN. I TIGHTEN THE SCREWS, BUT THIS TIME, THE DOOR CANNOT CLOSE FULLY. THIS IS WORRISOME, BECAUSE WHAT IF THE DOOR SWINGS OPEN AS I AM DRIVING? THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN! *TR
Wheels, Sep 17, 2014
DRIVING ON FREEWAY. TPMS LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CHECKED, ALL THREE TIRES WHICH WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (HANKOOK OPTIMO) HAD FAILED INSIDE SIDEWALLS. THESE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE, THERE HAD BEEN A HANKOOK TIRE RECALL IN 2010 AND VOLKSWAGON DID NOT ADVISE MYSELF OR OTHER CUSTOMERS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF THESE TIRES WHICH A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH WOULD REVEAL HAS RESULTED IN NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS AND POTENTIAL ENDANGERMENT OF BOTH THEIR CUSTOMERS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS. FOR THE SAKE OF MY FELLOW VW OWNERS, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET THROUGH TO VW THAT THEIR SILENCE ON THIS MATTER IS DANGEROUS. *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
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN THE RADIO MADE A POPPING NOISE. NOW IT NO LONGER WORKS AND I'VE LOST ALL ABILITIES TO USE MY HANDSFREE DIAL OR ANSWER FEATURES ON MY PHONE. RADIO NOW HAS A BLACK SCREEN AND WILL NOT POWER ON. THE LOSS OF HANDSFREE PHONE THROUGH MY RADIO IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND HAVING IT WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WHEN I MADE THE PURCHASE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2014
DRIVING THE CAR AT FREEWAY SPEEDS PRIOR TO TAKING THE EXIT. WHEN WE TOOK THE EXIT, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 1000 RPM. THE VEHICLE WAS LIMPED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRS. THE VW IS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI ENGINE AND I HAVE READ MULTIPLE OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUES OCCURRING INVOLVING THE HPFP FAILING. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2014
MY THREE YEAR OLD, BOUGHT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP JETTA, AND AFTER PARKING OVERNIGHT I GOT IN MY CAR TO DRIVE TO WORK AND MY HANDSFREE BLUETOOTH, SATELLITE, RADIO UNIT WOULD NOT TURN ON. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AND DRIVING HAZARD CONSIDERING I AM ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY AND RECEIVE CALLS IN MY VEHICLE WHICH IS THE REASON WHY I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH THE INTEGRATED BLUETOOTH. AFTER CHECKING ALL THE FUSES I DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALREADY STARTED DUE TO THE INORDINATE AMOUNT OF CLAIMS BEING FILED. I THEN BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE UNIT AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I THEN CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WHERE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THEY THERE WAS A KNOW SHORT IN THOSE UNITS BUT DUE TO THE MILES ON MY VEHICLE NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE UNIT IS 3 YEARS OLD AND WITH THE KNOWN ELECTRICAL DEFECTS, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *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