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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 20, 2013
HIGH PITCHED WHINE, SUDDEN STALL AT HWY SPEED. THE FUEL LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE NOW LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RUN AND REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS NOTIFIED IT WOULD BE A $5000+ REPAIR AND THE HPFP FAILED REQUIRING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM TO BE REPLACED. *TR
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
Tires, Sep 12, 2013
NOTICED LARGE CRACKS IN SIDEWALL OF HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A DOT 1GPR DY H 0711 205/55 R16 91H - 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 45,000 MILES. HAD TIRE REPLACED AT OWN EXPENSE. 9-12-2013 53,000 NOTICED 2 OTHER TIRES NOW WITH THE SAME LARGE CRACKS IN SIDEWALL. *TR
Power train, Sep 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2013
THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE INDICATING THAT A HEADLIGHT, SIDE LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND REAR LIGHT WERE OUT. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ALL LIGHTS WERE WORKING. THE INDICATER HOWEVER KEPT COMING ON. UPON TAKING INTO THE SHOP TO CHECK ON THE REPAIR I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE FUSE BOX IN THE VEHICLE WHICH GETS "HOT" AND SHORTS THE BOX OUT. VW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED TO WARRANT A RECALL. WHEN I ADVISED THAT THIS MAY RESULT IN A POSSIBLE FIRE OR SHORTING OUT OF THE SYSTEM - MAYBLE CAUSING A STALL I WAS TOLD "IT COULD HAPPEN.". THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED WHICH COST $785.27. FORTUNATELY, THIS BOX IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY OF THE REPAIR BECAUSE I AM HAVING THE PROBLEM AGAIN FOR A SECOND TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Aug 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND I TRIED TO HONK MY HORN BECAUSE A TRACTOR TRAILER WAS MERGING IN MY LANE. MY HORN WOULD NOT SOUND AND I HAD ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEN LATER THAT EVENING IT STARTED TO DRIZZLE AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT WORKING. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 28, 2013
OCCASIONALLY, THE REAR DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE WONT OPEN EVEN THOUGH I UNLOCK THE DOOR WITH REMOTE KEY. I HAVE FOUND IN THE VW CONSUMER FORUM THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY MY CAR'S ISSUE, BUT MANY VW JETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I ALWAYS SHOULD GET INSIDE FROM OTHER DOOR AND OPEN THE APPLICABLE FROM INSIDE. THIS IS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN SO IT IS BEING COMMON FOR ME TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR MY KID WHO USUALLY SITS IN THE BACK. IF THERE IS ANY ACCIDENT AND WHETHER POLICEMAN OR FIREMAN SHOULD OPEN THE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE, THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE SEVERE DELAY ON RESCUE THE PASSENGER WHO SITS IN THE BACK, USUALLY CHILDREN BECAUSE THE DOOR IS NOT BEING OPENED BY ANYHOW FROM OUTSIDE. I THINK VW SHOULD RECALL THIS PROBLEM. *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/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN UNUSUAL WIRE SYMBOL WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IN ADDITION TO A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. AFTER DRIVING 30 ADDITIONAL MILES, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, A DIFFERENT UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
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/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE COIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED AND THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND EXITED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED A FUEL LEAK ON THE GROUND AND ON THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER BUT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 12, 2013
2011 VOLKSWAGEN TDI JETTA. CAME TO A THREE WAY LIGHT, THE LIGHT CHANGED, I HIT THE GAS AND THE CAR DIED. I WAS IN THE TURN LANE AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESTART TO NO AVAIL. NO ENGINE CODES OR ERROR MESSAGES. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE FUEL FILTER. PARTS ARE BEING ORDERED AND THE FUEL SYSTEM IS BEING REPLACED. WAITING TO HEAR WHEN THE PARTS ARE IN AND THE WORK IS COMPETED. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 11, 2013
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER. THE GLOW PLUG COIL LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE CAR STALLED WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. TRIED TO MOVE IMMEDIATELY TO THE SHOULDER ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED. TURNED THE KEY OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. DROVE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP UNDER VERY REDUCED POWER. THE DEALER HAD JUST COMPLETED MY 40,000 SERVICE ONLY HOURS BEFORE. NOW BEING TOLD THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND ONE OF THE INJECTORS IS BAD. CLAIMING BAD FUEL BUT THAT IS NOT CORRECT. HAVE ONLY BURNED HIGH QUALITY DIESEL IN THE VEHICLE AND HAD ALL SERVICES DONE. APPEARS THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM ON THESE CARS AND IT'S AMAZING SOMEONE HAS NOT BEEN HURT. VW NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. THE ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IS $10K AND IT'S NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
Air bags, Jun 5, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT END AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO THE FOREHEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR A CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 07/02/13*LJ
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
Exterior lighting, May 13, 2013
VEHICLE HAS NO FUSE DIAGRAM AND LIGHTER FUSE REPEATEDLY BLOWS.UNABLE TO GET HELP ON LEASED VEHICLE WITHOUT PAYING FOR SERVICE. I UNFORTUNATELY CANNOT ACCESS SIMPLE FUSES WITHOUT HAVING A DIAGRAM. I WAS PUT IN HARMS WAY BY ACCIDENTALLY REMOVING BRAKE LIGHT FUSE. I AM NOT ABLE TO FIND A DIAGRAM ON THE INTERNET OR VW WEBSITE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2013
UPON ACCELERATION THE VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO STALL OR WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING SCENARIO, HOWEVER IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, AND WERE TOLD THAT THEIR MACHINE DOES NOT SHOW ANY DEFECTIVE PARTS. WHAT IS FRUSTRATING IS WHEN YOU WANT TO BLEND INTO TRAFFIC THE CAR MIGHT STALL, SO YOU HAVE TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN. I HAVE TO PUMP ON THE PEDAL TO GET THE CAR GOING AGAIN. I AM ALSO VERY WORRIED THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN WHEN MY WIFE IS DRIVING, ACTUALLY THIS DID HAPPEN WHEN MY WIFE WAS LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. SHE TURNED RIGHT BACK AND THE VEHICLE WAS PUT ON THE MACHINE AND AGAIN EVERYTHING WAS SUPPOSE TO BE FINE. I DID TELL THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT WAS VERY POSSIBLE THAT THE CAR WAS GOING BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IN PIECES. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 27, 2013
WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A CLICKING SOUND, SHORTLY AFTER MY STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP, AND THEN THE ENTIRE CAR STALLED. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. HAD CAR TOWED INTO THE VW DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME MY FUEL (DIESEL FOR JETTA TDI) WAS CONTAMINATED CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO BURST WHICH LEAD TO METAL SHARDS DESTROYING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. HOWEVER, I AM 100% POSITIVE, AND HAVE RECEIPTS FOR PROOF, THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN FILLED UP WITH DIESEL GAS ABOUT 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND WAS RUNNING COMPLETELY SMOOTHLY UP UNTIL THE SUDDEN BREAK DOWN. *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
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 24, 2013
THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE WE WERE STOPPED. I WAS TRYING TO GET MY 3 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE CAR WHEN THE DOOR WOULDN'T UNLOCK. BECAUSE WE HAVE CHILDREN, WE ALSO USE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS TO PREVENT THE DOOR FROM OPENING FROM THE INSIDE. THE LOCKS HARE REPEATEDLY FAILING TO EITHER LOCK OR UNLOCK. WHAT CONCERNS ME IS THAT THERE WOULD BE AN EMERGENCY SITUATION IN WHICH THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND MY CHILD (OR CHILDREN) WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THE VOLKSWAGEN DOORS. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ENGAGED, THIS BECOMES MUCH LESS OF AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, THESE LOCKS COULD LEAD TO A VERY UNFORTUNATE SITUATION WITH A SMALL CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT, UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Apr 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. *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
Tires, Wheels, Mar 29, 2013
ON A TRIP TO ST. CHARLES, MO ON 28 MAR 2013, AFTER WE PARKED, MY SON NOTICED SEVERE SIDEWALL BREAKS ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. HE SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE TIRE WAS ABOUT TO BLOW. I THOUGHT THAT HE WAS JOKING, BUT LOOKED ANY WAY. WOW. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH SEVERE CONDITION ON ANY TIRE, NOR HAD I EVER EVEN HEARD OF SUCH A CONDITION . THERE WERE NUMEROUS SHORT BREAKS AND LONG BREAKS INCHES LONG ALL AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE SIDEWALL. THE BREAKS WENT ALL THE WAY IN WITH METAL BELTS SHOWING. WE HAD JUST FINISHED DRIVING 200 MILES ON THE INTERSTATE TO GET TO ST CHARLES. I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW HOW WE MADE IT WITHOUT A BLOWOUT AND CRASH. I WENT IMMEDIATELY, AND SLOWLY, TO THE NEAREST TIRE DEALER AND PURCHASED TWO NEW TIRES. I ASKED THEM TO SAVE THE OTHER TIRE SO I MIGHT USE AS A POSSIBLE SPARE SINCE THE TIRES HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. THEY PUT THE "GOOD" TIRE IN THE TRUNK FOR ME. I LATER LOOKED AT THE "GOOD" TIRE AND FOUND THAT THE INSIDE SIDEWALL WAS EVEN WORSE THAN THE "BAD" TIRE! I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT THESE OE TIRES DIDN'T CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. THE OTHER OE TIRES LOOK OK BUT I WILL BE REPLACING QUICKLY. THESE TIRES ARE HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A TIRES. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2013
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH SEVERAL LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASHING AND IT APPEARS FROM RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE HPFP QUITS AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE MOTOR IS A DIESEL TDI. *TR