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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP EXPLODED DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION AND AS A RESULT, THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 27, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON UNTIL YOU GO CRANK THE CAR. THE DEALER COMPLETED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND HE SAID EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT OK....THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND MY CONCERN WOULD BE WILL IT EVENTUALLY AFFECT THE BATTERY. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID ANOTHER MOTORIST, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR LINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Power train, Mar 5, 2013
DANGEROUS AND HARROWING CLUTCH/FLYWHEEL FAILURE (NEAR-NEW 2011 JETTA WITH 39,000 MILES) WITHOUT WARNING AT 55 MPH WHEN I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO DOWNSHIFT FROM 5TH GEAR WHILE BRAKING, STALLING MY CAR IN TRAFFIC AT SPEED. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR WAS TOWED TO VW DEALERSHIP THAT TODAY TELLS ME THE FLYWHEEL AND CLUTCH WERE DAMAGED WITH REPAIRS ESTIMATED AT $2,500. AN INVESTIGATION OF THE NTSB SITE SHOWS THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED WITH OTHER 2011 JETTA OWNERS. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET GENERALLY TURNED UP HUNDREDS OF IDENTICAL OR NEAR-IDENTICAL REPORTS OF CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL FAILURES FOR 2006 TO 2013 JETTAS. MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSES HAVE BEEN, ACCORDING TO JETTA OWNERS, VARIED, WITH SOME PEOPLE REPORTING FREE REPAIRS AND OTHER REPORTING LARGE OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS. INTERESTINGLY, CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL FAILURES ARE, ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH (AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO CARES TO LOOK FOR IT ONLINE) BEING COVERED BY TECHNICAL BULLETINS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION BUT NOT IN THE UNITED STATES. MY CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND MAINTAINED PER MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, WITH DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD THE CAR TOWED FOR REPAIRS ACKNOWLEDGING VERBALLY THAT THESE COMPONENTS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER. A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ISSUED BY VW IS PAYING FOR SOME FLYWHEEL PARTS UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES BUT NOT FOR ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE CLUTCH THAT OFTEN OCCURS, PER THE DEALERSHIP, WHEN THE FLYWHEEL FAILS. LABOR COSTS ARE NOT COVERED, AND THEY ARE ESTIMABLE. *TR
Visibility, Mar 4, 2013
WE WERE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 93 APPROX 5 MILES SOUTH OF EXIT 11 IN HOOKSETT, NH NORTHBOUND. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE LIKE A GUNSHOT. I SWERVED INTO THE LEFT LANE AND BY THE TIME I GOT THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL MY WIFE AND I WERE COVERED IN GLASS AND OUR EARS WERE RINGING. WE LOOKED UP AND THE SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED OUT/UPWARDS FROM THE BEST WE COULD TELL. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE CAR WAS DRY AND IT WAS CLEAR OUT. THERE WAS NO ICE OR SNOW ON THE ROOF. THE WINDOWS WERE ALL CLOSED AND THE SUN SHADE WAS OPEN. THE HEAT WAS NOT ON IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS ROUGHLY 40 DEGREES F OUTSIDE. WE IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT (11) AND PULLED INTO A PARK AND RIDE LOT TO INSPECT DAMAGE. AS EXPECTED THE WINDOW BROKE OUTWARDS, WITH APPROX 33% OF THE GLASS MISSING IN A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE, THE REST SHATTERED AND FALLING OFF IF YOU TOUCHED IT. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2013, fire
WHILE DRIVING TO AN EARLY MORNING APPOINTMENT, I NOTICE A BURNING SMELL WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF STARTING THE CAR. I SOON SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF THE DASHBOARD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. AT THAT POINT I SAW A FLAME APPEARING AT THE FRONT END OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE ROCKER PANEL. PLASTIC AT THE BASE OF THE ROCKER PANEL HAD MELTED AND I COULD SEE ELECTRICAL WIRES. I TRIED TO STAMP OUT THE FIRE, BUT IT WAS GROWING RAPIDLY AND I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITHIN SECONDS, THE FLAMES WERE SEVERAL FEET HIGH. I CLOSED THE DOOR AND CALLED 911. THE FLAMES EVENTUALLY EXTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN THE CLOSED CABIN. THE FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED AND OPENED THE DRIVERS DOOR. MOST OF THE DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, AND THE HEADLINER WERE MELTED. THERE WAS A LOT OF EXPOSED BARE WIRE VISIBLE. THE TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME WAS 34 DEGREES F, AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TRIP OF THE DAY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS TURNED ON HIGH, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON, AND THE RADIO WAS ON. NO OTHER OPERATOR CONTROLLED ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE ON. THERE HAD BEEN NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL INCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR, NOR WERE THERE ANY AFTERMARKET ELECTRICAL ITEMS INSTALLED ON THE CAR. THE WEATHER WAS DRY. THIS JETTA IS A TDI MODEL (DIESEL). *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
Tires, Jan 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A TIRES, LINE SIZE 205/55R/16H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A TIRE ROTATION PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT A LOCAL TIRE SHOP, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED HIM THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE SINCE THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
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
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2012
STARTING THE END OF OCTOBER, 2012 MY HORN STARTED WORKING ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD PEOPLE PULLING INTO MY LANE WITHOUT LOOKING, AND I TRIED TO HONK TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS THERE, YET THE HORN WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO BRAKE HARD, OR SWERVE ABRUPTLY TO AVOID BEING HIT. IT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN I AM LOCKING THE CAR WITH THE ALARM ALSO. THIS IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUSE PROBLEM THE CARS WERE RECALLED FOR EARLIER. THE HORN WOULD QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER IF THE FUSE WENT BAD. SOMETIMES THE HORN WORKS, AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I HAVE LOGGED ONTO SEVERAL ON-LINE FORUMS FOR VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS, SUCH AS WWW.TDI.CLUB AND NOTICED THAT OTHERS WITH THE SAME CAR ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO VOLKSWAGEN TO HAVE IT FIXED, AND THEY SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE HORN HAPPENED TO BE WORKING THAT MORNING. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE PART(S) PROBLEM IF MANY ARE EXPERIENCING THE ISSUE. IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE LOSS OF THE HORN AT THE WRONG TIME HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE SOME ACCIDENTS. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Power train, Nov 30, 2012
ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE IN OUR 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI DIESEL FROM OUR VACATION PROPERTY IN SALYER, CALIFORNIA (TRINITY COUNTY) TO OUR HOME IN ARCATA, CALIFORNIA (HUMBOLDT COUNTY), A DISTANCE OF 45 MILES ALONG ROUTE 299. 299 IS A TWO LANE HIGHWAY THAT HAS OCCASIONAL PASSING LANES AND HAS A POSTED SPEED OF 55 MPH. APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES INTO THE TRIP, I ATTEMPTED TO PASS A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE BY MEANS ONE OF THESE PASSING LANES. AS I PULLED INTO THE PASSING LANE, THE JETTA ACCELERATED SMOOTHLY FROM 45 MPH TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, WHEN IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO DECELERATE RAPIDLY, EVENTUALLY DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS ROARING AT A VERY HIGH LEVEL OF RPM?S AS THIS DECELERATION OCCURRED. THIS EVENT CREATED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION: THE PASSING LANE IS OF LIMITED LENGTH AND THE PASSING MANEUVER NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE IT ENDED BECAUSE THERE WAS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE JETTA WAS A PICKUP TRUCK THAT HAD ALSO PULLED INTO THE PASSING LANE. AS THE DECELERATION OCCURRED, THE PICKUP TRUCK CAME WITHIN INCHES OF COLLIDING WITH THE REAR OF THE JETTA. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO SAFETY AT THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THEREAFTER THE CAR COULD ONLY BE DRIVEN IN 1ST GEAR AND AT ONLY AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICAN AND THEY MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO TOW THE JETTA TO THE NEAREST DEALER, REDDING VOLKSWAGEN, LOCATED IN REDDING CALIFORNIA. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME AN EVENT LIKE THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED THE JETTA ON JULY 10, 2011. IN APRIL 2012, AS I PULLED ONTO THE MAIN STREET IN SUSANVILLE CALIFORNIA AND BEGAN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP TO APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE JETTA SUDDENLY AND RAPIDLY DECELERATED. ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE RAPID DECELERATION OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC; THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL PUMP FILTER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL USED CONTAMINATED THE FUEL PUMP FILTER WITH DIBRIS. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED; THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,200.
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2012
JETTA TDI HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP & FUEL LINE BLOW-OUT; STALLING OF ENGINE. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 26, 2012
PALISADES VW IN NY STRIPED MY CAR OF ALL ORIGINAL PART AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE CAR COMES WITH OLD WINTER TIRES. I HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS WITH THEM AND THEY LAUGHED IN MY FACE AND TOLD ME TO GO AND TALK TO THE PEOPLE THAT SOLD ME CAR. MY NEPHEW CHANGED MY TIRE HE SAID THAT I STILL AM GOING TO NEED A NEW ONE BECAUSE HE THOUGHT I A DONUT BUT I TOLD HIM I HAVE A FULL TIRE THAT IT WAS NOT A DONUT AND WHEN HE WAS DONE HE TOLD IT WASN'T. IT WAS A FULL TIRE BUT AGAIN I FIGURED MAYBE I WAS DID NOT PAY ATTENTION OR I REALLY DID NOT SEE A FULL TIRE. WHEN I GOT A FLAT ON OCTOBER 7TH I DID NOT WANT TO BRING MY CAR BACK TO PALISADE VW BECAUSE THEY DID NOT DO A GOOD JOB SO I WENT BACK TO WHERE I GOT MY CAR AND THEY CALLED AND ASKED IF I HAD MY TIRES CHANGED BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE NOT THE ONE THE CAR CAME WITH. I HAVE NEVER CHANGED MY TIRES AND I DID NOTICE THAT THEY WHERE DIFFERENT FROM WHEN I GOT THE CAR. NOT ONLY THAT BUT PALISADE MECHANIC STOLE MY GAS HAD A FULL TANK BOTH TIMES AND I GOT MY CAR BACK WITH LESS THEN A1/4. PLEASE PLEASE I AM BEGGING FOR HELP I AM A WAITRESS I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THIS I CAN'T EVEN AFFORD TO GET APT PLEASE HELP ME I AM BEGGING YOU. I NEED THIS CAR TO BE SAFE BECAUSE I LIVE WITH MY NIECE AND I BABY SIT HER KID IN EXCHANGE FOR ROOM AND BOARD. THESE PEOPLE SAW THE CAR SEAT AND DID NOT CARE IF I CRASHED MY CAR AND KILLED THE BABY OR ANY ONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER. AGAIN I AM BEGGING FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Structure, Oct 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR IT WOULD NOT LATCH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DOOR HAD TO BE TIED SO THAT IT WOULD NOT OPEN DURING OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,800. RETURNED BY USPS. 2ND ATTEMPT ON 1/14/2013 FIALED. *KB
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2012
NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE FOR LEAKY FUEL LINES BY MY LOCAL DEALER. MY CAR DEVELOPED A LEAK AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH AS IT SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.I AM FURIOUS AS I NOW ALSO LEARNED THERE IS FUEL PUMP FAILURES BEING INVESTIGATED BY YOUR ORGANIZATION AND THE DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO REPLACE IT RIGHT NOW WHILE THEY ARE DOING THE FUEL LINES? THIS CAR IS 14 MONTHS OLD THERE IS NO REASON WHY THIS SHOULDN'T ALL BE REPLACED AND WARRANTIED FOR MUCH LONGER I DON'T BELIEVE THESE CARS ARE SAFE OR DEPENDABLE TO DRIVE AND IT'S BRAND NEW! I THINK VW HAS DONE A HORRIBLE JOB AND I DON'T WANT TO EVER BUY A VW AGAIN. *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
Tires, Oct 15, 2012
I HAVE A 2011 VW JETTA WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO TIRES AND NOTICED TODAY AFTER FILLING UP THE TIRES WITH AIR THAT THE SIDEWALLS ON THE TIRES WERE COMING APART. *TR
Engine, Oct 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE EXHAUST TIP WAS EXTENDED BEYOND THE ORIGINAL LENGTH OF THE FACTORY-INSTALLED EXHAUST PIPES. AS A RESULT, THE EXHAUST PIPES BURNED A CHILD'S LEGS ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON ONE OCCASION BUT THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11E036000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM) AND CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE EXHAUST PIPE BY CAPPING THE TIPS OF THE PIPES PER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
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/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2012
A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE ENGINE BEGAN PERFORMING POORLY AT 75MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. SLOWING TO EXIT ABOUT A MILE FURTHER, THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY STALLED AND QUIT ON THE OFF RAMP. THE REPAIR REPORT INDICATED THAT IT WAS AN INTERNAL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. IT CAUSED METAL PIECES TO SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE TOTAL FOR PARTS ONLY WAS $4445. PROBLEM IS BEING BLAMED ON FUEL QUALITY IN THE US. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2012
MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC IN NEW ORLEANS (CENTER LANE) WHEN GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND NO POWER TO CHANGE LANES. AT THIS TIME, TRYING NOT TO GET RUN OVER, I MANAGED TO GET OVER AND COAST TO AN OFF RAMP INTO THE LOWER 9TH WARD(SCARY). CAR WAS DEAD AND WOULD NOT START. BROUGHT TO A DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE 1 WEEK BEFORE IT COULD BE LOOKED AT IT. NOT KNOWING IF IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY NO RENTAL WAS GIVEN AND HAD TO BE PICKED UP BY WIFE, 100 MILES AWAY. ONE WEEK LATER WAS NOTIFIED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED AND EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE COST FOR $109 BUCKS. IT'S AMAZING HOW I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND A MAJOR PART GOES OUT AND I GOT NO RENTAL AND IT'S GOING TO COST ME MONEY. VW DOESN'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.END RESULT FROM OWNING A VW TDI, GETTING RUN OVER AT 5 A.M IN THE MORNING, BEING STRANDED IN THE LOWER NINTH WARD OF NEW ORLEANS FOR 3 HOURS SCARED TO GET OUT OF CAR, RIDE WITH WRECKER FOR 1 HOUR TO DEALERSHIP, NO RENTAL CAR TO GET BACK TO WORK, WAIT FOR 1.5 HOURS FOR FAMILY MEMBER TO COME GET ME, WAIT FOR 1 WEEK TO BE TOLD THE REPAIR COST WOULD BE @7K AND A REMANUFACTURED PART WOULD BE PUT BACK, COST OF $109 FOR WARRANTY, ANOTHER WEEKS WAIT FOR REPAIR AND BEST OFF BEING STUCK WITH A CAR THAT HAS NO TRADE IN AFTER ANYONE CHECKS CARFAX. WHILE BEING STRANDED AND CHECKING INTERNET FIND OUT VW IS HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THIS AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH A RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2012
THE CAR TURNED OVER AND THEN TURNED ITSELF OFF. THE IMMOBILIZER ACTIVATED AND THE CAR REFUSED TO START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT WAS DONE TO FIX IT. THE YESTERDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2012, WE WERE 5 MILES FROM THE HOUSE AT A PARK AND THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME, BECAUSE WE WERE WITHOUT A PHONE, WE WALKED HOME AND GOT IT TOWED. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO BODILY INJURIES, THIS IS AS MUCH A SAFETY ISSUE AS ANYTHING ELSE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT NIGHT DURING TRAFFIC HOURS WHEN MY ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I WAS DOING 50MPH WHEN MY ENGINE SHUT OFF. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND TRAFFIC WAS FLYING BY ME ON BOTH SIDES OF MY CAR SO I WAS AFRAID TO GET OUT THE VEHICLE. LUCKY FOR ME A TOW TRUCK SEEN ME IN DISTRESS AND HELPED GET ME AND MY CAR OFF THE EXPRESSWAY. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP DISINTEGRATED AND SENT METAL SHARDS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. VW TRIED TO ACCUSE ME OF PUTTING REGULAR GAS IN A LOW DIESEL FUEL ENGINE. BUT I HAD MY RECEIPTS FOR PROOF. VW NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. SINCE A VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF DURING TRAFFIC HOURS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE TOW TRUCK HADN'T SEEN ME WHEN HE DID THE RESULTS MIGHT HAVE BEEN FATAL. *TR