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 system, Gasoline, Oct 20, 2011
LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN ON A LARGE BUSY INTERSECTION. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE LIGHT RAIN TEMP IN THE 70'S. CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR SEVERAL MILES AT SLOWER SPEEDS (ABOUT 40 MPH). NOTICED A DASH WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO FLASHING, SOMETHING ABOUT A GLOW PLUG. ALL GAUGES LOOKED NORMAL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER NOTIFIED THE VW DEALER OF THE OF THE CONDITION THE CAR WAS TO GET THE 20,000 MILE SERVICE. SERVICE PERSON SAID HE WOULD CHECK IT OUT. CALLED NEXT DAY TO ASK IF I HAD USED BIO DIESEL FUEL. REPLIED I HAD NOT AND THE SAME FUEL IN THE TANK HAD BEEN UN USE WHEN THE POWER LOSS WAS NOTICED. CALLED NEXT DAY TO REPORT PARTS WERE ON ORDER.GOT CAR BACK ABOUT 5 WEEKS LATER AND CAR WORKS OK. SAID THEY FOUND PARTICLES OF METAL IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP AND A BUNCH OF OTHER FUEL SYSTEM PARTS ON WARRANTY. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 19, 2011
THE DIESEL FUEL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED CAUSING METAL PARTICLES TO CONTAMINATE THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 7, 2011
I PURCHASED A NEW VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2011, IT HAS 3700 MILES ON BOARD, DURING MY TRIP TO WORK (MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 35M/H) BEFORE THE INTERSECTION I TRIED TO BRAKE ON RED LIGHT, AND MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK, THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING, I PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL 3 TIMES TILL IT BEGAN WORKING AGAIN. I PASSED THE INTERSECTION LINE AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ANY CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND VERY FORTUNATELY MY SPEED WAS LOW. WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF I WERE ON HIGHWAY? THAT EVENT HAPPENED AFTER 3 DAYS I PASSED SERVICE CHECK AT DEALERSHIP. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS CHECKED. AFTER I WAS CALLED FOR TEST DRIVE AND THEY WERE CONVINCING ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE WITH THE CAR, COMPUTER REALLY SHOWED 0 PROBLEMS. I DID NOT WANT TO PICK UP MY CAR AND ASKED THEM TO TEST THE CAR TILL THE PROBLEM APPEARS AGAIN, BECAUSE I THINK THAT IS VERY MAJOR PROBLEM. IN THE END THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, AND THEY REALIZED THAT THE PROBLEM REALLY HAD PLACE. I WAS GIVEN A REPORT FROM VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE AND I SAW THAT THE CAUSE WAS: INTERNAL FAILURE AT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, SO THEY REPLACED: 1 MASTER CYLINDER, 2 BRAKE FLUID AND 1 GASKET WERE REPLACED. IT MEANS THAT CAR REALLY HAD A PROBLEM IN SPITE IT IS NEW. NOW I AM AFRAID THE SAME PROBLEM NOT TO OCCUR AGAIN. I AM TRYING TO REPLACE THE CAR, BUT VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT DO THAT, THEY TELL ME THAT THE CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW, WHEN I AM DRIVING THAT CAR, I ALWAYS TRY MY BRAKES, BEFORE INTERSECTION, ON HIGHWAYS AND EVERYWHERE. I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THAT CAR ANYMORE, I ALWAYS THINK THAT THE SAME PROBLEM MAY OCCUR AGAIN AND IT CAN CAUSE A REAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 3, 2011
2011 VW JETTA TDI BEGAN TO FEEL SLUGGISH AROUND 7,200 MILES. AT 8240 GOING 35 MPH CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START. TOLD ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 24, 2011
DRIVING DOWN ROAD WHEN GLOW PLUG LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. HPFP FAILURE. DEALER CLAIMS CONTAMINATED FUEL. I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR EVERY TANK FULL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 22, 2011
DURING SHORT DRIVE HOME, THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, THE CAR THEN WENT INTO LIMP MODE. WHEN I GOT HOME, 2 MILES LATER, THE CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT START. I HAULED THE CAR TO THE VW DEALER AND THEY SAID MY HPFP FAILED. VW IS GOING TO FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY, I PRODUCED THE LAST 4 FUEL FILL UPS SHOWING NO GAS HAD BEEN PUT IN THE CAR. THIS WAS A 2011 JETTA TDI, MANUFACTURE DATE UNKNOWN, BUT CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY. *TR
Power train, Sep 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFT GEARS FROM PARK INTO THE REVERSE POSITION AND IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESPONDED IN REVERSE. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,710.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 22, 2011
WHILE ENTERING FREEWAY HAVE TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR PEDDLE 1/4 TO 3/4 OF THE WAY DOWN BEFORE ACCELERATION BEGINS. FROM STOP AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC HAVE TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR 1/4 TO 3/4 OF THE WAY DOWN BEFORE ACCELERATION. ENTERING FREEWAY OR FAST STARTS, ACCELERATES THEN DIES OFF THEN GOES AGAIN. ON HILL STARTS IT SOMETIMES ROLLS BACK AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. THESE ARE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS AT VARYING DEGREES OF SEVERITY . *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 18, 2011
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAIL TO WORK. MANUAL ENTRY MUST BE GAINED TO VEHICLE AND DOORS OPENED ON ALL DOORS OTHER THAN DRIVERS BY PULLING ON INSIDE HANDLES. UNABLE TO ACCESS TRUNK WITHOUT GRABBING LONG HANLED STICK AND ACCESSING TRUNK EMERGENCY OPENING LATCH THROUGH BACK SEAT ARM REST TRUNK OPENING. WHILE INVESTIGATING FOR A POSSIBLE BLOW FUSE IT WAS NOTED THAT VW FAILS TO PROVIDE A FUSE MAP/DIAGRAM FOR THESE CARS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND ON THE BACK OF BOTH THE UNDERHOOD AND IN CAR FUSE PANELS. VW EXPLAINS THIS AWAY IN THE OWNERS MANUAL ON PAGE 324 AS A DECISION THEY MADE DUE TO THE " CONSTANT ONGOING DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAR" BEYOND THE ISSUE WITH THE LOCKS I BELIEVE THAT FAILING TO PROVIDE THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE FUSE MAPS COULD HAVE POETENTIAL RAMIFICATIONS AS AN OWNER MAY BE UNABLE TO SOLVE A SIMPLE TECHNICAL FAULT ON THEIR VEHICLE THUS HAZARDING THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. INSPECTION AND CHANGING OF FUSES IS OWNER LEVEL MAINTANENCE/TROUBLESHOOTING AND VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD BE MADE TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION TO OWNERS. IF YOU WEB SEARCH VW FUSE DIAGRAM OR MAP YOU WILL SEE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 15, 2011
ON 9/9/2011 WHILE DRIVING ON CA 91 FWY, I STARTED NOTICING ABNORMAL DROP IN THE FUEL TANK, BY MONITORING MY DASHBOARD, AT THE TIME I HAD HALF TANK OF FUEL. I STOPPED THE CAR ON A SAFE LOCATION, AND DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAKAGE UNDERNEATH THE TRUNK. THE FUEL WAS COMPLETELY DRAINED, AND I HAD TO CALL FOR VOLKSWAGEN ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN GARDEN GROVE, CA. THE DEALER INVESTIGATED IT THE PROBLEM, AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO PROBABLE ASSEMBLY LINE FAULT. THE DEALER ORDERED NEW PARTS, AND FIXED THE PROBLEM, UNFORTUNATELY, THE FUEL SMELL STILL EXIST, BUT I CAN'T SEE LEAKAGE. *KB
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 12, 2011
CRACK IN SUPPLY LINE TO #2 INJECTOR. FUEL SPRAY ALL OVER BACK OF ENGINE/ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO GROUND WHILE DRIVING, FUEL MIST/FILM ALL OVER BACK OF CAR. "ENGINE CONTROL FAILURE" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. STOPPED TO INVESTIGATE, NOTICED DIESEL SMELL, BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING ELSE (IT WAS DARK). RESTARTED, LIGHT NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. AFTER ABOUT 2 MILES, LIGHT CAME BACK ON ALONG WITH "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME, SO I CAME ON TO THE HOUSE. THERE I NOTICED A STRONGER DIESEL SMELL, THE FILM ON THE BACK OF THE CAR. GOT FLASHLIGHT AND NOTICED THE FUEL DRIPPING AND THE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CALLED VW 24 HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER ON THE NEXT MORNING, A SATURDAY. THEIR DIAGNOSIS (MONDAY) WAS CRACKED FUEL LINE. I ASKED WHICH CYLINDER/INJECTOR, SHE SAID #2. I ASKED THEM TO SAVE PARTS AND TO DOCUMENT AND INFORMED THEM THAT THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION. THE REPAIR SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY END OF DAY ON TUESDAY. PART HAD TO BE OVER-NIGHTED FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL HOSE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL HOSE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,015.
Seat belts, Sep 5, 2011
WE BOUGHT A NEW CAR ONE MONTH AGO. OUR TWO PRIORITIES WERE:SAFETY AND ENOUGH ROOM FOR OUR BABY. ONE DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO GO WITH MY BABY TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE. I CHECKED THE BASE OF THE CAR SEAT AND I NOTICED THAT IT WAS LOOSE. I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO PULL THE STRAPS (WE WERE USING THE "LATCH ON" SYSTEM) AND I TRIED TO USE THE SAFETY BELT (OF THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT). IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO LOCK UP THIS BELT BECAUSE IT DOES NOT WORK LIKE THE OTHERS. YOU PULL OUT THE BELT AND WILL NEVER BE LOCKED UP. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE THE FEELING THAT IT IS LOCKED BUT, AFTER A DOUBLE CHECK, IT IS NOT . THIS COULD BE A VERY SERIOUS RISK IF YOU PLACE YOUR BABY'S CAR SEAT OR A PERSON IS SETTING THERE. BECAUSE, IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT, THE BELT WILL NOT HOLD PROPERLY THE PERSON OR THE BABY'S CAR SEAT. IN BOTH CASES THE PERSON COULD BE EJECTED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Sep 4, 2011
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SEDAN DSG TDI 2011. VEHICLE AS MADE HAS A TWO SECOND HOLD FOR KEEPING THE CAR FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS ON INCLINES. HOWEVER THE CAR OWNERS MANUAL REQUIRES A SLOW ACCELERATION WHICH ALLOWS THE CAR TO ROLL BACKWARDS RISKING HITTING THE CAR OR PEDESTRIAN BEHIND YOU ESPECIALLY IN DRIVEWAYS WITH INCLINES ENDANGERING SMALL CHILDREN BECAUSE OF VISIBILITY. THE ONLY WAY TO OVERCOME THIS SAFETY DEFECT IS TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO HOLD VEHICLE UNTIL RPMS INCREASE ENOUGH TO ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELDS HAVE A BLUR, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD EXTENDS FROM THE BOTTOM TO APPROXIMATELY SIX INCHES UP THE GLASS AND THE REAR GLASS HAS DISTORTION THROUGHOUT. THIS CAUSES EYE STRAIN, WATERING, AND HEADACHE WHEN SUBJECTED TO FOR AN HOUR OR MORE OF TRAVEL AND IS ESPECIALLY BAD IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT CAUSING AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. DEALER ADMITTED DISTORTION BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR ALONG WITH MANUFACTURER. THE CAR STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FORWARD FROM A STOP RESULTING IN AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE VEHICLE WHEN TRYING TO CROSS LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE CAR WILL NOT REACH ITS MAXIMUM RPM AS INDICATED IT SHOULD DO BY OWNERS MANUAL FOR PASSING OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC RESULTING IN UNSAFE VEHICLE OPERATION IN MULTIPLE INSTANCES. THE DEALER ACTUALLY MADE THIS WORSE THEN WOULD NOT CORRECT. THE VEHICLE ALSO DOES NOT HAVE PARKING LIGHTS AS REQUIRED BY SOME STATE STATUES AND SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN THE USA. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 31, 2011
ENGINE POWER LOSS, UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE BEHAVIOR AND UNKNOWN ENGINE RPM RESPONSE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION 8/30 NEW CAR DEALER FUELED FULL TANK OF DIESEL 6PM: STOPLIGHT INTERSECTION PULL AWAY ON GRN LIGHT:: ENGINE RPM DROPS TO IDLE IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION <RESPONSE: DEPRESS ACCELERATOR NO CHANGE IN RPM MOMENTARILY THEN INSTANT ACCELERATION @ MODERATE-TO-HIGH RPM> UNCONTROLLED SITUATION AS TRAFFIC BEHIND DIDN'T HAVE ANY WARNING OF SLOW IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION, NO BRAKE LIGHTS, FORCED TRAFFIC BRAKING TO AVOID OVERRUNNING MY STALLING CAR. 7:40PM: IN-TOWN DRIVING:: DROPOUT OF RPM LOSS OF POWER MOMENTARILY <2000RPM <NO RESPONSE> NO CONSEQUENCE 8/31 7:55AM: RH TURN FROM LEVEL ROADWAY TO MODERATELY STEEP INCLINED SIDE STREET:: ENGINE RPM DROPPED COMPLETELY TO IDLE AND SUSTAINED LOSS OF POWER < RESPONSE: MAINTAINED ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION DURING DROP THEN DEPRESSED EXPECTING RPM RECOVERY CONTINUING TO WOT WHEN NO CHANGE IN RPM {BRAKE TO HOLD CAR ON INCLINE} RELEASE PEDAL AND STARTOVER> NO CONSEQUENCE 7:56AM: LH TURN INTO PARK:: NO THROTTLE RESPONSE RPM DROP FROM LOW RPM TO IDLE < RESPONSE: MAINTAINED ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION WATCHING FOR RPM POWER RECOVERY OR PICKUP IN RPM TO NO EFFECT {BRAKE TO STOP CAR FROM HITTING STRUCTURE IN FRONT OF PARKING PLACE} STARTOVER> DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCE WITH OBSTACLE IN FRONT OF CAR PARKING SPOT WITH 2 FT. REMAINING TO PULL CAR OUT OF TRAVELED ROADWAY AND INTO THE PARKED POSITION. I DID NOT LIKE THE LOSS OF ENGINE CONTROL UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE BEHAVIOR AND UNKNOWN ENGINE POWER RESPONSE TO DRIVER INPUT. FIRST INDICATION THAT THESE REPEATING ENGINE FAILS ARE NOT BENIGN. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 31, 2011
VEHICLE LOST POWER ABOVE 1000 RPM WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. AFTER COASTING TO A SAFE LOCATION, FOUND ENGINE COMPARTMENT SOAKED WITH FUEL. VEHICLE HAD LEFT A TRAIL OF FUEL BEHIND IT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER: FUEL LINE FROM THE COMMON RAIL TO INJECTOR #2 WAS REPLACED. *TR
Air bags, Aug 28, 2011
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE I CAME TO THE END OF SOME SCARIFIED PAVEMENT. WHEN I WENT ACROSS THE END OF THE SCARIFIED PAVEMENT, THE RIGHT SIDE AIRBAGS WENT OFF. THE DEALER INSPECTS UNDER THE CAR AND FINDS A SMALL SCRATCH ON THE TRAILING ARM MOUNT AND SAYS THE CAR WAS BOTTOMED. ONLY PROBLEM IS THE SCRATCH IS NOT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE MOUNT AND IS EVEN ABOVE THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE WHICH ROUTES BENEATH THE MOUNT. THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE OR SCRATCHES ON IT. ALSO, WHY WOULDN?T THE FRONT AIRBAGS GO OFF INSTEAD OF THE SIDE? IF THE CAR HAD BOTTOMED ON THE PAVEMENT OR ON THE LIP OF THE PAVEMENT WHERE THE SCARIFIED PAVEMENT ENDED, THE MARK ON THE TRAILING ARM MOUNT WOULD HAVE DAMAGE FROM THE INITIAL POINT OF CONTACT AND SCRAPE ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THE MOUNT UNTIL WHATEVER HIT IT HAD CLEARED UNDER THE MOUNT AND IT WOULD HAVE LOOKED A LOT WORSE. ANYWAY THE DEALER WANTS $4000 TO FIX THE AIRBAGS, NOT INCLUDING A NEW SEAT COVER SINCE THEY DON?T MANUFACTURE IT ANYMORE. IF YOU WANT A PICTURE OF THE IMPACT MARK LET ME KNOW. IT?S VERY MINISCULE. ALSO, AFTER THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THERE WERE NOT ANY TIRE, RIM, OR ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. IN COMPARISON, IN MY 1997 GOLF, MY SON HIT A BAD POTHOLE LAST SPRING THAT POPPED THE TIRE, BENT THE ALLOY RIM, AND WHACKED THE ALIGNMENT BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF. IF YOU NEED ANY OTHER INFORMATION FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. *TT
Steering, Aug 28, 2011
I KNOW THIS SOUNDS RIDICULOUS BUT I'VE DRIVEN ON MANY ROAD TRIPS AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED UNTIL THIS VEHICLE, AND IT'S PAINFUL. BUT HERE IT IS: LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL CAUSES CALLUSES AT A HIGHLY UNUSUAL RATE ON LONGER DRIVES. (I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE FOR 12 HOURS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITHOUT ISSUE. AFTER DRIVING ONLY THREE AND A HALF HOURS STEADILY, MY HANDS HURT ALL OVER.) IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE LEATHER ISN'T CAUSING THIS - THE STITCHING ON THE INSIDE IS FAR TOO RAISED UP ON THE INSIDE PART AROUND THE ENTIRE 'WHEEL' OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS ALSO RIGHT BEHIND THE LEFT AND RIGHT 'HANDLES' WHERE YOU CAN HOLD THE WHEEL, SO ANYWHERE YOU HOLD IT, YOU BASICALLY ARE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF IT'S NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL, DRIVERS MAY BE INCLINED TO HOLD THE WHEEL MORE LOOSELY OR HOLD THE WHEEL EVEN LESS/LET GO WHEN THEY BELIEVE IT IS "SAFE" ... WHICH MAY LEAD TO CRASHES, INJURY, OR DEATH, DUE TO DEVELOPING PAIN IN THE HANDS/FINGERS BECAUSE OF THE WAY THIS STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN DESIGNED. *TT
Tires, Wheels, Aug 25, 2011
EVENT LEADING TO FAILURE: SUNNY MID-DAY, DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I HEARD A SOUND AS IF MY TIRE HAD BURST, AND MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DID NOT CRASH. FAILURE AND DETAILS: ONCE I HALTED THE CAR, I INSPECTED MY PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT TIRE, AND THOUGH IT WAS FLAT, THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF RUPTURE OR PERFORATION. I PROCEEDED TO CHANGE IT, AND, HAVING REMOVED IT, I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE INNER LUMEN. THE CRACK WAS AN ARC OF APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES. ACTION TO CORRECT THE FAILURE: A SPARE TIRE WAS SET IN PLACE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. FURTHER DETAILS: DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE DAMAGE WAS USER INDUCED, BUT I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THERE WERE NO BUMPS, DEBRIS, NOR DID I CRASH. I FEAR THIS COULD HAPPEN TO OTHERS. I HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WAS ON, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NORMAL AND THAT THE SENSOR HAD TO BE REST. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 25, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI SPORTWAGON ON INTERSTATE 94 IN MICHIGAN I OBSERVED WHITE SMOKE COMING OFF MY VEHICLE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT. DUE TO THE HEAVY SMOKE AND DIESEL FUMES I PULLED THE VEHICLE TO SAFE LOCATION AND SOUGHT SERVICE. THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A HEAVY LEAK IN ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTION LINES ON TOP OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED WITH DIESEL FUEL FROM FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY VOLKSWAGEN. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 10, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WE STARTED TO SMELL DIESEL FUEL. WHEN WE STOPPED WE NOTICED FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE CAR. VOLKSWAGEN WAS CONTACTED TO COME TOW THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER. BEFORE THEY WOULD TOW THE CAR THEY REQUESTED THAT I HAVE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COME OUT AND CERTIFY THE CAR SAFE TO TOW. ONCE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM THEY STATED ONE OF MY O RINGS HAD WEEKEND CAUSING A #2 INJECTOR LINE LEAK. THEY REPLACED THE PART, CLEANED UP THE CAR AND RETURNED IT TO ME.
Power train, Aug 10, 2011
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS EXTREME HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM SLOW SPEED SUCH AS MERGING WITH TRAFFIC. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL AND FINDS NO FAULT WITH THE POWER TRAIN. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR WILL VITALLY STALL WITH ZERO FORWARD MOVEMENT, THEN IT WILL FINALLY ENGAGE AND LUNGE THE CAR FORWARD VERY ABRUPTLY. HAVE HAD THREE VERY CLOSE CALLS AND THIS WILL RESULT IN ACCIDENTS IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Wheels, Aug 9, 2011
TRAVELLING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ON INTERSTATE 95 MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON SIGNALING LOW TIRE PRESSURE. I IMMEDIATELY REDUCED SPEED AND MOVED OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE TO MONITOR ANY CHANGE IN PRESSURE OR CONTROL. THE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR APPROX. 3 MILES WITHOUT ANY SIGNAL OF LOW PRESSURE AT WHICH TIME THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHIN 30-40 FEET AFTER BLOWOUT. THE TIRE ITSELF WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE RIM AND WAS 100% TORN FROM AT THE BELT SEAM ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR. THE TIRE IN QUESTION WAS A CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT 225. VW WOULD NOT ADMIT DEFECT AFTER THEIR REVIEW ALTHOUGH MECHANICS AT MERCHANTS AND "OFF THE RECORD REVIEW" BY VW ADMITTED IT LOOKS LIKE A DEFECT. AT THE 10K SERVICE CHANGE AT VW, THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AND THE TIRES WERE APPROVED WITH SUFFICIENT TREAD NOTED.
Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 9, 2011
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM IS LEAKING FROM ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. THERE IS CURRENTLY AN INVESTIGATION GOING ON THAT WAS BROUGHT MY ATTENTION TO SEE IF I HAD THE PROBLEM. AND IT LOOKS AS IF I DO.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2011
OUR 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI DEVELOPED AN ENGINE OIL LEAK. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO LET US DRIVE IT DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ENGINE FIRE. PER THE SERVICE MANGER THE OIL LEAK WAS CAUSING AN ATOMIZATION OF THE ENGINE OIL THAT COULD HAVE REACHED HEATED PARTS OF THE ENGINE OR EXHAUST AND CAUSED AN OIL FIRE. *TR