2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 526 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 24 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 17 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
Representative owner complaints: engine
95 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Feb 10, 2014
MY JETTA DIESEL ENGINE WAS HYDRO-LOCKED DUE TO WATER BEING PULLED INTO THE ENGINE FROM THE INTERCOOLER. VOLKSWAGEN HAS A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) PUBLISHED FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM (FROZEN INTERCOOLER) - YET IS ONLY IMPLEMENTING OR OFFERING THIS TSB TO CUSTOMERS ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS. IN MANY CASES - THIS IS WAY TOO LATE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AT VOLKSWAGEN -- AND BY NOT OFFERING THIS TSB TO ALL VW CUSTOMERS -- CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE CAN OCCUR - IF THE RIGHT WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE MET. FOR MY VEHICLE, WHEN STARTING UP MY CAR - AT THE END OF THE DAY, TO LEAVE AND RETURN HOME --> WHEN STARTING THE CAR - IT ACTED AS IF THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. AT THIS POINT, WATER WAS INGESTED INTO THE 3RD CYLINDER, THE PISTON ROD OF THE 3RD CYLINDER WAS BENT, AND ENGINE DAMAGE WAS DONE. VW SHOULD NOT BE OFFERING THIS TSB TO ALL TDI (TURBO DIESEL ENGINE) OWNERS WHO COULD BE AFFECTED BY THE TSB. CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE BY NEGLECTING TO PERFORM A KNOWN TSB IS CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THE ROADS. *TR
Engine, Oct 20, 2013
CAR STALLS. IT IS A 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. TDI. CONTINUALLY STALLS. HAVE ALSO HAD 2 INSTANCES OF BRAKE GOING TO FLOOR BOARD. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Engine, Oct 2, 2013
I WAS TRYING ALONG AT 50 MPH AND THE GLOBE DIESEL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME AN. I KEPT TRYING TO DRIVE IT TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE TO GET IT TOWED. VW COULD NOT DETERMINE IF WAS FUEL CONTAMINATION OR FAULTY FUEL PUMP. I COULDN'T MOVE THE CAR WHEN I GOT TO A STOP. IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO THE VW COMPANY WHY ARE THEY TRYING TO BLAME THE CONSUMERS THAT I PUT THE WRONG FUEL IN MY VEHICLE. VW INSTALLED THE FUEL GUARD WHICH WAS A RECALL, AND COVERED THE REST OF THE PARTS BUT NOW I AM LEFT WITH A YEAR OLD CAR THAT I HOPE HAS NO LONGER FURTHER ISSUES DUE TO VW NOT RECALLING AND FIXING AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP. *TR
Engine, Aug 12, 2013
OUR 2012 JETTA SPORTWAGEN 2.5 SE HAS SUFFERED FROM INTERMITTENT STALLING FOR THE PAST 4 WEEKS. THE STALLING OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE COLD ENGINE. THIS STALLING HAS OCCURRED WHILE IN TRAFFIC RESULTING IN A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. *TR IT APPEARS THAT THIS ISSUE IS EXPERIENCED BY A NUMBER OF 2012 JETTA SPORTWAGEN OWNERS. HERE ARE POTENTIAL CAUSES OF THE STALLING PER OTHER OWNERS: ECU WIRING HARNESS CRANK SENSOR THROTTLE BODY ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM COOLANT LEAK MIGRATION FUEL PUMP FUEL FILTER OUR VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS INTERMITTENT STALLING ISSUE IF NOT RESOLVED WILL RESULT IN INJURIES OR FATALITIES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 27, 2013
THE 2012 VW JETTA 2.5 HAS A VEHICLE DEFECT IN WHICH UPON A NEED FOR ACCELERATION, THE CAR STALLS OUT. WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN; THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS EACH TIME. VW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT EVEN THOUGH OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE DOCUMENTED THIS DEFECT IN A VARIETY OF WEBSITES REGARDING THE PRODUCT. *TR
Engine, Jun 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT PROVIDE ANY DEFECT CODES NOR DID THE VEHICLE STALL WHILE THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,884. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 4, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ON MODERATE TRAFFIC AT ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES GOT REALLY HARD. I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR BECAUSE THE BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK. MY JETTA HAS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS SET ON "MANUAL WITH NO CLUTCH" WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE THING IS I WASN'T EVEN TOUCHING THAT WHEN THE CAR STALLED. THAT FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER I'D GOTTEN THE CAR FRESH OFF THE DEALERSHIP. I DIDN'T WANT TO ADMIT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR BECAUSE I WAS EXCITED TO HAVE A NEW CAR. I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW AND IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 7 OTHER TIMES. NOW I REALIZE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN THE CAR STALLS THE STEERING WHEELS GETS VERY HARD AND IT MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL OR USE THE BRAKES. I'M NOT HAPPY. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2013
I WAS ON AN APPROXIMATELY 6 HOUR ROAD TRIP. APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES FROM MY HOME, MY 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN FLASHING. VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO "LIMP MODE", SLOWING TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND COME TO A STOP AT THE OFF RAMP STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THIS LEFT MY WIFE AND I STRANDED 100 MILES FROM HOME. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP STATED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP "EXPLODED", SENDING METAL SHARDS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE'S FUEL SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP STATES THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY "CONTAMINATED FUEL". A SMALL AMOUNT OF ONLINE RESEARCH REVEALED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLKSWAGEN TDI ENGINES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2013
2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE IN COLD WEATHER. *SMD THE DEALER INSTALLED A MODIFICATION TO THE TURBO CHARGER INTERCOOLER. *JB
Engine, Feb 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTER COOLER FAILED AND WAS CLOGGED WITH ICE ON BOTH THE INLET AND OUTLET SIDES. WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,050. UPDATED 03/15/13*LJ UPDATED 04/22/2013 *JS
Fuel system, Diesel, Engine, Jan 24, 2013
CAR LOST POWER AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD . TOWED TO VW DEALER . NO FUEL PRESSURE . REMOVED FUEL FILTER , FULL OF METAL . FUEL PUMPS , FILTER , LINES AND INJECTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOT A MISS FUELING ISSUE. *TR
Engine, Jan 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTART THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 9, 2012
PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER ON 10/03/12 AT 11:00 A.M. IT WAS NEW---HAD 47 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. DROVE IT TO WORK AND THEN ARRIVED HOME AT 6:45 THAT EVENING WITH ODOMETER READING 81 MILES. AS I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE I PUT IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK IT INTO THE SPOT AND THEN SWITCHED THE GEAR(THIS IS A AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) TO DRIVE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE BACKWARDS IN REVERSE AND IF I HAD NOT HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE WALL OF THE GARAGE. TRIED TO PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE--THE GEAR SHIFT WAS STUCK IN REVERSE. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND OF COURSE, COULD NOT START IT AGAIN BECAUSE THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE. THE ELECTRICAL PANEL ON THE DASHBOARD CONTINUED TO READ THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK. TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED AND HE HAD TO MANUALLY PULL THE CABLE WIRE IN THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING TO CHANGE GEARS AND GET THE CAR TO START. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM---THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN CLAIM IT HAS BEEN FIXED BY SIMPLY TIGHTENING A CLASP ON THE TRANSMISSION CABLE. WHY WAS THE CLASP LOOSE? I MAINTAIN THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. IF I HAD BEEN TRYING TO MAKE A U TURN IN TRAFFIC OR PARK ON THE STREET THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN HORRIFIC. . I AM PETRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP AND VOLKSWAGEN WANT TO SWEEP THIS INCIDENT UNDER THE RUG. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO SOMEONE ELSE. THANK YOU *TR
Engine, Sep 3, 2012
DRIVING AT ABOUT 50 MPG, ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE LIGHT BOTH CAME ON AT ONCE AND VEHICLE LOST POWER ALL OF THE SUDDEN. AT THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE IT COULD HAVE ENDED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2012
AFTER LESS THAN 3 MINUTES OF OPERATION, THE VEHICLE CAN STALL UNDER A SPECIFIC SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES. THE INCIDENCES (13 AND COUNTING IN 2 MONTHS) ALWAYS OCCUR WHEN IN SECOND OR THIRD GEAR AT ~30-35 MPG. THE DRIVER IS SLOWING DOWN (AS TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT) AND THEN ACCELERATES (LIGHT CHANGES TO GREEN). ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS AFTER ACCELERATION BEGINS THE ENGINE STALLS AND MUST BE RESTARTED. THE ENGINE JUST CUTS OUT DURING ACCELERATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 1, 2012
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 25 MPH, SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DIED. *TR *JS
Power train, Engine, May 25, 2012
ON 9 MARCH 2012, I BOUGHT A VW TDI JETTA SPORTSWAGEN WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FROM THE TIME I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION BUCKED, HESITATED, AND LUNGED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 26 APRIL TO HAVE IT EXAMINED, BUT THEY SAID THAT IT WAS ?NORMAL? AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I TOLD THEM THAT IF THAT WAS NORMAL, I WAS SURPRISED THAT ANYONE WOULD WANT TO BUY ONE. AFTER 2 MONTHS OF THIS, I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND EXCHANGED IT FOR ONE WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE THE SO-CALLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (WHICH IS REALLY A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH 2 CLUTCHES CONTROLLED BY A COMPUTER) IS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 24, 2012, fire
DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK FRIDAY 1/13, WEATHER WAS BELOW FREEZING CAUSING ICE BUILD UP. PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE ~45 DEGREES. ICE BEGAN MELT, AND WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE SATURDAY AFTERNOON IT TURNED 1/4 TURN AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. MY ASSUMPTION IS THAT THE ENGINE INHALED WATER CAUSING A HYDRO-LOCK, I CONTINUED TO TRY TO START THE VEHICLE A TOTAL 5 TIMES (IT TURNED OVER ONCE AND RAN EXTREMELY ROUGH AND DIED ONCE). THE LAST TIME TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE I SMELLED SMOKE, I POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND THE STARTER AND WIRING ON FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE RELATIVELY QUICKLY, CONSIDERING THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE ATTACHED TO MY HOUSE THIS COULD HAVE EXTREMELY CATASTROPHIC IF I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THE FIRE OUT. *** THIS IS THE SECOND TIME FOR THE HARD / NO START PROBLEM, THIS ONE HOWEVER RESULTED IN THE FIRE. VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT FOLLOW THE BELOW TSB SINCE THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER WIRING AND STARTER REPLACEMENT. ISSUE MIRRORS TSB # 21 11 06 / 2025464, WHICH INCLUDES ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER, "DEAD BATTERY" STARTER ACTION (DUE TO HYDRAULIC RESISTANCE IN CYLINDER), AND STARTER/ELECTRICAL FIRES (DUE TO STARTER OVERHEATING DURING ATTEMPTS TO START LOCKED ENGINE). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Jan 6, 2012
2012 JETTA TDI MANUAL, THE FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED AFTER TRAVELING ON A DOWNHILL GRADE WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT THE STOPLIGHT THE CAR STARTED TO SHUTTER AND ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. THIS EXACT INCIDENT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH FOR NO RHYME OR REASON. THE CAR HAS NOW STARTED TO DO THE SAME THING MORE FREQUENTLY AND WILL NOW STALL OUT. IT USED TO BE ON COLD STARTS AND WOULD HAPPEN WITHIN THE FIRST 10 MILES OF DRIVING. IT NOW DOES IT ANYTIME YOU ARE DRIVING. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AFTER WORK THREE DAYS AGO AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR IT SHUTTERED AND STALLED, I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR THREE MORE TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY STAYED STARTED. WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR ACTED UP AGAIN AT THE STOP LIGHT SHUTTERING AND ACTING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I AM SCARED THAT I WILL BE OUT IN THE INTERSECTION OR WORSE BE ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE CAR WILL STALL OUT AND I WILL END UP GETTING HIT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Dec 20, 2011
UPON ENTERING AN ON-RAMP AND ALSO ACCELERATING AROUND A TURN, EXPERIENCED NO RESPONSE TO DEPRESSION OF GAS PEDAL. BASICALLY CAR HAD SERIOUS LAG BEFORE TAKING OFF. WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY ISSUE WHEN TRYING TO GET OUT OF SOMEONE'S WAY. VERY UNPREDICTABLE IN OCCURRENCE AND DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A WRECK. ALSO EXPERIENCED "STUTTERING" AROUND 30 MPH AS IF VEHICLE DID NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR TO GET INTO. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND CREATES A PHYSICAL SHUTTER OF VEHICLE FELT BY DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. *TR