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: other or unspecified
111 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, May 21, 2025
The ignition switch where the key is placed in the ignition and turned to start the car failed. The ignition would not turn with the key engaged inside the ignition switch. It will require a new ignition switch kit and new key in order for the car to function properly again.
Other or unspecified, Fuel system, Diesel, Electrical system, Jun 21, 2024
I was driving on the road going up a hill and my fuel was just alittle low about 120 miles my car sputtered and died and didn't start back up stuck on the road with barley any gaurd rail so I'm partially in the lane and I got it looked at and my high pressure fuel pump failed and sent metal scrapes all throughout my fuel system so it's estimated around 10k to replace I got told it's because the pump barley lost fuel and it uses that to lubricate itself so somthing as simple as one of the pumps going out and this problem can occur or a slight short im just reporting because many others have had this issue with the pump and mine shouldn't have even had nothing going on at 120 miles 1/4 of a tank and I did look in my tank and confirmed I had fuel that I filled up at my local gas station in the middle of the city so it's not bad diesel I own a 2012 volkswagen jetta 2.0l tdi cjaa
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2023
Cannot turn engine off. Key gets stuck in ignition when turning off the engine. Dealer confirmed it's an on-going and common issue. Replacement parts also fail. Only way to turn car off was to pull the fuel pump fuse.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2023
Key stuck in ignition, can't turn off
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2023
The passenger mirror on my car was fine while I was driving to work and then when I went to change lanes I looked over in the mirror was black and had melted from it being a heated mirror I’m guessing but then I can’t see anything out of the mirror so it is a major safety issue but the mirror had melted and turned black thank you
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 2, 2021
The car stop at the stop sign n in the traffic then push start n it worked 4times in a 2years I thought the vw made fir saving fuel. Today the car stop at highway n I almost got killed by sudden stopped. I got panicked couldn't think about anything then push the start it worked again. I Google myself, there are many same problems n reports for 2012 vw jetta. Please help me what I should do. Last year The vw dealer couldn't find anything wrong but there is some problem
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2020
2012 VW JETTA WAGON THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND ALWAYS HOUSED IN A GARAGE UNTIL FEBRUARY 2020. WATER LEAKED INTO CAR INTERIOR CARPET AND SPARE TIRE WELL. NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION OF RECALL DUE TO SUNROOF LEAKING. REPAIR WAS $900 OUT OF MY POCKET
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2020
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2020
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND VEHICLE KEEPS RUNNING. TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE THE KEY IS ABLE TO BE REMOVED WITH ADDITIONAL PRESSURE AND TAPPING ON THE KEY AND IGNITION. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT AND A RECALL OR CAMPAIGN SHOULD BE ISSUED BY VW
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2020
KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IT IS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2020
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER STICKS WHEN TURNING OFF AND ON. THE STICKING CAUSED KEY TO BRAKE WHICH DAMAGED THE IGNITION AND THE TUMBLERS INSIDE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 9, 2020
UNABLE TO TURN KEY TO TURN OFF IGNITION. CAR IS IN THE VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CENTER FOR THE THREE WEEKS FOR REPAIR.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2020
I HAVE A RECALL FOR THE 37M2-MICRO SWITCH. I AM CONCERNED, THE VW DEALERSHIP DOES NOT HAVE ANY DAYS TO LET ME SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. I NEED HELP PLEASE, I HOPE IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 26, 2020, fire
CAR RAN HOT FIRST TIME AIR CONDITIONING GOT HOT CAR WAS GOING ANY FASTER WITH SMOKE FROM ENGINE. NO INDICATOR AT ALL CAR WAS RUNNING HOT. DEALERSHIP STATED THE BLOCK MESS UP. ADJUSTER CAME STATED THEROMAST WHICH NOT COVER WARRANTY FOR MY CAR. WHY WAS I NEVER AWARE MY CAR HAD THESE ISSUES
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2020
THE KEY IS GETTING STUCK AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED. CAN NOT TURN VEHICLE ON OR OFF BECAUSE THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONTINUALLY ON.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2020
KEY IGNITION FAILURE. KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF ENGINE. VEHICLE WONT TURN OFF AND KEY WONT COME OUT OF IGNITION. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2020
THE MICRO SWITCH HAD BEEN RECALLED DUE TO BEING ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT WITHOUT IT BEING IN PARK. I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE 2 APPOINTMENTS TO GET FIXED AND THE DEALERSHIP KEEPS CANCELING THEM AND MOVING IT FARTHER AND FARTHER BACK. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2020
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE 78 WEST BOUND FREEWAY, IT SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD EXPLOSION. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED MY SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. IT JUST BLEW UP WITH NO EXPLANATION, NOTHING HIT IT.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 12, 2020, crash
I'M STILL CONTINUING TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VAR 2012 JETTA VOLKSWAGEN. UP IN TILL RECENTLY IT WAS FIXED ON A RECALL NOTICE THAT DISPLAYED VEHICLE RIGHT ROLL EVEN IF PLACED IN PART AND IGNITION TURNED OFF !! UNFORTUNATELY IT HAPPENED TO MY SON DURING CHRISTMAS 2019. WHAT IF THERE WAS A BODY IN FROM THAT CAR. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND VOLKSWAGEN USA KNOWS IT. I TOOK IT IN AND WAS ADDRESSED OF NEW RECALL WHICH RELAYS THE SAME SAVAGENESS; IT WAS FIXED TILL WHEN ?? [XXX] THIS CAUSED ABOUT 1000-2000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE AFTER WE HAD ALREADY FIXED THIS BUMPER WITH VOLKSWAGEN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2020
I NOTICED MY CAR HAS BEEN CUTTING OUT AND NOT HAVING POWER WHEN DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY. ILL PUT THE PEDAL DOWN IT DIDNT MOVE. I NOTICED MY STEREO STARTED KIND OF FLASHING AS WELL. I FIGURED MAYBE IT WAS ELECTRICAL SO I STARTED LOOKING AROUND AND I OPENED UP MY TRUNK AND IT WAS 4 INCHES OF WATER WHERE MY SPARE TIRE IS. THEN I STARTED LOOKING AROUND WHERE MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF IS AND THERE'S A HUGE SPOTS OF WATER THAT'S WET. THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS TO ME WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR AND I ASKED THEM IF THERE WAS ANY PROBLEMS OF LEAKING. I THINK IT'S MESSING UP MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MY POWER. I FELT VERY UNSAFE WHEN I WASN'T ABLE TO ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2019
HEAD LIGHTS ARE ON WHEN TEMPERATURE IS COLD. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME AND KILLING THE BATTERY. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE WITH LIGHT SWITCH BECAUSE WHEN I UNPLUG IT AT NIGHT FROM THE CAR AND RE-PLUG THE LIGHT SWITCH IN THE MORNING, IT ALL WORKS WITHOUT ANY ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2019
I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY OF 2019. SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD WHEN SWITCHING INTO GEARS. I DROVE THIS CAR WHILE HAVING MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR WHEN THE CAR VERY VIOLENTLY SWITCHED IN AND OUT OF GEARS. IT WAS VERY SCARY! AS I CONTINUE TO DRIVE TO IMPATIENT YO GET OFF THE NEAREST EXIT I NOTICED THE CAR'S SPEED STARTING DECLINE EVEN WHEN FOOT IS ON THE THROTTLE. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. I WAS SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE I HAD THE CAR TOWED 100 MILES CLOSER TO HOME.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2019
CAR DIES AT STOPS OR LOW SPEEDS.
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2019
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND YOU CANNOT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND ONLY MY SON CAN TURN IT OFF BY PUSHING THE KEY IN A CERTAIN AMOUNT AND TURNING THE KEY JUST RIGHT. HITTING IT WITH A HAMMER CAN WORK BUT AFRAID OF BREAKING THE KEY. I HAVE SEEN ONLINE THAT OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. WHEN I GET GAS I CAN'T EVEN TURN THE CAR OFF OR WHEN I GO INTO A STORE IF MY SON ISN'T WITH. MY HUSBAND CANNOT DO IT EITHER. ITS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. YOU CANNOT EVEN SHUT OFF ENGINE BECAUSE KEY WON'T TURN TO THE OFF POSITION.