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, Dec 18, 2017
THE CAR RUNS GREAT FOR ABOUT 5-10 MILES AND THEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR LOSES POWER AND RUNS AT IDLE SPEED. REPLACED NP 80 SENSOR AND EVAP CANISTER, CLEANED THROTTLE BODY AND IT STILL HAPPENS. CAR LUNGES FORWARD AT TIMES. I'LL PULL OVER, SHUT IT OFF AND THEN IT DRIVES FINE, THEN THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY JUST GAVE ME A BUNCH OF COSTLY REPAIR RECOMMENDATIONS BUT NO DEFINITIVE ANSWER.
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2017
I AM NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR THE SECOND TIME SINCE BUYING IT CERTIFIED USED 2 YEARS AGO FROM HERZOG& MEIER. THE PROBLEM IS THE KEY IS STUCK IN ON, THE ONLY WAY TO KILL THE CAR OR TURN OFF IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY.. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM THE DEALERSHIP AND VW KNOW ABOUT BUT HAVE NOT RECALLED. RESEARCH HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM.. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL....
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2017
HEATER CORE NEEDS REPLACING AT 60,000 MILES
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2017
MY SUNROOF EXPLODED AND MY FRONT RIGHT DAY LIGHT BULB HAD MELTED AND NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE CONNECTOR.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2017
THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HAS GONE BAD AND I AM UNABLE TO TURN OFF MY VEHICLE OR TAKE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF ENGINE. CAR IN PARK, KEY WILL NOT TURN OFF CAR OR REMOVE FROM IGNITION.
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2017
VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH NOT TURNING, KEY GETTING LOCKED. PER UNIVERSITY VOLKSWAGON AND UPTOWN VOLKSWAGON IN ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO, THEY SEE THIS ISSUE ON A CONSISTENT BASIS, HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ISSUED. FIX IS $650-$800 PLUS TAX. 2012 JETTA TDI CANNOT START CAR - KEY STUCK 2014 JETTA CANNOT TURN OFF CAR HUNDREDS OF TOPICS OF DISCUSSION ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2017
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF FROM TIME TO TIME AT RANDOM TIMES. IT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN PARKED.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2017
A/C COOLING INCONSISTENTLY AND NOT COOLING TO THE LEVEL THAT IT ONCE DID. LEARNED OTHER VWS, LIKE MINE, WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. NEEDED ELECTRONIC PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE AND A/C EXPANSION VALVE
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF ENGINE
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2017
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING ( STATIONARY ) NOT ABLE TO TURN KEY TO OFF POSITION TO SHUT OFF ENGINE
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 1, 2017
THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE AND VW SAID THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT WONT RECALL AND HAVE TO PAY 1000+ TO FIX. WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED WITH MYSELF OR KIDS IN THE CAR AND NEEDED TO GET THE KEYS OUT!
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2017
MY CAR STALLS IN TRAFFIC. WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC IT JUST DIES. IT RESTARTS RIGHT AWAY BUT I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED COUNTLESS TIMES AND ONE TIME THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE. I'M GOING TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT ONE DAY AND VW WON'T HELP ME! MY CAR HAS BEEN THERE 6 TIMES NOW! THEY REPLICATED PROBLEM ONCE AND TRIED TO FIX. IT DIDN'T WORK. NOW THEY CAN'T REPLICATED PROBLEM SO WON'T HELP ME! I'M SO ANXIOUS TO DRIVE THE CAR EVERY MORNING! IT ONLY HAS 38K ON IT. IT STARTED AT 20K! I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. MY CAR IS NOT SAFE AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME. THERE IS A DEFECT AND IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM TRYING TO MAKE ALL RECORDS OF THIS PROBLEM IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS. I NEED MY VIN # KEPT BY YOU GUYS SO THERE IS A TRACE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE. I HAVE CONTACTED VW EXECUTIVE TEAM AND THEY ARE LITTLE TO NO HELP. PLEASE HAV SOMEONE INVESTIGATE. PLEASE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND IS SPORADIC. LAST TIME WAS ON 7/17/2017.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 11, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF ENGINE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR WEEKS. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED IT WAS ONLY ONCE AND AWHILE BUT NOW EVERY TIME I PARK MY CAR IT TAKES ME TWENTY OR MORE MINUTES TO TRY AND GET MY KEYS OUT AND TURN OFF ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2017
KEY WILL NOT TURN IN IGNITION CAUSING FLIP KEY TO FINALLY BREAK. HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR ABOUT A YEAR.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2017
IGNITION WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE KEY GETS STUCK WITH THE ENGINE ON. IT TAKES 10 MINS TO AN HOUR JUST TO GET IT OFF. MANY VW DRIVERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. IT COSTS $500-$700 TO REPLACE IGNITION CYLINDER JUST TO HAVE IT BREAK DOWN A YEAR OR TWO. PLEASE FORCE A RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME ON LANCASTER ST IN PLATTEVILLE WISOCINSIN AND WENT TO TURN MY CAR OFF. I COULD NOT TURN THE KEY BACKWARDS TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. MY CAR RAN FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS WHILE I CALLED AROUND TO MECHANICS AND DEALERSHIPS TRYING TO FIND SOMEONE WHO COULD HELP ME. THE VW DEALERSHIP IN DUBUQUE IOWA THAT I CALLED TOLD ME THAT HE HAS HEARD THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON ISSUE BUT HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO HELP ME. HE TOLD ME I COULD TRY BREAKING THE KEY. HOWEVER THAT MADE NO SENSE BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD STILL BE RUNNING, I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY TO GET THE KEY OUT, REPLACE WHATEVER IS WRONG WITH IT, AND BUY A NEW VERY EXPENSIVE KEY. MY CAR IS NOW SITTING AT A MECHANIC IN BENTON WISCONSIN WITH THE KEY STILL STUCK IN THE IGNITION.. I'M SURE HE UNHOOKED THE BATTERY SO THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF. NOW I AM OUT A VEHICLE FOR 4-5 DAYS WITH THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND SO WHO KNOWS HOW SERIOUS THIS IS OR HOW SOON IT CAN BE FIXED. I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE OR SOME FEEDBACK. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT L, I JUST BOUGHT MYSELF THIS CAR A YEAR AGO. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2017
THE KEY WILL NOT RELEASE FROM IGNITION. CANT TURN CAR OFF. HAPPENS WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. FORCED TO DRIVE AROUND AND TRY AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED APPROX 1 TIME PER MONTH FOR PAST 3 YEARS.