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, Jun 5, 2017
KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AT THE GAS STATION SO THAT I COULD PUT GAS IN THE CAR. AFTER FIGHTING WITH THE KEY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR IT FINALLY CAME OUT. NOW EVERY TIME I NEED TO SHUT OFF THE CAR I HAVE TO FLICK THE KEY REALLY HARD THE OPPOSITE WAY TO BE ABLE TO PULL IT OUT. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE IT SEEMS MANY OTHER JETTA OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE YET VW HAS NOT MADE A RECALL. WE ARE BEING TOLD A NEW PART FOR THE IGNITION AND KEYS WILL NEED TO BE ORDERED. TOTAL COST AT THE DEALER WILL BE AROUND $680.
Other or unspecified, May 30, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND MY CAR WON'T TURN OFF. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME HOW TO GET THE KEY OUT BUT SOMETIMES IT TAKES ANYWHERE FROM 5-35 MINUTES TO REMOVE THE KEY IN ORDER FOR MY CAR TO TURN OFF.
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2017
THE KEY CONTINUED TO GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND IT WAS ALSO VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE. AT ONE POINT, THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED AND COULD NOT TURN THE CAR OFF WHILE MY DAUGHTER HAD IT. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO VW DEALERSHIP AND THE IGNITION HOUSING HAD TO BE REPLACED. APPARENTLY, THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRENT PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2017
MY HORN DOES NOT MAKE A SOUND WHEN I PRESS ON IT HOWEVER WHEN I LOCK THE CAR THE HORN SOUNDS OFF. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH A CAR HORN
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2017
DOOR LOCKS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING EVERY FEW SECONDS THIS IS THE FOURTH DOOR LOCK ON OUR VEHICLE TO DO THIS AND ONE NOT UNLOCKING FROM 20000 MILES TO 85000 MILES.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2017
MY 2012 JETTA SPORTSWAGEN TDI IS HAVING WATER FREEZING IN THE INTERCOOLER CAUSING IT TO NOT START OR EVEN SMOKE WHEN STARTED. I HAD A 14 WITHOUT THIS ISSUE MY DAD HAS AM 04 PASSAT TDI NO ISSUE. I DID RESEARCH AND ON MANY WEBSITES IT MENTIONS 10-13 HAVING THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE'S AN AFTER MARKER PART THAT FIXES THE FREEZING ISSUE. THIS PART WILL COST OVER 700 DOLLARS. WHY WAS THIS NOT RECALLED WHEN IT'S HAPPENING TO MANY YEARS AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS SEEN IT MULTIPLE TIMES.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2016
WHEN PARKED AND TRYING TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF, THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF AND THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2016
KEY STICKS IN THE IGNITION, WILL NOT DISENGAGE TO TURN THE CAR OFF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A ISSUE THAT I AM FINDING. I TRIED PARKING IN A FLAT SURFACE, IN THE DRIVEWAY AND NO LUCK. THIS STARTED A MONTH AGO WITH STICKING, BUT THE LAST FEW DAYS HAVE BEEN WORSE. SHIFTING DOES NOT HELP THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2016
WHEN PARKED AND TRYING TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF, THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF AND THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION.
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2016
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2016
KEY GOT STUCK IN IGNITION AND CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF. CAR WAS IN PARK ON A FLAT DRIVEWAY. KEY BROKE IN HALF WHILE STILL IN IGNITION. WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEY WITH PLIERS
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2016
MY KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IT WON'T TURN AT ALL. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND EVEN THEY HAD TROUBLE TURNING IF OFF. THEN THEY COULDN'T TURN IT BACK ON. LUCKILY I HAD JUST GOTTEN HOME FROM WORK, SO I WASN'T STUCK ANYWHERE. APPARENTLY THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE, AND IT'S QUITE RIDICULOUS THAT I'M NOW GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND $500 TO REPLACE A PART THAT VW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. MY CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2016
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN I ARRIVE AT A DESTINATION, I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND THEN TRY TO REMOVE THE KEY AND IT WON'T COME OUT. I HAVE TO JIGGLE THE KEY AND MANEUVER IT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES UNTIL IT COMES OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND ANNOYING.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2016
THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER BROKE UNDER NORMAL USE CONDITIONS - FAILED TO RESET FROM "ON" POSITION WITH SIGNAL OPERATIONAL / UNABLE TO TURN OFF SIGNAL - HEADLIGHT HIGH/LOW-BEAM FUNCTION ALSO DISABLED. APPARENT INTERNAL PART FAILURE OR BREAKAGE OF PLASTIC COMPONENTS.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2016
SOMETIMES THE KEY WILL NOT TURN ON. IT GOES IN, BUT WILL NOT TURN. IT SEEMS TO BE WHEN THE WEATHER IS WARMER. ALSO, SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES TO TURN THE KEY OFF. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, I JUST SIT THERE TRYING, WHILE THE CAR CONTINUES TO RUN. I HEAR IT'S $550-750 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED, BUT IS VERY COMMON BASED ON WHAT I'M FINDING ONLINE. IT STARTED HAPPENING IN APRIL 2014. IT'S RIDICULOUS.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2016
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2016
WHEN TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, THE KEY REMAINS IN THE ON POSITION, NOT ALLOWING ME TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER 100 TIMES, THE LOCAL DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT THEIR ISSUE AND WILL COST ME $550 TO REPLACE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2016
WHILE IN PARK MY KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT COME OUT. CAR WAS ON AND I TRIED TO TURN IT OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY AS NORMAL BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN FULLY TO THE OFF POSITION OR COME OUT. I EVENTUALLY STALLED MY CAR OUT AS IT IS A MANUAL TO SHUT IT OFF AND FIDDLED WITH IT FOR AN HOUR AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2016
THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION IN THE IGNITION WITH THE CAR RUNNING. THE KEY WILL NOT PHYSICALLY MOVE FROM THE "ON" TO "OFF" POSITION TO TURN THE CAR OFF. AFTER LOOKING THIS UP IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VW. THE CAR IS ABLE TO SHIFT BETWEEN PARK, DRIVE, AND NEUTRAL. WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF THE KEY DOESN'T BUDGE
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 14, 2016
KEY STUCK ON THE ON POSITION AND NOT ABLE TO TURN KEY, TO TURN CAR OFF.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2016
KEYS ALWAYS STOCK ON IGNITION. IT HAS 49,000 MILES IT SHOULDNT BREAK ALREADY.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2016
KEY JAMMED IN THE IGNITION, UNABLE TO TURN CAR OFF. INITIALLY IT WAS JUST DIFFICULT TO SWITCH OFF AND REQUIRED SOME TIME TO GET IT JUST RIGHT. EVENTUALLY IT LOCKED UP ENTIRELY AND THE KEY BROKE OFF WHILE TRYING TO SWITCH THE CAR OFF. HAD A VW DEALER REPLACE THE IGNITION CYLINDER, NEW KEY ETC. EVEN THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE. CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEIR RESPONSE "IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY". CAR HAS 59 000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD EVER FAIL.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2016
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION CAR WILL NOT TURN OFF CANNOT TURN OFF WHEN CAR IS IN PARK EMERGENCE BRAKE IS ENGAGED AND FOOT IS ON BRAKE PEDAL
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 1, 2016
THE VEHICLES ENGINE WOULD REV BY ITS SELF WITH THE PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT DISENGAGE DURING THIS LEAVING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN.