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, Feb 9, 2016
AFTER OPENING THE TRUNK ON DRIVE WAY, THE TRUNK LID FELL FREELY AND HIT MY WIFE'S FOREHEAD (VERY CLOSE TO HER EYES).
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2016
AFTER DRIVING AND ARRIVING AT DESTINATION, CANNOT TURN THE CAR OFF, NOR GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. SOMETIMES IT TAKES 15 MINUTES OF TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRYING TO TURN THE KEY OVER AND OVER WHEN THE KEY WILL FINALLY TURN AND THE CAR WILL TURN OFF. THEY KEY FEELS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR WILL NOT TURN OFF.
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2015
STARTING AS THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 40K MILES, MY HORN BECAME INTERMITTENT. IT WOULD WORK FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN COMPLETELY STOP FOR A PERIOD; SOMETIMES A WEEK OR SO. BUT AS TIME PROGRESSED, IT WAS NOT WORKING MORE THAN WORKING. BY 50K MILES IT NOT LONGER WORKED AND NOW AT 60K IT HASN'T WORKED FOR A LONG TIME. VERY DANGEROUS. DEALER SAID TWICE THEY WOULD TRY TO GET IT FIXED BUT NEVER CAME THROUGH. SO WITH MY DIESEL "GOOD WILL" PACKAGE, I WILL USE THE $500 CREDIT TO REPLACE MY HORN THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED EARLIER. LOT'S OF PEOPLE ONLINE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK IT'S PART OF THE 2011 RECALL FOR HORN AND ALARM SYSTEM PROBLEMS, DON'T THINK THEY CARRIED THROUGH WITH THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2015
THE HORN FAILED TWICE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP (LATE 2012) AND A THIRD TIME A LITTLE AFTER THREE YEARS. THE FIRST TIME, THE HORN SYSTEM WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH A PART FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER, IT WENT OUT. THE SECOND TIME THE HORN RELAY WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY USING NEW PARTS. THIS HORN FIX WORKED FOR 2013-LATE 2015. THIS THIRD TIME MOST LIKELY WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL (AND LESS THAN A MONTH OUT OF WARRANTY). IN ALL INSTANCES, THE HORN BEGINS TO PRODUCE A MUTED/WEAK HONKING SOUND MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN LOCKING THE VEHICLE. THIS WILL HAPPEN FOR ABOUT A MONTH OR SO BEFORE IT FINALLY GOES OUT. PRESSING THE KEY (LOCKING & EMERGENCY ALERT BUTTON) OR THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONFIRMS THAT THE HORN IS INOPERABLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2015
THE KEY LOCKS IN THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING AND IN PARK, WILL NOT DISENGAGE TO TURN THE CAR OFF (STEERING WHEEL NOT LOCKED). I WAS UNABLE TO TURN MY CAR OFF. THIS FIRST OCCURRED WHILE I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT (NO DANGER). AFTER THE DEALERSHIP FORCED THE KEY, I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER ON A HIGHWAY FOR A FLAT TIRE AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF. I COULD NOT CHANGE THE TIRE SAFELY AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR TOWED AS I COULD NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF. I HAD TO SIT AT THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY UNTIL MY CAR STALLED FROM RUNNING OUT OF GAS, UNTIL I COULD SAFELY HAVE THE CAR TOWED. NO LOCKSMITH WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE IGNITION LOCK, AS IT IS AN ELECTRONIC LOCK IN THE KEY HOUSING. I SEE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS LISTED WITH NHTSA REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE WITH VW CARS, AND MANY SPECIFICALLY FOR JETTAS, AND 2012 JETTAS.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 23, 2015
ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, SPUTTERS AND STALLS RANDOMLY. WHEN STALLS, SOME LIGHTS FLASH AND STATES SERVICE NEEDED. DEALERSHIP DIDN'T FIND ANY FAULTS. IF STALLS ON HIGHWAY THIS CAN BE LIFE THREATENING. STEERING WHEEL PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT EVEN WITH CAR PROPERLY ALIGNED AND TIRES AIR PRESSURE READING ACCURATELY FULL. JUST HAD CAR SERVICED AGAIN NO FAULTS FOUND. IGNITION ISSUE WITH CAR NOT SHUTTING OFF. 20 MINUTES AFTER PARKING AND TRYING TO TURN CAR OFF WITH NO PREVAIL. HAD CAR SERVICED AND WAS GIFTED A FREE REPAIR SINCE MY 2012 JETTA HAS ONLY 22,000 MILES ON IT. IGNITION REPLACED BUT OTHER ISSUES STILL EXIST. PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR SERVICING THIS VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE ALL THESE ISSUES CAME ABOUT CONVIENTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD ENDED.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2015
MY IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HAS FAILED ON MY 2012 VW JETTA. LONG STORY SHORT, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH "TURNING THE WHEEL TO UNLOCK IT". IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VOLKSWAGENS. I FELT UNSAFE BECAUSE IF I EVER HAD TO SHUT MY CAR DOWN IN AN EMERGENCY, SOMETIMES IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE. SO I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANOTHER ISSUE, AND NOW THEY WON'T FIX MY CAR UNTIL I GET THIS IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FIXED. IT COSTS $650 AND I HAVE TO WAIT 7-10 DAYS TO GET THE PART FLOWN IN FROM GERMANY. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY NO QUESTIONS ASKED, I DON'T FEEL SAFE BEING IN THE CAR IF I CAN'T TURN IT OFF.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2015
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING BACKED OUT OF A DRIVEWAY INTO THE ROADWAY WHEN THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND CONTINUOUSLY AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TURNED OFF COMPLETELY TO STOP THE HORN. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HORN SOUNDS WHENEVER THE IGNITION IS ENGAGED SOMETIMES STOPPING ONCE THE ENGINE TURNS ON, SOMETIMES NOT. ONCE STARTED THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEABLE BUT THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, THE HORN ON THE STEERING WHEEL IS INOPERABLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS ARE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING THAT REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. THE INCIDENT APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THAT DESCRIBED IN NHTSA INVESTIGATION PE 15-010.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2015, crash
2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMERS REQUESTS RECALL NOTICES FOR VEHICLE. *SMD BOTH OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE INJURED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2015
THE CAR, A 2012 VW JETTA SE, FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE REVERSE GEAR ON 1/5/2015 AND BEHAVED AS IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE REAR TIRES WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE REVERSE MANEUVER FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CALLED AND THEY RECOMMENDED TOWING TO THEIR FACILITY. THIS WAS ACCOMPLISHED ON 1/9/2015 AND TO DATE THERE HAS BEEN NO RESOLUTION.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2012
48 HRS AFTER DRIVING OFF DEALER LOT, "DIESEL ' ODOR THRU FAN AND IDLE AT STOP SIGNS/LIGHTS, DEALER NOTIFIED TOLD IT WOULD GO AWAY AFTER BROKE IN, CONTINUED W/O IMPROVEMENT, TOOK TO DEALER, STATED CHECKED EVERYTHING NO PROBLEM, BRING BACK MAY BE ANIMAL OR SOMETHING BLOCKING EXAHUST (WITHIN DAYS). RETURNED TOLD SEAL WAS BROKE JUST UNDER INTAKE MANIFOLD, PICS SENT TO VOLKSWAGEN,, CALLED TO CHECK STATUS ONLY TO BE TOLD "TURBO CRACKED." 2 WEEKS LATER CAR PICKED UP, STATED ALL RECALLS PERFORMED PRIOR TO DRIVING OFF LOT NOV 26,2011, STILL HAVENT BEEN PROVIDED WITH DOCUMENTATION. CONCERNED FOR SAFETY, AS WELL AS NAUSEA ASSOCIATED WITH ODOR IN CABIN.