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
526 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN 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.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 19, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2017
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE CAR OFF
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.
Air bags, Aug 15, 2017
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.
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
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 2, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF THE 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!
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2017
WHEN MY CAR IS ON, I CANNOT TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO TURN THE CAR OFF. I WAS TOLD THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM IN JETTAS. THE CAR IS JUST UNDER 5 YEARS OLD, LESS THAN 80,000 MILES ON IT. I'VE LEARNED THAT VW KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS, BUT WON'T RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT HAPPEN IN SO MANY JETTAS. IT IS NO COINCIDENCE, AND VW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE.
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.
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE KEY WONT MOVE OR TURN OFF THE ENGINE NO MATTER WHAT I DO, AND I AM NOT ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF!! I TRIED FOR OVER AN HOUR AND FINALLY HAD TO DRIVE TO DEALER - THEY WERENT ABLE TO GET THE KEY TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE EITHER AND HAD TO POP THE HOOD AND PULL WIRES.
Power train, Jul 25, 2017
5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER ONLY 80,200 MILES. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, ACCELERATING AFTER A STOP, THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE "CLUNK" SOUND AFTER SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, AND THEN A CONTINUOUS LOUD RATTLING SOUND IN ALL THE GEARS 2ND-5TH. VEHICLE REMAINED DRIVABLE THOUGH WITH A CONTINUOUS CLATTERING SOUND IN 2ND-5TH GEARS AND WITH A SLIGHT SHUDDERING WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED REGULAR 80,000 SERVICE. NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM EXISTED UNTIL IT WAS MANIFEST IN THIS FAILURE. VEHICLE REMAINED DRIVABLE THOUGH NORMAL SPEEDS ENOUGH TO TAKE TO DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES AWAY. DIAGNOSIS WAS A PROBLEM IN THE GEARBOX NECESSITATING A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. GIVEN THE RELIABILITY OF MOST MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, I CONSIDER THIS FAILURE TO BE PREMATURE IN COMPARISON TO ITS EXPECTED SERVICE LIFE, AND THEREFORE MOST LIKELY DUE TO SOME DEFECT IN THE UNIT. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN FOR SERVICE TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. WILL PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2017
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE TO THE ROAD SHOULDER TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (WALLEN AUTO II IN MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 17, 2017
"KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN 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.
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2017
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION, UNABLE TO TURN OFF ENGINE ONLY BY RELEASING THE CLUTCH IN FIRST GEAR. PROBLEM HAPPENS ALL THE TIME BUT I HAVE BEEN ABLE WIGGLE IT OUT, HOWEVER NOW ITS STUCK FOR SURE!
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.