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.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ON A COUNTY ROAD WHEN I BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THERE WAS TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND AS IT COUNTINUED TO COAST. AS SOON AS I WAS ABLE TO BEGIN TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER, MY CAR COMPLETELY AND VIOLENTLY DIED. IT WOULD NOT RESTART, LEAVING ME STRANDED AND CAUSING UPCOMING TRAFFIC TO AVOID ME. THE DEALERSHIP STATES IT IS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE ANALYSIS OF FUEL SHOWS A LUBRICITY FAILURE, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP STATED WAS DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS. IT WAS NEGATIVE FOR GASOLINE AND HAS NOT BEEN MIS-FUELED. THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THESE FAILURES, WHICH CAUSE THE METAL SHAVINGS TO CONTAMINATE THE FUEL SYSTEM. VW HAS EXTENDED COVERAGE TO THESE PUMPS, BUT DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ONGOING FAILURES. "NOT PASSING THE LUBRICITY TEST" WHICH APPEARS TO BE CAUSED FROM THE PUMP FAILURE ITSELF, VOIDS THE EXTENDED COVERAGE, CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS.
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO THE CONTACT'S LANE. THE HORN MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO ALERT THE OTHER PERSON. AS A RESULT, THE OTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2015
BOTH OF THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A UNLIT HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WORKED WHEN I TURNED OFF THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THE HIGH-BEAM HEADLIGHTS WORKED WHEN I TRIED USING THEM. THE NEXT MORNING I REPLACED BOTH LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND THEY STILL DO NOT WORK.
Power train, Nov 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN TO 35 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,890.
Seat belts, Nov 7, 2015
REAR SEAT BELT HOUSINGS BROKEN, REAR SEAT CENTER LOCATION WHERE TWO HOUSINGS ARE CO-LOCATED. ONE OF THE TWO HOUSINGS DOES NOT LATCH THE BELT CLIP RENDERING THIS SEAT LOCATION USELESS AS THE OCCUPANT WILL NOT HAVE A WORKING SEAT BELT. USING A CALIPER THE HOUSING IN ONE AREA LOOKS TO MEASURE AT 40/1000 OF AN INCH THICK. LOOK AT ATTACHED PHOTOS FOR DAMAGE AND METHOD ON HOW DAMAGE OCCURS. WHEN THE SHORT SEAT IS DROPPED AND THE TWO SEAT BUCKLES ARE NOW LOCATED OVER UNDER THE LONGER SEAT BACK. THEY ARE EXPOSED TO A METAL BRACKET INSIDE THE LONGER SEAT BACK THAT IS VERY CLOSE TO THE SURFACE OF THE SEAT FABRIC. AS THE LONGER SEAT IS DROPPED THE METAL BRACKET LOCATED UNDER THE SURFACE OF THE FABRIC IN THE SEAT IN MY OPINION COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE BUCKLES AND HAS CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. THIS DAMAGE HAS EFFECTED THE SEAT BELTS FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY.
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, Oct 21, 2015
VEHICLE HAS 38,000 MILES, WE'RE THE ORIGINAL OWNER, HORN BECAME INTERMITTENT, THEN STOPPED WORKING. WE TOOK IT TO THE VW DEALER IN BRANDON, FL. THEY SAID THERE'S A RECALL ABOUT TO BE ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER THAT WILL COVER THE HORN, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR AN AIRBAG EARNING LIGHT. WE'RE LEFT WITH MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD WITH NOT HAVING A HORN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST OVER $2000.00 TO FIX, THEY WON'T HAVE THE PARTS UNTIL THE RECALL IS SENT. THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT AND FEEL WE'RE BEING PUT AT RISK WHILE THEY FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY WANT TO DO.
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2015
2012 JETTA TDI. HORN INTERMITTENT AND ABOUT THE SAME TIME MY MOON ROOF STOPPED WORKING. AS A MILITARY MEMBER STATIONED NEAR SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME EVEN THOUGH I WAS A LOW SPEED I STILL HAD TO SMASH ON THE BRAKES CAUSING THE ANTI-SKID SYSTEM TO WORK. AS SOON AS THEY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME I WAS PRESSING THE HORN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT WITH MANY PEOPLE HAVING ISSUES WITH FAULTY HORNS/WIRING, ESPECIALLY FOR A CAR WITH LESS THAN 50K MILES ON IT. (CONVENIENTLY OUT OF WARRANTY). I AM AWARE OF THE RECALL ON THE HORN FOR THE 2011 MODELS, OBVIOUSLY THEY DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WHEN BUILDING THE 2012 MODEL. IN SEOUL I FEEL THE NEED TO USE MY HORN DAILY AS THERE ARE OVER 150 ACCIDENTS A DAY JUST IN THE SEOUL AREA. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY VW.
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.
Service brakes, Sep 27, 2015
WHILE DRIVING (SECONDARY ROADS, SUBURBS) NOTICED 'SPONGY' BRAKE FEEL AND STRANGE SOUND FROM LEFT REAR. WHEN I GOT HOME (AFTER ABOUT 15 MIN OF DRIVING), LEFT REAR DISC WAS GLOWING ORANGE/YELLOW AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE WHEEL. HAD REAR PADS REPLACED/RESET. PROBLEM RETURNED 2 WEEKS LATER. AFTER A SHORT DRIVE, NOTICED SMELL AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM LEFT REAR WHEEL. LIFTED CAR AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. ALL OTHER WHEELS ARE FINE.
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.
Suspension, Sep 22, 2015
THE REAR TRAILING ARMS OF JETTA AND BEETLE OF VW IS A DESIGN FLAW. (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V656000) CHINA AQSIQ (GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF QUALITY SUPERVISION, INSPECTION AND QUARANTINE OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA) CONDUCTED A YEARLONG SURVEY TEST, THE EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS HAVE BEEN OUT : THE REAR TRAILING ARMS OF JETTA AND BEETLE OF VW IS A DESIGN FLAW?THE RECALL OF USA?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 MAIN CONCLUSIONS OF AQSIQ OF CHINA ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. THE REAR TRAILING ARMS OF THE RECALL OF JETTA AND BEETLE OF VW CAUSED A DEFICIT. JUST WHEN ENCOUNTERING OBSTACLES IN REVERSING THE PROCESS, IT WILL CAUSE THE REAR TRAILING ARMS DEFORMED. 2. THE METHOD OF THE RECALL THAT INSTALLING A SHEET METAL CAN?T ELIMINATE DEFECTS. THE INSTALLATION OF A SHEET METAL ONLY ENHANCES THE RESISTANCE TO DEFORMATION OF THE REAR TRAILING ARMS, BUT WHEN THE MORPH TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, THERE IS STILL THE RISK OF BREAKAGE AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER BREAKING, THE SHEET METAL DOES NOT NECESSARILY ALERT OF NOISE. IN THE CASE OF VEHICLES OF MORE THAN 40KM / H, WHEN THE REAR TRAILING ARMS FRACTURE, THE SHEET METAL WILL ALSO BREAK, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE CONTROLLED. WE FEAR FOR OUR SAFETY, AND WE NEED NHTSA?S HELP! THANK YOU! THE TECHNICAL REPORTS OF CHINA AQSIQ ABOUT THE JETTA AND BEETLE: HTTP://WWW.DPAC.GOV.CN/XWDT/GZDT/201509/T20150911_57436.HTML CHINA AQSIQ TEST VIDEOS BELOW: HTTP://WWW.DPAC.GOV.CN/VIDEO_XINSUTENG/. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2015
A WOMAN AND A YOUNG CHILD DEPARTED A PRESCHOOL ON A CLEAR, DRY DAY. THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET 250 FEET FROM THE PRESCHOOL WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY SIGN OF TROUBLE. THE VEHICLE HAD RUN WELL TO DATE. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN WITHIN TWO SECONDS OF STARTING. A GOOD SAMARITAN PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE WAS DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE, NECESSITATING TOTAL REPLACEMENT. THE FUEL SYSTEM IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, FOR WHICH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY APPLIES TO 120,000 MILES. THE DEALER HAD A FUEL SAMPLE TESTED FOR CONTAMINATION. RESULTS WERE ALL STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANTLY WITHIN VW SPECIFICATIONS. VOLKSWAGEN CONTENDS, HOWEVER, THAT THE FUEL SAMPLE FAILED THE TEST DUE TO ITS OWN ROUNDING ERROR AND REFUSES TO HONOR ITS EXTENDED WARRANTY.
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.
Service brakes, Sep 7, 2015, fire
2012 JETTA WAGON - WHILE DRIVING ON A RECENTLY PAVED HIGHWAY (EG. SEEMINGLY PRISTINE ASPHALT), MY WIFE AND I NOTED A STRANGE VIBRATION SENSATION IN OUR CAR. THERE WAS NO DRAG, VEERED STEERING, ABNORMAL HANDLING, OR WARNING ON THE DASH. WE HAD ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN AT THE UPCOMING INTERSECTION THE LIGHT CHANGED TO RED. IT WAS A NORMAL BRAKING/STOP MANEUVER. ON STOPPING, NO UNUSUAL BRAKING SENSATION, AGAIN NO ABNORMAL PULL. WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING ALONG THE DRIVERS SIDE WHILE STOPPED. THERE WAS A FAINT SMELL OF HOT METAL AS WELL. MY WIFE STATED "I HOPE THAT'S NOT US". SEVERAL CARS HONKED AND FLASHED LIGHTS TO GET OUR ATTENTION AND ON ROLLING THE DRIVERS WINDOW DOWN, A DRIVER ADJACENT YELLED "YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE". I QUICKLY EXITED THE DRIVERS SIDE AND NOTED A SMALL FLAME AT THE DRIVERS REAR BRAKE. BY SIMPLY BLOWING, IT WENT OUT. THE ROTOR WAS GLOWING RED/ORANGE. EXTREME HEAT WAS COMING FROM THIS. NO OTHER BRAKE WAS INVOLVED. I VERIFIED THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED AT THE TIME. WE HAD TRAVELED PERHAPS 2 MILES PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE. ONCE COOLED, I SLOWLY DROVE TO A NEARBY CLINIC PARKING LOT AND LEFT THE CAR. THIS CAR HAS HAD ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE IN A TIMELY MANNER. IT HAS NOT BEEN CRASHED. RECENT WORK INCLUDED DEALER BRAKE FLUID CHANGE AT 47,918 MILES. *TR ## VIN PASSED ## VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2012 TDI SPORTWAGEN ##
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2015, fire
THE FIRST TIME MY RADIO CAUGHT ON FIRE, IT WAS THE SUMMER OF 2014. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WHILE I WAS AT WORK. WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR TO DRIVE HOME, I TURNED STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A EXTREMELY LOUD SOUND, MUCH LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THE MIDDLE DASH WHERE THE RADIO IS LOCATED BEGAN POURING SMOKE. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO "FIXED" THE PROBLEM (THEY REPLACED THE STOCK RADIO FOR ANOTHER VW STOCK RADIO). SPRING OF 2015, THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED. MY CAR WAS PARKED AT WORK, I STARTED THE CAR AND THE RADIO BEGAN POURING SMOKE. I AGAIN, HAD THE ISSUE "FIXED" BY THE DEALERSHIP. AUGUST 2015, AGAIN THIS HAPPENED AND SEPTEMBER 2015 AGAIN. WHEN I INSISTED THAT VW MUST FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE UNDERLYING ISSUE, THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM AFTER THE AUGUST 2015 INCIDENT. WITH THIS INCIDENT NOT ONLY DID THE RADIO BURN OUT, MY BATTERY WAS DRAINED OUT. THE EXPLANATION I WAS GIVEN WAS THAT THE POWER LINE TO THE RADIO WAS NOT SHUTTING OFF, THEREFORE THE RADIO WAS OVERHEATING AND THE BATTERY WAS BEING DRAINED. WITH THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT, I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK ON A MONDAY AND THE RADIO AGAIN CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED OUT ON THE FRIDAY OF THAT SAME WEEK.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2015
I HAVE A 2012 JETTA TDI THAT IS NOW JUST OUT OF BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, EXCEPT THE 10YR/120K COVERAGE EXTENDED ON THE KNOWN POORLY DESIGNED HPFP (INVESTIGATED IN NHTSA ACTION PE10034). I DO A FUEL FILTER CHANGE EARLY 15K FROM THE LAST DEALER CHANGE AT 44500 MILES... AND I FIND METAL PARTICLES IN THE FUEL FILTER. THIS IS NOT NORMAL, AND INDICATION OF WEAR, AND SOURCE IS ALMOST CERTAINLY THE HPFP CAM AND ROLLER/PISTON WHICH IS LUBRICATED AND COOLED BY DIESEL FUEL RECIRCULATED TO THE FILTER VIA BYPASS, AND SOME OF THIS ENDS UP IN THE FUEL TANK, AND WORSE CAN END UP IN THE INJECTORS CAUSING INJECTOR FAILURE, EVEN POSSIBLE BURNED PISTON HEADS AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. I ASSUME THE PATH FORWARD IS DOCUMENT MY FINDINGS, I DID THIS WITH HIGH RESOLUTION DIGITAL PICTURES, PRINTED FOR THE DEALER, AND A PRISTINE WHITE RAG TURNED GREY WITH METAL FILINGS, ALONG WITH THE OLD FILTER DELIVERED FOR THEIR INSPECTION (I EVEN PROVIDED THE VCDS DIAGNOSTIC PRINT OUT FOR THE VEHICLES SELF-DIAGNOSIS). SINCE I DID THE FILTER CHANGE, AND ABOUT 100 MILES AND ONE DAY LATER, THERE IS NO MORE EVIDENCE OF THESE METAL PARTICLES IN THE SYSTEM.. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TRIED, VW WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE A PUMP REPLACEMENT.. SO I CALLED AND VW EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO THEM, THEY DID NOT BOTHER TO RECORD NAME OR VIN, CLEARLY NOT INTERESTED IN CUSTOMER CARE. OFFICIAL VW POLICY SEEMS TO BE TO IGNORE THE METAL FILINGS AND THE CUSTOMER, THEY OFFER A BOGUS EXPLANATION THAT METAL FILINGS COULD COME FROM FILL NOZZLES, OR SOME OTHER SOURCE (UNLIKELY, I ALSO OWN A DIESEL TRUCK, AND WITH LONGER SERVICE TIME, WITH MORE FUEL USED, THERE WERE NO METAL PARTICLES AT NEARLY 30K MILES. I NOW HAVE A CAR I CANT TRUST, KNOWING THE HPFP CAN SUDDENLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING AND LEAVE MY FAMILY STRANDED, EVEN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENS IN A BUSY INTERSTATE, OR WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND EACH TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES IN ORDER TO RESET THE EPC CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2015
CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WOULD NOT RESTART.I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55MPH ON A RURAL ROAD, THANKFULLY THERE WAS NOT A LOT OF TRAFFIC AT THE TIME THE CAR FAILED. THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AS THE ENGINE WAS LOSING POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THE CAR WOULD FAIL LIKE THIS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE THE ROAD IN NEUTRAL. I SUSPECTED A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE SINCE VW HAD JUST SENT OUT A LETTER NOTIFYING ME THAT THE WARRANTY ON THAT PART HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO 120K MILES. AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS A HPFP FAILURE AND I AM WAITING TO FIND OUT IF VW WILL COVER THE REPAIR. WAS TOLD THAT THIS FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM ($8,800.00USD). I DO NOT SEE HOW VW CAN PUT A CAR ON THE ROAD WITH A PART THAT COULD POTENTIALLY FAIL AND CAUSE THIS MUCH DAMAGE.
Air bags, Aug 6, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT SUDDENLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Structure, Aug 4, 2015
COULD NOT OPEN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DUE TO FROZEN ICE INSIDE THE HINGED SPACE BETWEEN DOOR AND FENDER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTHTOWN VOLKSWAGEN IN BUFFALO AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR ANY WARRANTY SOLUTION. THERE WAS A BULLETIN ON THIS EXACT ISSUE. DEALER RESPONSE WAS THAT THE BULLETIN WAS FOR VEHICLES UP TO 2009 AND THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN RECTIFIED SO 2012 DID NOT QUALIFY! OBVIOUSLY THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RECTIFIED. IN OPENING THE DOOR WITH FORCE, THE DOOR SHEET METAL WAS WAS BENT IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER AND NEEDED BODYWORK TOTALING $1,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2015
I PURCHASED MY 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA APPROX OCTOBER 31, 2011. WITHIN THE FIRST 3-4 MONTHS THE CAR COMPUTER SYSTEM LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING. (I WAS UNABLE TO PUT DOWN THE WINDOWS, THE A/C STOP WORKING, ENGINE LIGHTS LID UP ON THE DASHBOARD) SO I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY IMMEDIATELY APOLOGIZED AND KEPT THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. IN 2013 THE STEERING LOCK WENT BAD WHILE DRIVING AND WE COULDN'T TURN THE CAR OFF. THIS HAPPENED AT 6:45PM AFTER THE DEALERSHIP CLOSED. SO THE CAR CONTINUED RUNNING IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE FROM 6:45PM TO 7:30AM WHEN THE DEALERSHIP OPENED. I EXPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP HOW FRUSTRATING, PHYSICALLY, AND MENTALLY DRAINING THAT NIGHT WAS. WE COULDN'T PARK THE CAR IN A GARAGE AND RISK THE GASES GETTING INTO THE HOME SO WE LEFT IT IN FRONT THE HOUSE AND HAD TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT AND WATCH IT SO NO ONE WOULD STEAL IT. THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS A BAD STEERING COLUMN. THE CAR SOMETIMES ACCELERATE FAST ON ITS ON WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL. NOW CURRENTLY THE STERLING LOCK IS GONE BAD ON THE CAR AGAIN. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN AND THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS PART/ISSUE THIS YEAR AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. A STEERING COLUMN GOING BAD IN A CAR EVERY YEAR IS NOT NORMAL. MY PROBLEM IS PAYING FOR THIS FAULTY, DEFECTIVE DANGEROUS CAR. I HAVE INVOICE AND REPAIR INVOICE ON THIS CAR DATING BACK TO THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF OWNING IT. VOLKSWAGEN IS ON A MAJOR COVERUP TO AVOID A MASSIVE RECALL OF SEVERAL OF THE VEHICLES THEY KNOWINGLY ARE PUTTING DRIVERS AT RISK.
Seat belts, Jul 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OUTER CASE WHERE THE SEAT BELT LATCHED WAS CRACKED AND PREVENTED THE SEAT BELT FROM SECURING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Electrical system, Jul 27, 2015
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED. ON ONE OCCASION IT TOOK OVER 7 MINUTES TO REMOVE THE KEY. THIS MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A LONG TIME, BUT SIT IN YOUR CAR AFTER PARKING THEN TIME 7 MINUTES AND YOU'LL SEE HOW FRUSTRATING THIS IS!