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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 27, 2013
THE 2012 VW JETTA 2.5 HAS A VEHICLE DEFECT IN WHICH UPON A NEED FOR ACCELERATION, THE CAR STALLS OUT. WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN; THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. THIS VEHICLE HAS FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS EACH TIME. VW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT EVEN THOUGH OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE DOCUMENTED THIS DEFECT IN A VARIETY OF WEBSITES REGARDING THE PRODUCT. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Jul 25, 2013
2013-07-19 - DRIVING AT 25MPH, ENGINE BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE, ERROR LIGHT COMES ON, ENGINE STOPS COMPLETELY, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE POWER, WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE STREET. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. VW SERVICE TEAM MANAGER ASSERTS METAL SHAVINGS IN FUEL INJECTOR INDICATE CONTAMINATION OF FUEL SYSTEM. DOES NOT INDICATE WHAT DRIVER BEHAVIOR COULD PREVENT THIS, NOR DOES HE DISCLOSE PUBLICIZED TDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS. MOST RECENT FUELING 2013-07-17. FUEL RECEIPT READS: 12.99 GALLON DIESEL 2 PUMP #10 WITH TWO DAYS OF UNEVENTFUL DRIVING PRIOR TO FUEL PUMP FAILURE, SUGGESTS MISFUELING NOT RESPONSIBLE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Jul 7, 2013
(THIS CAR IS A JETTA TDI DIESEL, TDI OPTION IS NOT AVAILABLE IN PULL-DOWN LIST ABOVE) AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY, I SMELLED DIESEL FUEL. PARKED AT DESTINATION AND OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER HOOD AND POOLING ON GROUND. TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED & WAS TOLD TO GET FIRE DEPT THERE TO CLEAN UP SPILL. FIRE DEPT SPREAD MATERIAL ON GROUND AND OPENED CAR HOOD. WE COULD SEE SPRAY MARKS OF FUEL FROM INJECTOR OR LINES, SPRAY MARKS DOWN PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR FROM SPLASHING UP ON HIGHWAY DRIVE I WAS TOLD TO NOT START CAR AND KEEP PERSONS AWAY FROM CAR UNTIL TOW TRUCK CAME. WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT ON TOW TRUCK BED, MORE FUEL GUSHED OUT FROM UNDERBODY OF CAR. CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED ONLY AT VW DEALER, LAST DATE OF 4/12/13. THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS APPROX 50 MILES FROM HOME ON A SATURDAY NIGHT, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER IN THAT TOWN (GRAND RAPIDS, MI). UPON CHECKING FUEL GAUGE IN CAR, IT WAS DOWN 1/8 TO 1/4 OF A TANK FURTHER THAN IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 26, 2013
I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 55 IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, (AROUND 9:15AM CT ON JUNE 26, 2013) TOWARDS RIVERSIDE DRIVE (DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS) WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD BOOM/CRASH SOUND ON THE ROOF OF MY VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2012, WHICH I OWNED FOR 1 WEEK!) AND GLASS SHATTERED AND FELL ALL OVER ME AND THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. I WAS NOT UNDER AN OVERPASS OR BEHIND ANY TRUCKS OR CARS, SO I WAS COMPLETELY TERRIFIED AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. I WAS CRYING AND SHAKING AND PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY TO S PARKWAY AND CALLED 911 TO FILE A REPORT. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE, A NEARBY WITNESS (WHO HAPPENED TO WORK FOR A CAR DEALER) MY BOSS AND MY BOYFRIEND, EVERYONE AGREED THE SUNROOF HAD SOME SORT OF DEFECT THAT CAUSED IT TO SHATTER/COMBUST/EXPLODE. THE GLASS WAS ALL STICKING STRAIGHT UP AND THERE WAS NO SIGN OF AN OBJECT IN OR ON THE CAR. MY BF BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE INSPECTING IT AND REPAIRING IT WHILE I AM IN A RENTAL CAR. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IN A CAR WITH A SUNROOF NOW AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE. VW DRIVERS BEWARE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Jun 15, 2013
RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA FOR "SERVICE ACTION CAMPAIGN CODE: 20T8 SUBJECT: CERTAIN 2009-2012 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES WITH TDI CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE INSTALL MISFUELING GUARD MAY 21, 2013" TO INSTALL THE MISFUELING GUARD VW PART #5K0 201 400. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH JIM ELLIS VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 1860 COBB PKWY S MARIETTA, GA 30060 PH: (770) 955-6565 TO INSTALL THE MISFUELING GUARD. AFTER THE FUEL GUARD WAS INSTALLED, DISCOVERED THAT NONE OF THE DIESEL FUEL NOZZLES AT AREA FUELING STATIONS IN ATLANTA, GA AND CHARLESTON, SC FIT THE MISFUELING GUARD BECAUSE THE NOZZLES ARE TOO SMALL TO DEACTIVATE THE LOCK-OUT MECHANISM. CAR CAN ONLY BE REFUELED WITH EXTREME DIFFICULTY BY VERY SLOWING TRICKLING IN DIESEL FUEL TO AVOID TRIGGERING THE FUEL PUMP BACK-PRESSURE AUTO-SHUTOFF SAFETY FEATURE. REQUIRES 10 TO 15 MINS TO PARTIALLY FUEL THE CAR AND DIESEL FUEL WILL FOAM AND RUN OUT OF THE FUEL TANK NECK. CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA AND JIM ELLIS TO REMOVE THE MISFUELING GUARD, WHO AS OF THIS WRITING, ARE REFUSING TO DO SO PER VW AMERICA DIRECTIVES. INSTEAD, THE DEALER PROVIDED A DIESEL FUEL NOZZLE ADAPTER 000-072-709 WITH LATEX GLOVES, WHICH IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE AVERAGE NON-MECHANICALLY ORIENTED DRIVER AND A HUGE INCONVENIENCE THAT SIGNIFICANTLY DIMINISHES THE VALUE AND UTILITY OF THE VEHICLE. PART MUST NOT BE LOST AND CAREFULLY WIPED DRY AND KEPT CLEAN AFTER EACH USE. A NEW DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF OR UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THE NOZZLE ADAPTER. NEITHER VW AMERICA NOR JIM ELLIS ADVISED ME THE MISFUELING GUARD WOULD NOT FIT A GREAT NUMBER OF DIESEL FUEL NOZZLES COMMONLY FOUND AT AREA REFUELING STATIONS PRIOR TO HAVING IT INSTALLED. HAD I KNOWN THIS, I WOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED THE MISFUELING GUARD TO BE INSTALLED. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Jun 11, 2013
ON 5/31 WE FILLED OUR TDI AFTER GETTING 515 MILES ON OUR PREVIOUS TANK OF FUEL. 5/31 WAS MY LAST DIESEL FILLUP IN MY TDI BEFORE MY ISSUE CAME ABOUT. AT THAT VISIT ON 5/31 WE ADDED 14,207 GALLONS OF FUEL TO OUR 14.5 GALLON TANK. ABOUT 12 DAYS PASSED FROM OUR LAST FILLUP AND AFTER 405 MILES OR 3/4 OF A TANK OF FUEL USAGE SINCE OUR LAST FUEL UP ON 5/31 WE WENT ON SUNDAY 6/9 TO START OUR VEHICLE.IT STARTED AND THEN QUICKLY DIED. WE THEN TRIED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OVER AGAIN AND IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IGNITE SEEMED TO BE A FUEL ISSUE TO MY HUSBAND) BUT IN ALL EFFORTS HE TRIED TO JUMP OUR VEHICLE .... NO FIX. ON MONDAY WE CALLED FOR A TOW WE ARRIVED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALERSHIP GOT OUR CAR INTO THE SHOP... DIAGNOSTICS STATED THAT WE HAD GASOLINE IN OUR DIESEL VEHICLE... AT NO TIME DID WE EVER OR HAVE EVER PUT GASOLINE IN OUR CAR WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 29K MILES AND ARE OTHER DIESEL PRODUCT OWNERS. WE WERE BLAMED OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT WE PUT GASOLINE IN OUR CAR BUT THANKFULLY WE SAVED THE RECEIPT OF OUR LAST FILL UP THAT STATED WE DID PUT DIESEL IN OUR VEHICLE THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY HAD TO DRAIN OUR FUEL TANK AND REPLACE OUR FUEL FILTER.... THIS WOULD BE AT A COST OF ALMOST $300. WE STATED TO THEM WE WANTED A SAMPLE OF THE FUEL DRAINED AND THEY DID GIVE US THIS. OUR ARGUMENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WAS WHY WOULD OUR VEHICLE NOW DECIDED NOT TO START OR RUN AFTER OF A TANK OF FUEL AND ALMOST 420 MILES ON THE TANK OF FUEL. IT SEEMS VERY ODD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS VERY QUICK TO PASS THE BUCK TO THE GAS STATION READING THE REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS STATE THAT THERE ARE KNOWN ISSUES OF THE FUEL SYSTEM IN THE DSG TDI AND STILL HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. I FEEL LIKE I MAY ALSO BE ANOTHER VICTIM OF THIS BLINDED KNOWN CORPORATE PROBLEM. SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Engine, Jun 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT PROVIDE ANY DEFECT CODES NOR DID THE VEHICLE STALL WHILE THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,884. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 4, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ON MODERATE TRAFFIC AT ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES GOT REALLY HARD. I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR BECAUSE THE BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK. MY JETTA HAS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS SET ON "MANUAL WITH NO CLUTCH" WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE THING IS I WASN'T EVEN TOUCHING THAT WHEN THE CAR STALLED. THAT FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER I'D GOTTEN THE CAR FRESH OFF THE DEALERSHIP. I DIDN'T WANT TO ADMIT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR BECAUSE I WAS EXCITED TO HAVE A NEW CAR. I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW AND IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 7 OTHER TIMES. NOW I REALIZE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN THE CAR STALLS THE STEERING WHEELS GETS VERY HARD AND IT MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL OR USE THE BRAKES. I'M NOT HAPPY. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2013
CPSC:I1340048A. 2012 VOLKSWAGEN. CONSUMER STATED THAT VW MADE A SOFTWARE CHANGE TO THE CAR WHICH CAUSED IT TO RACE DANGEROUSLY WHEN THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED OR PUT IN FIRST GEAR. *LN
Seat belts, Apr 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND CENTER SEAT BELTS WERE TEARING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE COST OF PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,608. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2013
I WAS ON AN APPROXIMATELY 6 HOUR ROAD TRIP. APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES FROM MY HOME, MY 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN FLASHING. VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO "LIMP MODE", SLOWING TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY, AND COME TO A STOP AT THE OFF RAMP STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THIS LEFT MY WIFE AND I STRANDED 100 MILES FROM HOME. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP STATED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP "EXPLODED", SENDING METAL SHARDS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE'S FUEL SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP STATES THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY "CONTAMINATED FUEL". A SMALL AMOUNT OF ONLINE RESEARCH REVEALED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLKSWAGEN TDI ENGINES. *TR
Seat belts, Feb 22, 2013
RH REAR SEAT RETRACTABLE BELT FROZE AND WAS INOPERABLE. WHEN RH REAR SEAT WAS IN THE FULLY FLAT FOLDED POSITION, THE INERTIA PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT LOCATED INSIDE THE SEAT BACK FROZE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. WHILE THERE WAS NO PASSENGER AND THE BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED DUE TO THE SEAT BEING FOLDED FOR USE OF THE CARGO SPACE, BY FREEZING THE REAR SEAT COULD NOT BE RETURNED TO THE NORMAL UPRIGHT POSITION FOR PASSENGER USE. SEAT BELT WAS DIAGNOSED AS DEFECTIVE BY DEALER AND REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER 1 MONTH DELAY IN PART AVAILABILITY. *TR
Seat belts, Feb 22, 2013
LH REAR SEAT BELT AND REAR CENTER SEAT BELT RECEPTACLES CAN BE DAMAGED BY FOLDING REAR SEAT INTO THE FULLY FLAT POSITION AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. WHEN FOLDED TO FULLY FLAT POSITION THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN FLOOR AND FOLDED SEAT BACKS. BELT RECEPTACLES CAN RUB AGAINST EACH OTHER AND BE BROKEN FROM HAVING SEATS IN THIS POSITION. VW REPRESENTATIVES HAVE INFORMED THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY THE FACTORY WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Feb 22, 2013
WHEN MAKING A BROKEN U-TURN IN AN ATTEMP TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE GOT STUCK IN REVERSE AND WOULD NOT SHIFT TO PARK OR DRIVE. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN REVERSE, ONCE THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO RE-START. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE TWO TRUCK DRIVER IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE AS A FREQUENT ONE WITH 2012 OR 2013 VW JETTAS. HE SAID THAT THE SHIFT CABLE IN THESE VEHICLES IS UNSTABLE AND CAN BECOME LOOSE, RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF ABILITY TO SHIFT THE CAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND VICE VERSA. THE TECHNICIAN AT VW SPENT 5 MINUTES PUTTING THE SHIFT CABLE BACK IN PLACE, WHICH HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR NOW. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT WITH VW JETTAS AND I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT THE AGENCY CONTACT VW TO FIND OUT WHAT IS BEING DONE TO RECTIFY THE DEFECT. I HAVE CONTACTED VW AS WELL TO INFORM THEM OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2013
2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE IN COLD WEATHER. *SMD THE DEALER INSTALLED A MODIFICATION TO THE TURBO CHARGER INTERCOOLER. *JB
Engine, Feb 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTER COOLER FAILED AND WAS CLOGGED WITH ICE ON BOTH THE INLET AND OUTLET SIDES. WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,050. UPDATED 03/15/13*LJ UPDATED 04/22/2013 *JS
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2013
DRIVING AT 45 MPH CITY HIGHWAY SPEED, IN TRAFFIC, & STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. LIGHT TURNED GREEN, ACCELERATED, CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER & WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TURNED ONTO A SIDE STREET, TURNED OFF ENGINE & LOOKED UP THE WARNING LIGHT IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. "ENGINE PRE-HEAT" WARNING, SOLID, NOT FLASHING. RESTARTED CAR, LIGHT WAS OUT, RESUMED NORMAL TRAVEL ON HIGHWAY, BUT LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. BOTH SOLID. CONTACTED DEALER & WAS TOLD TO BRING IN THE CAR. DURING TRIP TO DEALER GLOW PLUG LIGHT RESUMED FLASHING & CAR LOST POWER ON HILLS. TECH REMOVED FUEL FILTER, FOUND METAL FILINGS, SAID HPFP HAD FAILED & FILLED FUEL SYSTEM WITH METAL PARTICLES. REPAIRS ESTIMATED @ >$7,000. DEALER ORIGINALLY SAID REPAIRS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THEN 2 DAYS LATER SAID THEY WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NO POSSIBILITY OF GASOLINE CONTAMINATION. PURCHASED CAR EXPRESSLY TO FUEL IT WITH 100% VEGETABLE OIL BASED BIODIESEL. DEALER KNEW INTENT & SOLD THE CAR FOR THIS EXPRESS PURPOSE. STILL WORKING WITH DEALER & VW TO RESOLVE WARRANTY ISSUES. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Engine, Jan 24, 2013
CAR LOST POWER AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD . TOWED TO VW DEALER . NO FUEL PRESSURE . REMOVED FUEL FILTER , FULL OF METAL . FUEL PUMPS , FILTER , LINES AND INJECTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOT A MISS FUELING ISSUE. *TR
Engine, Jan 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO IDLE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTART THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jan 11, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND ALL POWER. WITHOUT POWER STEERING IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND TO THE NEAREST VW DEALERSHIP WHO EVALUATED THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE MAIN FUSE HAD MELTED AND BLOWN OUT THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX AND THE ALTERNATOR CABLE HAD MELTED. THE REPAIR INVOICE INDICATES: "FOUND ALTERNATOR CABLE AT FUSE BOX MELTED, REPLACED FUSE PANEL, ALTERNATOR CABLE AND FUSE ON FRONT OF FUSE PANEL. REPLACED WIRING HARNESS. TESTED BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM AND ROAD TESTED CAR. " I BELIEVE THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jan 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF A ROCK STRIKING THE GLASS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THEY WOULD NEED A DEALER TO VERIFY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Tires, Nov 26, 2012
DRIVING BACK FROM THE BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT ON 20/59 WEST TO TUSCALOOSA DRIVING 68 MPH IN A LEASED 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A TIRES, LINE SIZE 205/55R16 91H, DOT# 1GRP DY H2 THE VEHICLE STARTING PULLING HARD LEFT. I DECELERATED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I NOTICED IN REAR VIEW AND THEN SIDE MIRROR BLACK DEBRIS COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR AS I PULLED OFF ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER TIRES SIDE WALL BLEW OUT. THEN TOOK PICTURES OF WHAT WAS LEFT HANGING FROM THE TIRE. THE FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGES TO THE WHEEL WELL. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED BY ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AND THE SPARE TIRE WAS INSTALLED. BOTH THE DEALER QUALITY MAZDA VOLKSWAGEN AND THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7522. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURE OFFERED ANY REASON FOR THE FAILURE OR TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE IN REPLACING THE TIRE. SUGGESTED BUYING ANOTHER TIRE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2012
VOLKS 2012 JETTA TDI. AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROX 55-60 MPH, WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO COME OUT OF GEAR, ENGINE REVVED AND TACHOMETER RED-LINED, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW, BUT OBVIOUSLY NOT LOOSE POWER AS EVIDENCED BY TACHOMETER AND HIGH RPM'S ON ENGINE. AFTER TACHOMETER RED-LINED, TACHOMETER THEN BEGAN TO DROP AND AT ABOUT 5,000 RPM, TRANSMISSION SHIFTED A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THEN OPERATION OF VEHICLE WAS BACK TO NORMAL. ODDLY, CRUISE DID NOT HAVE TO BE RESET AND SEEMED UNAWARE OF THE EVENT THAT HAD JUST OCCURRED. ENTIRE EVENT OCCURRED IN THE SPAN OF ABOUT 5 SECONDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. SERVICE DOCUMENTATION SAYS "WE SCANNED FOR FAULTS AND HAD A SPORADIC FAULT FOR GEAR SHIFT CONTROL MODULE. PERFORMED TEST PLAN AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. WE CLEARED FAULTS." ANOTHER SERVICE SHOWED THE ERROR CODE WITH VERBIAGE SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT OF "LOST COMMUNICATION WITH GEAR SHIFT CONTROL MODULE." DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE GEAR SHIFT CONTROL MODULE AND STATED THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, RETURN AND THEY WILL REPLACE. CLEARLY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, PARTICULARLY WHEN IT OCCURS ON A HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH CONGESTED HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND CLEARLY COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2012
NEW VOLKS JETTA 2012. PURCHASED NEW FROM VOLKS DEALERSHIP WITH APPROX. 40 MILES ON VEHICLE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. SINCE DAY ONE AND CONTINUING THROUGH TODAY WITH 12,000 MILES ON ODOMETER, TRANSMISSION LURCHES AND JERKS, EITHER SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEAR OR SEEMINGLY NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHICH GEAR TO BE IN. USUALLY OCCURS WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED. FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE IN SCHOOL ZONE WITH 20 MPH SPEED LIMIT, CAR WILL LURCH, JERK AND SHUDDER, SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY WITH THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED ABOVE. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT FOR INSTANCE TWO CONDITIONS FREQUENTLY PRESENT. 1. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF DOWNSHIFTING. IN OTHER WORDS, ONCE COMPLETELY STOPPED, YOU CAN FEEL THE TRANSMISSION STILL SHIFTING DOWN THROUGH THE LAST COUPLE OF GEARS. 2. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, CAR IS NOT IN GEAR AND REQUIRES DEPRESSION OF GAS PEDDLE BEFORE CAR WILL ENGAGE IN FIRST GEAR. ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. DEALER CONTINUES TO INSIST THAT TRANSMISSION IS "LEARNING" MY DRIVING HABITS. *TR
Tires, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A TIRES, LINE SIZE 205/55R16, DOT#R1GRPDYH2411. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35MPH THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE AND THE TIRE STARTED LOOSING AIR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDERS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER TIRE'S SIDE WALL BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND TIRE WITHIN EIGHT MONTHS THAT HAD THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGES TO THE WHEEL WELL. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND THE SPARE TIRE WAS INSTALLED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,865.