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Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018

Mk6 (A6) · Typ 1B / PQ35-derived 'New Compact Sedan' (US-specific)

NHTSA data through 13 August 20263,683 complaints, 2,619 with mileageMethod

Reports with mileage
2,619
Median of reported failures
50,000 mi
Most-reported system
Electrical system (19.0%)
Recalls
19

Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 21,033 and 78,500 miles.

Figure 1 · Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018 · 2,619 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 302 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018Histogram of 2,619 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 5,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 5,000 miles with 302 complaints, 11.5 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 21,033 and 78,500 miles. A further 2 complaints, 0.1 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 50,100.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 2 complaints (0.1%), plotted separately
10%
3,300
25%
21,033
Median
50,100
75%
78,500
90%
105,000

Tallest bin: 302 complaints between 0 and 5,000 miles. Based on 2,619 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 5,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–5,00030211.5%
5,000–10,0001054.0%
10,000–15,000973.7%
15,000–20,0001054.0%
20,000–25,000953.6%
25,000–30,000803.1%
30,000–35,000923.5%
35,000–40,0001475.6%
40,000–45,0001194.5%
45,000–50,0001214.6%
50,000–55,0001375.2%
55,000–60,0001044.0%
60,000–65,0001576.0%
65,000–70,0001214.6%
70,000–75,0001124.3%
75,000–80,000913.5%
80,000–85,000843.2%
85,000–90,000772.9%
90,000–95,000923.5%
95,000–100,000401.5%
100,000–105,000742.8%
105,000–110,000281.1%
110,000–115,000471.8%
115,000–120,000200.8%
120,000–125,000361.4%
125,000–130,000180.7%
130,000–135,000301.1%
135,000–140,00090.3%
140,000–145,000160.6%
145,000–150,00070.3%
150,000–155,000150.6%
155,000–160,00070.3%
160,000–165,000100.4%
165,000–170,00020.1%
170,000–175,00050.2%
175,000–180,00080.3%
180,000–185,00030.1%
190,000–195,00030.1%
195,000–200,00010.0%
200,000+20.1%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Owners filed 3,683 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2,619 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 21,033 and 78,500 miles. The median is 50,100 miles.

The most-reported areas are the electrical system (19.0% of complaints, typically around 55,000 miles), the engine (14.0% of complaints, typically around 52,000 miles), problems owners could not categorise (11.9% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).

19 recall campaigns cover this generation.

If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.

How many miles does a 2011–2018 Volkswagen Jetta last?

Half of the failure reports on the 2011–2018 Volkswagen Jetta were filed by 50,000 miles and 90% by 105,000 miles — figures drawn from 2,619 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.

2 reports (0.1%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Jetta reached that mileage, not that it died there.

Before you buy a 2011–2018 Jetta: the 3-minute check

Generated from 2,619 mileage-tagged complaints, 19 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 19 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  2. Check emissions / engine control on 2011–2015 cars. 2.0L TDI defeat device: engine control software detected emissions testing and reduced NOx output only during the test. EPA and CARB notices led to a buyback and modification program covering EA189 TDI vehicles.
  3. Check fuel system on 2011–2015 cars. Common Rail TDI high-pressure fuel pump failure contaminating the fuel system with metal.
  4. Check cooling on 2014–2018 cars. EA888 Gen3 1.8T water pump and thermostat housing failures (plastic housing cracks and leaks).
  5. Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
  6. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 21,000 and 78,000 miles, with a median of 50,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the electrical system and the engine are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The engine in particular shows a median failure mileage of 52,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

What fails, and when

Figure 2 · Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Steering158 reports51,00023,000–78,000Steering: 158 reports, median 51,000 miles, middle half 23,000 to 78,000 miles.
  2. Engine514 reports52,00022,000–78,000Engine: 514 reports, median 52,000 miles, middle half 22,000 to 78,000 miles.
  3. Transmission and driveline378 reports52,00016,000–85,000Transmission and driveline: 378 reports, median 52,000 miles, middle half 16,000 to 85,000 miles.
  4. Fuel and propulsion system277 reports52,00032,000–80,000Fuel and propulsion system: 277 reports, median 52,000 miles, middle half 32,000 to 80,000 miles.
  5. Electrical system700 reports55,00034,000–81,000Electrical system: 700 reports, median 55,000 miles, middle half 34,000 to 81,000 miles.
  6. Airbag system189 reports56,00030,000–80,000Airbag system: 189 reports, median 56,000 miles, middle half 30,000 to 80,000 miles.
  7. Problems owners could not categorise440 reports60,00040,000–83,000Problems owners could not categorise: 440 reports, median 60,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 83,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Electrical system70019.0%55,00034,000–81,000
Engine51414.0%52,00022,000–78,000
Problems owners could not categorise44011.9%60,00040,000–83,000
Transmission and driveline37810.3%52,00016,000–85,000
Fuel and propulsion system2777.5%52,00032,000–80,000
Airbag system1895.1%56,00030,000–80,000
Steering1584.3%51,00023,000–78,000
Brakes1534.2%38,0009,500–75,000
Fuel system, diesel1163.1%21,0008,000–45,000
Exterior lighting1082.9%60,00039,000–77,000

Where your car sits

Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.

Figure 3 · Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018 · 2,619 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018Of 2,619 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 5,000-mile bin edge. 57 percent below 60,000 miles. 82 percent below 90,000 miles. 93 percent below 120,000 miles. Median 50,100 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 57% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 82% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 93% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it below

The staircase tops out at 100%: the remaining 0.1% of reports (2) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

At 60,000 miles

57% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

In the reporting window

  • Electrical system — middle half 34,000–81,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 22,000–78,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 40,000–83,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 16,000–85,000 mi
  • Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 32,000–80,000 mi
  • Airbag system — middle half 30,000–80,000 mi
  • Steering — middle half 23,000–78,000 mi

At 90,000 miles

82% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Electrical system — median 55,000 mi
  • Engine — median 52,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — median 60,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 52,000 mi
  • Fuel and propulsion system — median 52,000 mi
  • Airbag system — median 56,000 mi
  • Steering — median 51,000 mi

At 120,000 miles

93% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Electrical system — median 55,000 mi
  • Engine — median 52,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — median 60,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 52,000 mi
  • Fuel and propulsion system — median 52,000 mi
  • Airbag system — median 56,000 mi
  • Steering — median 51,000 mi

Which systems, and when

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 50,100 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The electrical system accounts for 19.0% of complaints (700 reports, 526 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 55,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 34,000 and 81,000 miles.

The engine accounts for 14.0% of complaints (514 reports, 372 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 52,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 22,000 and 78,000 miles.

Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 11.9% of complaints (440 reports, 273 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 60,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 40,000 and 83,000 miles.

The transmission and driveline accounts for 10.3% of complaints (378 reports, 246 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 52,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 16,000 and 85,000 miles.

The fuel and propulsion system accounts for 7.5% of complaints (277 reports, 198 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 52,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 32,000 and 80,000 miles.

The airbag system accounts for 5.1% of complaints (189 reports, 116 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 56,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 30,000 and 80,000 miles.

Differences between model years

Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2011 model year drew the most — 880 complaints — while 2018 drew the fewest at 38. The median year sits at 418.

That makes 2011 an outlier: roughly 2.1 times the median year of this generation. A single year standing that far apart usually reflects either a first-year issue that was later corrected, or a component change introduced for that year. Anyone shopping this generation has a straightforward reason to prefer a different year, all else being equal.

Recalls and what they cover

NHTSA records 19 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (3), equipment (3), the engine and its cooling system (3). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Reported severity

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 3,683 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
200 (5.4%)
Fires
46
Injury reports
112
Fatality reports
1

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Documented problems

Emissions / Engine Control 2011–2015

2.0L TDI defeat device: engine control software detected emissions testing and reduced NOx output only during the test. EPA and CARB notices led to a buyback and modification program covering EA189 TDI vehicles.

Fuel System 2011–2015

Common Rail TDI high-pressure fuel pump failure contaminating the fuel system with metal.

Cooling 2014–2018

EA888 Gen3 1.8T water pump and thermostat housing failures (plastic housing cracks and leaks).

By model year

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileage
2011880709
2012692569
2013739482
2014552382
2015284180
2016249141
2017249146
20183810

Recalls (19) — is your car included?

Recalls are fixed free of charge at any dealer, for any owner. Check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The text below is NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Mar 2021 · 2016–2018 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.

    What can happen. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

    NHTSA campaign 20V648000, reported 2021-03-31.

  2. Nov 2019 · 2011–2018 · Electrical SystemRemoving the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended…

    The defect. 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."

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V615000, reported 2019-11-19.

  3. Nov 2019 · 2011–2015 · Other or unspecifiedIf the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 19V679000, reported 2019-11-06.

  4. Jul 2017 · 2017 · EquipmentThe mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

    What can happen. The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.

    The free fix. Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 06A8.

    NHTSA campaign 17V352000, reported 2017-07-06.

  5. Mar 2017 · 2017 · EquipmentOverloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    What can happen. Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.

    NHTSA campaign 17V136000, reported 2017-03-30.

  6. Mar 2017 · 2017 · EquipmentOverloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    What can happen. Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B8

    NHTSA campaign 17V137000, reported 2017-03-20.

  7. Feb 2017 · 2017 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the…

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.

    What can happen. If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F4.

    NHTSA campaign 17V070000, reported 2017-02-16.

  8. Sep 2016 · 2016 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.

    What can happen. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.

    NHTSA campaign 16V403000, reported 2016-09-16.

  9. Mar 2016 · 2015–2016 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to…

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

    What can happen. If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

    NHTSA campaign 15V705000, reported 2016-03-09.

  10. Jan 2016 · 2011–2014 · Air BagsA loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 15V483000, reported 2016-01-15.

  11. Nov 2015 · 2015 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the…

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen's number for this recall is 69L6.

    NHTSA campaign 15V627000, reported 2015-11-20.

  12. Apr 2015 · 2011–2013 · SuspensionThe reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 14V656000, reported 2015-04-07.

  13. Feb 2015 · 2014–2015 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    What can happen. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

    NHTSA campaign 15V028000, reported 2015-02-09.

  14. Jan 2015 · 2015 · Exterior LightingInsufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured July 11, 2014, to November 13, 2014. Due to incorrect software within the headlight control module, the low beam headlights may turn off when high beam lights are turned on. As a result, the light output from the headlights may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    What can happen. Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the headlight control module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57F6.

    NHTSA campaign 14V790000, reported 2015-01-22.

  15. Nov 2014 · 2015 · SeatsUnexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.

    What can happen. Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F1.

    NHTSA campaign 14V670000, reported 2014-11-19.

  16. Apr 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainThe leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.

    The defect. Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.

    What can happen. The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.

    NHTSA campaign 14V182000, reported 2014-04-16.

  17. Nov 2011 · 2011 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.

    The defect. Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Jetta sedan vehicles manufactured from march 18, 2010, through august 22, 2011. Some vehicles had a stainless steel exhaust tip installed at the port during importation. 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.

    What can happen. If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 11V466000, reported 2011-11-30.

  18. Nov 2011 · 2011–2012 · Fuel System, DieselDue to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel…

    The defect. 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

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 11V490000, reported 2011-11-15.

  19. Apr 2011 · 2011 · Electrical SystemShould this happen while the vehicle is being driven, the engine could stall, or the headlights or wipers…

    The defect. Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2011 Jetta vehicles, manufactured from march 2010 through march 2011. These vehicles may have an electrical wiring and fuse layout where the converter box is protected by the same fuse used by the signal horn and the anti-theft alarm system. Should that fuse be blown, the converter box will be disconnected from the power supply which, in turn, will shut off applications such as the engine management system, lighting system, and wipers.

    What can happen. Should this happen while the vehicle is being driven, the engine could stall, or the headlights or wipers could turn off unexpectedly, potentially leading to a crash without warning.

    The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners when sufficient quantities of repairs kits are available. Dealers will separate the wiring for the horn and the theft protection horn from the power supply of the converter box and route the wires to separate fuses to correct the condition free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during april 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    NHTSA campaign 11V196000, reported 2011-04-21.

What owners reported

When driving car the engine will stall and lock up the power steering. It may happen 3-4 times within in 3 mile distance. It has been taken to two different auto repair shops one of which deals only with german motors. The problem cannot be diagnosed. After replacing the fuel pump and crank shaft sensor the problem…

2011 · Fuel and propulsion system

the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated there are times when the accelerator pedal was engaged, but the vehicle does not accelerate immediately. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer three times and was told the failure could not be duplicated. The failure…

2011 · 10 miles · Throttle and speed control

2011 Jetta sportwagen tdi rear hatch had a leak causing tailgate to fill with water. Brought back to the dealer three times. 1St time-replaced window and seal 2nd time-replaced third break light and gasket 3rd time-said there was a bad weld and replaced entire tailgate. The leak resulted in a high amount of moisture…

2011 · 15 miles · Body structure

This 2011 vw sportwagen tdi (diesel)would easily stall in first gear. Since the first test drive we were told at the dealership, this manual transmission takes getting used to. I have a friend who owns a 2011 golf tdi with a similar issue. However, even though i became more accustomed to driving it, i would still…

2011 · 20 miles · Transmission and driveline

Built from 2,619 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page

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