Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2013 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is electrical system problems (104 complaints). 28 complaints involved crashes. 12 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V679000
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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: 19V615000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
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."
Risk: 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.
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: 15V483000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: 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.
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: 14E007000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V656000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
Risk: 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.
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: 11V196000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
Risk: 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.
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: 11V490000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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.
Risk: 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.
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: 11E036000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
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
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
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: 20E064000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 639)
Electrical System →4 issues
Your car is shutting off unexpectedly while you're driving at various speeds without any warning. You replaced the battery thinking that was the problem, but the car continues to shut off. You discovered this issue is related to a known electrical system defect (NHTSA Campaign 11V196000), but your vehicle wasn't included in the recall, so the dealer wasn't able to repair it. The underlying electrical system problem likely needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician.
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Your car's electrical system is shutting down while you're driving, which has caused dangerous situations at night. This is a serious problem that needs immediate attention, as losing electrical power while driving can result in loss of headlights, power steering, and other critical functions. The issue likely involves a faulty alternator, battery connection, or wiring problem that's causing power to cut out intermittently.
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Your horn stopped working while driving, and replacing it multiple times didn't fix the problem. Your alarm system also became inoperable. The dealer determined the issue is in your electrical system rather than the horn itself, but didn't repair it. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and repairing the underlying electrical wiring or control module that powers both the horn and alarm.
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Your car's ignition key got stuck in the ON position and wouldn't turn off, even after several attempts. You had to disconnect the battery terminals to shut down the vehicle. The dealer wasn't able to find and fix the problem, so your car never received a repair.
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Service Brakes →2 issues
Your car's ABS (anti-lock braking) system completely failed without any warning lights to alert you beforehand. The dealership confirmed the ABS would have failed during an emergency stop, making your car unsafe to drive. The system requires complete replacement of the ABS control module.
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While driving on the freeway at 70 mph, you noticed a burning smell followed by your front brakes locking up, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. Your front tires began smoking heavily and the brake components (rotor, caliper, and rim) glowed red-hot, melting the tire and catching fire. You extinguished the fire with water and the car would not move after cooling. This indicates a serious brake system failure that requires immediate inspection and repair of the front brake components.
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Engine →2 issues
Your engine stalls unexpectedly while driving on regular roads and highways, with no warning lights to alert you beforehand. This is a known issue affecting 2011 VW Jettas and creates a safety risk of accidents. A dealership has confirmed the problem and replaced two sensors, but the stalling continues to happen.
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Your car's EGR valve (which controls emissions) is getting stuck in either the open or closed position. This can cause rough idling, reduced fuel economy, or difficulty starting. The fix will likely involve cleaning or replacing the stuck EGR valve.
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Structure,vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car didn't fully engage in park after you exited the vehicle, causing it to roll down a hill and hit a tree. You've confirmed this is a known recall issue, but Volkswagen has refused to investigate further or accept responsibility. There were no warning lights before this happened.
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car randomly stalls while driving, and when it does, the power steering cuts out, making the steering wheel very hard to turn. This has happened over 100 times despite replacing the ignition switch, starter, microswitch panel, alternator, and battery—even the dealership couldn't fix it permanently. The diagnostic codes point to an ignition or computer issue, and since your car doesn't have the original key fob, improper key programming may be the culprit. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the ignition system circuit, reprogramming the key fob, or addressing a deeper electrical or computer control module problem.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension,electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your car experienced multiple serious issues: a suspension coil snapped, which caused a tire to fail and damage the front end. While driving, your engine randomly shut off in the middle of the road. You're also experiencing delayed shifting, and your check engine light indicates low pressure in valve 2, which is causing clanking and loose noises from the driver's side when driving.
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Electrical System,air Bags,service Brakes →1 issue
Your airbag warning light turned on indicating both driver and passenger airbags were disabled, even though you hadn't been in a collision. When you tried to start the car at a gas station, the key became stuck in the ignition and wouldn't turn past the position that powers interior lights. A VW diagnostic found the ignition switch lock cylinder is faulty and needs replacement. Additionally, your brake pads and rotors were replaced 1.5 years ago but the service center says they need replacement again already. You've discovered there are 11 recalls for your vehicle's exact year, month, make, and model covering airbags, the ignition switch, and brakes, but your VIN shows zero recalls in the system, and VW is charging you $1,200 for repairs that should be covered under recall.
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Steering,electrical System,air Bags →1 issue
Your car was involved in a crash. After the incident, there may be issues with the steering, electrical system, and airbags, though the specific problems aren't detailed in this report. Your vehicle should be inspected by a technician to check for hidden damage to these safety-critical systems.
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Electrical System,exterior Lighting,service Brakes →1 issue
Your car's F16 fuse in the engine bay is melting, which supplies power to your exterior lights and ABS brake system. When this fuse melts, it can also damage the fuse tray itself and potentially disable your ABS brakes. The fix will likely involve replacing the fuse with a higher-quality unit and inspecting the fuse tray and wiring for damage.
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Electrical System,structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car doors are not closing and latching properly — both the driver and passenger doors have had this problem. You've had to hold the door shut while driving, which is unsafe and needs immediate attention. The issue likely involves the door latch mechanism or striker plate that needs adjustment or replacement.
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Engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is producing white smoke from the engine, which is related to a known recall issue with the emission system. The dealer has been unwilling to perform the recall repair, even though your mechanic has confirmed the problem. Getting this addressed will likely involve having the dealer or a qualified mechanic complete the emission system recall work.
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Steering,air Bags →1 issue
After having your Jetta serviced at a Volkswagen dealership, multiple warning codes appeared related to the steering and airbag systems (codes B116829, 00778, and P1698). These codes were triggered following the service visit. Diagnosing these codes will likely require a dealership scan tool to identify what went wrong during the service and reset or repair the affected systems.
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car is randomly shutting off while you're driving, and a battery warning light appears on the dashboard each time. After you restart the engine, the light disappears until the car shuts off again—this cycle repeats unpredictably. You've already replaced several parts but haven't found the root cause. The issue likely involves the electrical charging system, so a mechanic will need to test the alternator, battery, and related wiring.
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Electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your car stalls while driving in traffic and accelerates slowly. The service department found a contaminated fuel system, but you've also experienced electrical problems where the radio was draining your battery even when the car was parked and the keys were removed, preventing the car from starting. The issue appears to involve both the electrical system and the diesel engine. Fixing this will likely require fuel system cleaning or replacement and electrical diagnostics to stop the battery drain.
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Electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your car randomly stalls at unpredictable times without any warning lights appearing on the dashboard. Since there are no error codes being displayed, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. The issue could involve the electrical system or engine components, and a diagnostic scan would be needed to identify the problem.
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