NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
At a glance
This page covers 12 recalls, 606 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
25–32 mpg combined
7.4–9.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical problems are the most common theme across 2011 Jetta complaints, with owners reporting a wide range of failures including ABS control module failure, ignition and starter malfunctions, inoperative horns, and alarm system failures. Several owners describe the ABS module failing without any warning lights, leaving them unaware the system wasn't functional. Stalling while in motion comes up repeatedly, sometimes accompanied by power steering shutting down mid-drive, making the wheel hard to turn. The diesel fuel system ranks second by volume, where owners report issues consistent with fuel delivery or injection problems. A smaller but notable group of complaints involves the broader fuel and propulsion system. The ignition and stalling pattern is worth noting specifically, some owners report replacing multiple components without resolving the underlying issue, with the car continuing to stall unpredictably at speed.
606
Total Complaints
27
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has 12 recalls, the most serious including a fuel leak on diesel models where a cracked injector line can allow diesel fuel to escape near ignition sources and start a fire, and an electrical fuse layout where a single blown fuse can cut power to the engine management system, headlights, and wipers while driving.
The transmission has two related concerns: a buildup on the shift lever switch can cause the car to report itself as being in Park when it is not, allowing the key to be removed and the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not set. On the suspension side, rear trailing arms that were damaged in a prior crash but not fully replaced can fracture suddenly, affecting rear axle control.
The driver's frontal airbag has a separate concern: debris can contaminate the clock spring, the coiled cable that keeps the airbag connected while the steering wheel turns, and a broken connection there means the airbag may not deploy in a crash. There is also a recall covering aftermarket water pumps sold through certain auto parts retailers, where a faulty pump can cause the timing belt to fail and the engine to shut off without warning.
Stainless steel exhaust tips, whether dealer-installed at import or sold as accessories, can extend past the end of the factory exhaust pipe and burn anyone who brushes against them. A separate compliance-related recall covers labeling and regulatory documentation across several model years.
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
During internal evaluation, modifications were made to these vehicles that may prevent them from meeting all applicable safety and emissions regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified and can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch can make the transmission incorrectly sense it's in Park when it isn't, allowing the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is in another gear.
What the fix does
A dealer will install a new shift lever micro switch and control unit to correct the transmission sensing issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Debris may contaminate and tear the air bag clock spring—a spiral cable that powers the driver's front air bag during steering wheel turns—causing the air bag to lose electrical connection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the clock spring if the air bag light is off, or replace the clock spring if the light is on. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear axle trailing arms may be weakened by unrepaired damage from rear or side-rear crashes. A weakened arm could suddenly break, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will add a reinforcing metal inlay to both rear trailing arms to help prevent loss of control if a trailing arm breaks.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pulley or sprocket on these aftermarket water pumps may develop tiny cracks, which can cause the timing belt to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain 2.0L diesel engines, fuel injection pulses can match the natural vibration frequency of injector line #2 under specific driving conditions, creating extra stress on the fuel line.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will replace the #2 injector line with an improved version and install vibration dampers on all injector lines to prevent resonance.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Aftermarket stainless steel exhaust tips may extend beyond the factory exhaust pipe, creating a burn hazard if contacted while warm.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the exhaust tips and replace them with updated versions if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The stainless steel exhaust tips may extend beyond the factory exhaust pipes, creating a risk of contact with a person's leg.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the exhaust tips at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles have stainless steel exhaust tips that extend longer than the factory exhaust pipes, which could contact a person's leg.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the stainless steel exhaust tips as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The converter box shares a fuse with the signal horn and anti-theft alarm. If that fuse blows, the converter box loses power, shutting off the engine management system, lights, and wipers.
What the fix does
Dealers will separate the horn and theft alarm wiring from the converter box and connect them to individual fuses instead.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The converter box shares a fuse with the horn and anti-theft alarm. If this fuse blows, the converter box loses power, shutting off the engine management system, headlamps, and wipers. While driving, this causes the engine to stall and headlamps and wipers to stop working unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will separate the horn and theft alarm wiring from the converter box power supply and connect them to separate fuses.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
