This page covers 5 recalls, 498 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 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 8 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2012 Jetta, electrical system complaints make up the largest share of what owners report, with ignition-related problems showing up repeatedly. Owners describe keys that won't turn in the ignition, keys that can't be removed after the vehicle is off, and warning lights illuminating alongside these failures. Some owners report needing to manipulate fuses or battery connections just to get the car started. The clock spring is another recurring electrical complaint, with owners describing loss of horn function and concerns about airbag readiness. Engine and fuel system complaints follow, and a notable pattern there involves the high-pressure fuel pump, owners report the engine sputtering, stalling, and failing to restart, sometimes with descriptions of metal debris contaminating the fuel system and repair estimates running into the thousands.
498
Total Complaints
24
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has 5 recalls, the most serious being a diesel fuel line that can develop small cracks and leak fuel near ignition sources, creating a fire risk.
A separate electrical concern affects automatic transmission models with a manual handbrake and keyless entry: the ignition allows the key to be removed while the shifter is out of Park, which can lead to an unintended rollaway. On the safety equipment side, debris can contaminate the clock spring, a ribbon cable that keeps the driver's airbag powered as the steering wheel turns, and a loss of connection there means the airbag may not deploy in a crash. Two lower-severity recalls round out the list: one affects Jetta GLI models and involves a daytime running light system that can be switched off when it should not be, and another covers a set of regulatory compliance requirements where non-conformance raises the general risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
At a glance
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.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
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
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
The daytime running lights can be turned off, making your vehicle less visible to other drivers and pedestrians during the day, which could increase crash risk.
What the fix does
Your dealer will reprogram the vehicle's body control module to fix the daytime running light system.
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.
