RoadVitals

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
187
Latest Sep 21, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
31%
of 606 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
11
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 187 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 187, in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Sep 21, 2024

Component/System Failure/Malfunction: ignition switch and starter, possibly transmission Yes, available for inspection upon request. Car has randomly stalled while in motion; ignition and starter switch have been replaced as well as microswitch panel - yet problem persists. Power steering shuts down, steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn. Have to put car in neutral, typically, and try to restart while in motion. Has happened over 100 times; replaced alternator as well. Battery was replaced, brand new, yet was drained multiple times - recharged at Autozone. Vehicle was brought to Larry H. Miller Volkswagen - was advised the problem was fixed, as well as recall repairs (microswitch), paid for the service, went to leave dealership and problem immediately happened again. Complete shut off. Would stay running a little longer while in neutral or AC on. When the vehicle stalls the only light that comes on is the battery light. All other lights and systems work. Ran diagnostic codes through personal mechanic, friend, and dealership... Code states "Key/Ignition/Computer" but unsure what specifically. The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta also does not have the original key fob. May be improper programming? Continued to research all other recalls, services have been completed and yet the problem persists.

NHTSA ID
11615800
Incident
Sep 21, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jul 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the horn was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the alarm system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V196000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11604268
Incident
Jul 24, 2019
ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Jun 17, 2024

Car was being driven and coils snapped caused, tire to pop damaging front end. Car was being driven and randomly shut off in middle of road. Driving vehicle shifting into gear lags, check engine light is on, had reader and said that valve 2 has low pressure. As a result clanking and loose noise sounds are heard when driven from drivers side.

NHTSA ID
11594711
Incident
Aug 17, 2022
AirbagsBrakesElectrical
Filed May 4, 2024

Air bag light came on showing both driver and passenger airbags off without having any collision then pulled into gas station, car was fine pumped gas and tried to start vehicle and couldn't turn key further than interior lights. Was locked in ignition. Also had all brake pads and rotors replaced 1.5 years ago, now service center says they need replaced again already. Diagnostics from VW shoe ignition switch lock cylinder malfunction needs replaced.there are recalls for the airbags and ignition switch cylinder and brakes for my exact year, month,make and model(11 recalls) but shows 0 recalls under vin. Vw wants to charge me $1,200 to fix what should be free under recalls.

NHTSA ID
11586964
Incident
Apr 17, 2024
Electrical
Filed Apr 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact initially linked the failure to a defective battery and the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V196000 (Electrical System) which was then linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it remained. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11581678
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Feb 13, 2024

Door unexpectedly does not close and latch correctly. Had to hold the car door the whole time driving. The driver door and passenger door has done it so far. This needs to look into.

NHTSA ID
11571769
Incident
Jul 12, 2023
Electrical
Filed Jul 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination, while turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle failed to turn off, with the key stuck in the ON position. After several attempts, the contact was able to turn off the vehicle by disconnecting the battery terminals. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who failed to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11533317
Incident
Jul 3, 2023
Mileage
80,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalSteering
Filed Jul 10, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

Unknowns

NHTSA ID
11531243
Incident
Feb 7, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 4, 2023

At various times my car will randomly stall and it's not showing any warning lights to indicate what's wrong or when it will happen.

NHTSA ID
11530329
Incident
Jul 3, 2023
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 3, 2023

The power window never works the way it is suppose to, when I row my window down it MESSES with the speakers for some reason, my wipes don't work all the time and freeze easy. When driving does nor like to shift out of 1st it's got that mk shifter, it will stay in first gear unless the gas is pressed and released fast also can smell like a burnt wire or/ candle was smell. When I try to put the air on the smell becomes worse.

NHTSA ID
11510091
Incident
Mar 3, 2023
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 10, 2022

Lights coming on by themselves while in park position and draining the battery. Replaced battery 3 times in the last 7 months.

NHTSA ID
11496902
Incident
Dec 5, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 3, 2022

Ignition switch. Having a hard time turning car off.

NHTSA ID
11487725
Incident
Sep 29, 2022
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed May 9, 2022

The car turns off while driving and it has put me in several safety problems that I feel could an accident

NHTSA ID
11463834
Incident
May 5, 2022
BrakesElectrical
Filed Apr 16, 2022

The ABS module in this vehicle has failed as the ABS, Traction Control, Airbag, and Brake lights are all on with the brake light flashing. The dealership stated a new module would be needed to have functioning anti lock brakes. In reference to case - NHTSA: 16V913, I believe the same components are the same as the power train did not change between the two vehicles. I am having the same symptoms as stated in this document but there is no recall as of yet.

NHTSA ID
11460999
Incident
Mar 3, 2019
AirbagsElectricalSteering
Filed Nov 21, 2021

Car horn stopped working followed by an airbag sensor light that won't turn off. Seems like the clock spring failed prematurely?

NHTSA ID
11441172
Incident
Sep 30, 2021
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jun 1, 2021

My car would randomly stall while driving, happens both when braking and not braking. When it stalls steering wheel locks up, cannot press gas pedal, and brakes stop working almost. This is incredibly dangerous because while on a road at 50mph+ and my car suddenly stops it can cause a serious accident. The dealer has been able to reproduce it multiple times, and has said it is a common problem. The only warning light that switched on was the battery light after it had stalled. Currently at the VW dealership and was told that it was the fuel filter, was not the problem and car continued to stall more. Not only was a good part replaced but created an even more dangerous situation than before.

NHTSA ID
11419266
Incident
May 13, 2021
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Mar 24, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE FUSIBLE LINK WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILURE CEASED. ONCE THE BATTERY AND FUSIBLE LINK WERE REPLACED, THE DOORS BECAME DIFFICULT TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.

NHTSA ID
11404739
Incident
Feb 17, 2020
Mileage
142,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingOther / unspecified
Filed Dec 9, 2020

I BOT W/ ONLY 40,000 MILES APPROX. I DRIVE ALOT. ITS ABOUT 70,000 NOW. ONE TIRE SENSOR IS OUT AND THE PERSON AT FRIRESTONE SAID THEYLL GO OUT AGAIN AND ITS HARD TO KNOW WHICH TIRE IT IS. THE ELE TRICAL IS A MESS. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. IT IS DEFNITELY ELECTRICAL. THIS CAR IS NOT A GOOD VALUE AS EVERYTHING BREAKS ON IT AND I DONT SPEED AND ADD ADDITIVES AND B\'BABY" IT. I'M 62. IT HAS TO LAST. BUT IT IS NOT. I SEE THERES RECALLS FOR IT CONCERNING ELEECTRICAL, YET THE DEALER SAYS NO NEVER HA DA RECALL. THE NIGHT HALF MY LIGHTS WENT OUT WAS AFTER THANKSGIVING AS I WAS TRAVELING THE GRAPEVINE IN CAL. I WAS LUCKY NOT TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID
11382782
Incident
Nov 30, 2020
BrakesElectricalSeat belts
Filed Dec 7, 2020

MY TIRED WAS PUNCTURED AND THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE SEATBELTS NEVER RETRACT AFTER TAKING THEM OFF THEY JUST HANG THERE. SOMETIMES WHEN I LOCK THE DOORS THE ALARM DOES NOT SOUND OFF INDICATING THE ALARM IS SET, ALSO MY HORN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO BUT NEVER WHEN IT SHOULD, FOR INSTANCE THERE WAS A CAR COMING UP THE STREET THE WRONG WAY AND MY CAR FAILED TO CREATE SOUND FROM THE HORN FOR ME TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER. MY CAR COULD BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY NONE OF THE ABOVE WORKS, MY BRAKES HAVE WENT OUT A FEW TIMES WHILE I WAS IN MOTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AS WELL. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WAY BEFORE THE DATE I LISTED BELOW BUT I JUST THOUGHT THESE WERE NORMAL ISSUES I NEED TO GET FIXED ON MY OWN BUT WHO KNEW IT WAS A RECALL ISSUE ALL ALONG.

NHTSA ID
11378392
Incident
Dec 6, 2020
Mileage
75,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 28, 2020

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING THEN STOPPED BLINKING AND IS NOW ON ALONG WITH THE EPC CODE. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN 2 YEARS MY VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS SO I KNOW ITS THE IGNITION COILS CAUSING A MISFIRE. MY VEHICLE NOW SHAKES WHEN IM STOPPED AND HAS A TICKING SOUND AT RED LIGHTS, THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS IS WAY TO MANY TIMES FOR MY IGNITION COILS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID
11361634
Incident
Sep 28, 2020
Mileage
22,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 30, 2020

2 MONTHS AGO KEY GOT STUCK IN IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE KEY WILL NOT T URN TO OFF POSITION AND CAR KEEPS RUNNING. IT HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES THEN YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED 5 TIMES. CAR HAD TO BE STALLED MANUALLY IN ORDER FOR IT TO STOP RUNNING. THE KEY WOULD THEN COME OUT OF IGNITION. THIS IS BECOMING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. AM TAKING TO DEALER TO GET FIXED HOPEFULLY

NHTSA ID
11342352
Incident
Jul 29, 2020
Mileage
130,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 30, 2020

HORN DOESN'T WORK ON THE STEERING WHEEL. AIR BAG LIGHT FREQUENTLY FAILS TO INITIALLY ILLUMINATE WHEN FIRST STARTING THE CAR. CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. ONE WOULD BELIEVE THERE IS A CLOCK SPRING ISSUE. HOW MY SPECIFIC JETTA WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL OF CLOCK SPRINGS IS CONCERNING.

NHTSA ID
11342292
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Mileage
90,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 2, 2020

IGNITION/KEY WILL NOT TURN BACKWARDS TO TURN THE CAR OFF. IT ACTS AS IF IT IS JAMMED OR STUCK. I'VE HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE RUNNING FOR 15-30 MINS WITH SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN IT OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS.

NHTSA ID
11337261
Incident
May 1, 2020
Electrical
Filed Jun 15, 2020

FIRST FEW TIMES MY KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION WITH THE CAR ON AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF FOR A LONG TIME. NOW I CAN PUT THE KEY IN BUT WONT LET ME TURN IT ON. MY CONCERN IS IF MY CAR FINALLY TURNS ON AND THE KEYS GETS STUCK AGAIN AND CANT TURN OFF MY VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM STARTED SO I LOOKED UP MY RECALLS AND GOT ONE RECALL DONE THIS MONTH ON THE MICRO SWITCH THEN MY CAR WAS OK FOR A FEW DAY AND JUST STARTED MESSING UP AGAIN. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
11329084
Incident
Jun 9, 2020
Mileage
95,654 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 8, 2020

KEY IS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND VERY HARD TO TURN AFTER YOU GET IT LOOSE. *TR

NHTSA ID
11327804
Incident
May 20, 2020
Mileage
124,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .