2011 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical18723.6%
- Fuel system16620.9%
- Engine11514.5%
- Powertrain (other)465.8%
- Exterior lighting415.2%
- Driver assistance415.2%
- Airbags364.5%
- Brakes283.5%
- Visibility263.3%
- Steering232.9%
- Body & structure192.4%
- Other / unspecified151.9%
- Tires & wheels141.8%
- Interior & seats121.5%
- Seat belts91.1%
- Transmission81.0%
- Suspension70.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I recently bought a 2011 volkswagen jetta tdi last owner wasn't aware of recalls, car started throwing white smoke, my local service mecanics NORTHWEST EXPRESS AUTO CARE let me know that the problem is a recall on emission need to fix but dealer don't want to do it
It's the transmission when the mph needle just Bob's constantly, when sometime up to 60 mph the rps stays above the three for at least 15 sec before sometimes going down others have to push the gas pedal fast to shift gears. Constant thud sound from the motor and more condensation then should be coming from tailpipe.the odor coming from the air vents is absolutely nauseating.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
EGR is getting stuck open / closed
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
This engine or transmission is acting odd it boggs down for no reason and I know for a fact there should be a recall from the wiring harness back in 2011. I accidentally clicked it was fixed when I pushed the wrong button and it wouldnt let me undue it. Stalls white smoke out the tail pipes in gusts. Foul smell in vents
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Lights coming on by themselves while in park position and draining the battery. Replaced battery 3 times in the last 7 months.
MY LIGHTS FAILED ABRUPTLY. WHEN DRIVING MY CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Because of recall, car was not engaged in park completely like it stated after I got out it rolled away down the hill and hit a tree, therefore the recall caused my accident. Yes the problem has been confirmed it is a recall. No it has not been inspected by dealer or police. Volkswagen will not engage in any further investigations they say it's my fault. There were no warning lamps.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code B116829 Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code 00778 Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code P1698 Car codes triggered after servicing in VW dealership.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS Control Module total failure No warnings appeared prior to the total failure of the ABS Control Module to indicate that the car needed servicing. ABS would have failed in an emergency braking according to the dealership. Just driving the car without knowing the ABS had issues put my family at risk. After the lights appeared I took it to the dealership who performed the diagnostics and determined that the ABS needed total replacement and advised that the car was not safe to drive. Lights appeared after the failure. There were no brake issues' warning lights prior to the failure. For at least 8 years I've complained that my brakes screeched and for years I was told that my brakes were fine. I've had diagnostics done on the car and not once were issues found with the ABS system. To realize that my car has no warning indicator for a major safety feature such as the brakes until that ABS components' total failure is horrifying. Yet when my tires need air a light appears. There were previous ABS recalls on other Volkwagen Jetta models/years that my car VIN was not part of.
driving on freeway (speed around 70mph) out of nowhere i start smelling strange burning smell then about 1 minute later the car brakes lock up in the front and I loose control of car but luckily it was in light traffic and I regained control enough to get it off to the shoulder. I got out to address the issue and notice the front tires smoking alot and it was at night and the inside (rotor, brake caliper, and rim were glowing bright red and the heat was melting the tire". Then I notice a flame and grabbed a bottle water and applied the tire and extinguish it. I sat there for a good 30 minutes to let everything cool down and the car would not move. "THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFTEY RECALL" AND IF IT'S NOT IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED A.S.A.P PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH VOLKSWAGON! AND HAVE THIS SERIOUS SAFTEY ISSUE CORRECTED thank you.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STARTED POURING RAIN. I TRIED TO TURN ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THE VW JETTA 2011 AND THEY DID NOT MOVE. I LOST VISIBILITY IN SECONDS AT 50MPH AND THANK GOODNESS, WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE ANYONE WAS HURT BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING AND A CLOSE CALL. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK IN THE COLD, APPARENTLY, WHICH TO ME SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS!
STOPPED WORKING. WIPER MOTOR MALFUNCTION. BLADES STOPPED MID SWIPE, SITTING ON THE WINDSHIELD.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code B116829 Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code 00778 Volkswagen Jetta NAR trouble code P1698 Car codes triggered after servicing in VW dealership.
Unknowns
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Because of recall, car was not engaged in park completely like it stated after I got out it rolled away down the hill and hit a tree, therefore the recall caused my accident. Yes the problem has been confirmed it is a recall. No it has not been inspected by dealer or police. Volkswagen will not engage in any further investigations they say it's my fault. There were no warning lamps.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE MECHANIC, HOWEVER, INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
P 205/55R16 Front side tire has developed cracks/cuts along side wall. Bought tires recently from NTB-National Tire & Battery in Forest City, NC. I don't know how safe is to drive like this?
EXTREME CRACKING OF TIRE SIDEWALL, ADJACENT TO THE BEAD AREA OF HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A. SIZE: 205/55R16 91H. DOT 1 GRP DY H 0211 THIS TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A NEW 2011 VW JETTA SPORTWAGON TDI. IT HAD NEVER BEEN TAKEN OFF THE RIM AND WAS USED DURING NON-WINTER MONTHS ONLY, WITH APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES OF USE. THE DEFECT IS ON THE INNER SIDEWALL AND WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THE WINTER WHEELS/TIRES WERE BEING PUT ON THE CAR. IT IS FORTUNATE THAT THIS EXTREME CRACKING DID NOT CAUSE A HIGH SPEED CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my son to a birthday party. We were both out of the car for 30-45 minutes when my son wanted to get something out of the backseat. When he opened the back passenger side door, black smoke came pouring out of the car. Upon further inspection, the driver's door was on fire. It appears to have started in the door panel wiring harness - where the window control buttons are.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD UNLOCK AND LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUBURN VW (3109 AUBURN WAY NORTH, AUBURN, WA 9800,2 253-499-4121) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
1) SEATBELT INDICATOR SOUNDS WHEN DRIVES BELT IS CONNECTED AND IS THE ONLY ONE IN THE VEHICLE; NO ONE OR ITEMS ARE IN ANY OF THE OTHER SEATS (SAME ISSUE AS IN THE 2006 JETTA). 2) WIPER MOTOR FAILED - WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN FUNCTIONING. 3) HEADLINER IS SEPARATING AND DROOPING IN REAR AND OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR (SAME ISSUE AS IN THE 2006 JETTA). 4) IGNITION COIL'S AND MAP SENSOR ARE CONTINUOUSLY FAILING (SAME ISSUE AS IN THE 2006 JETTA).
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS EXTREME HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM SLOW SPEED SUCH AS MERGING WITH TRAFFIC. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL AND FINDS NO FAULT WITH THE POWER TRAIN. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR WILL VITALLY STALL WITH ZERO FORWARD MOVEMENT, THEN IT WILL FINALLY ENGAGE AND LUNGE THE CAR FORWARD VERY ABRUPTLY. HAVE HAD THREE VERY CLOSE CALLS AND THIS WILL RESULT IN ACCIDENTS IN THE FUTURE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO REVERSE UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A SMALL PATIO BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT THEN JUMPED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND SUSTAINED INJURY. A RELATIVE THEN JUMPED INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE STILL IN MOTION TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE RELATIVE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE ON A RESIDENTIAL PATIO. THE CONTACT WAS HOSPITALIZED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE CONTACT REGARDING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The spring in the back left suspension fell off/broke. We heard a loud clank on the highway and were able to slowly steer to a local mechanic. The back left of the car sunk over the wheel, he looked under and told us the issue. And in fact, the same thing happened when we first bought the car to the front left suspension and we were reimbursed by VW Van Nuys. VW Ventura replaced the front two suspension systems. VW Seaside currently has the car and will be replacing the back two suspension systems. We looked up the issue, and many other drivers with this make and model have had the suspension springs go out, a rare and dangerous issue. There were no warning messages prior to failure and if the spring had punctured the tire it could have caused an accident and risked lives.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .