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2011 Volkswagen Jetta Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 607 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, most often about the electrical (31% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). It is 5th of 27 Jetta model years by number of complaints and has 7 recalls.
Most common 2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Electrical
186 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: horn, ignition, wiring, instrument cluster/panel.
My three year old, bought brand new from the dealership Jetta, and after parking overnight I got in my car to drive to work and my handsfree bluetooth, satellite, radio unit would not turn on. This is a major concern and driving hazard considering I am on call 24 hours a day and receive calls in my vehicle which is…
When the car is parked the interior and exterior lights come on until you go crank the car. The dealer completed a diagnostic test and he said everything checked out ok....this is not normal and my concern would be will it eventually affect the battery.
Fuel system
166 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
Car is a 2011 vw Jetta tdi. I was told by the vw dealer that the high pressure fuel pump had fallen apart causing metal to go through the fuel system.I bought the car new in july of 2011.volkwagen is replacing the entire fuel system but I am concerned that damage may have already been done to the engine.
During short drive home, the glow plug light started flashing, the car then went into limp mode. When I got home, 2 miles later, the car died and would not start. I hauled the car to the vw dealer and they said my hpfp failed. Vw is going to fix it under warranty, I produced the last 4 fuel fill ups showing no gas had…
Engine
115 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
While attempting to accelerate car sputtered, and hesitated while losing power. Regained power briefly then sputtered, lost power and engine cut off completely. Started engine after letting sit for a few minutes drove home ok. Happened again a week later and took it to dealership. Dealer diagnosed it as faulty…
The effected car was a diesel model 2011 Volkswagen Jetta tdi sedan with 48,074 miles on the odometer at the time of the incident. While traveling at approximately 40 MPH in normal driving conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden reduction in power and displayed a flashing glow plug light and solid check engine…
Other or unspecified
64 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles.
My boyfriend and I drove to get dinner. On the way there my radio was fine we were singing and laughing. We get to the restaurant and I turn my car off and there were these little buzzing sounds, didn't think anything of it. It was a hot day cars make sounds. After diner getting in the car and getting ready to start…
I have a problem with the ignition key switch that has been more difficult to start up and turn it off when is stationary of curse. The switch its getting stuck or jammed and wont move any where until so many tries and moving the drive wheel. I spend 1 hrs yesterday 04/13/19 trying to power the engine off because of…
Transmission
54 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 17,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission.
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact pulled in the his garage, he pushed the start/stop ignition button to turn off the car, and then pushed the remote button for his garage door to close. He opened his house door and soon became distracted and inadvertently exited the vehicle without putting it in…
My car has had 3 stalls within 3 months. I took it to the dealer they replaced the throttle assembly. Since then I was pulling out of a parking spot and put the car in drive and the car stalled. I took it to the dealer and they said they couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle.
Lights
42 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 63,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the headlights and brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact diagnosed that a fuse melted and damaged the fuse box. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA…
I was on route 95 in florida driving at night and a car had cut in front of me I honk my horn and then both of my headlights blew. I had to put flashers on and get off next exit to find a auto parts store where they change both headlight bulbs. I then checked for recalls on my car found out that the horn was faulty…
Air bags
37 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: side/window, frontal.
Passenger airbag light randomly came on because of some sort wiring issue. Headlight bulbs constantly short out. I've had to change atleast 10 bulbs in less than a year. Headlights go out and tailights... These are 2 seperate issues. But if you google it, they are both common issues. It's been an issue on my car for…
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained whiplash, shoulder, back, and left knee injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a…
Brakes
28 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock.
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, the brake light had continued to flash. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle spun out after lightly depressing the…
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…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
Other: unknown or other
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: control module
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Air bags: frontal
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: rear
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel system, diesel
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: exhaust system
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: fuses and circuit breakers
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Air bag clockspring failure
Summary
In august 2015, volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) launched safety recall 15v-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 model year (my) cc, passat, eos, golf, gti, tiguan, jetta and jetta sportwagen models.contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.the loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in i
Air bag clockspring failure
Summary
In august 2015, volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) launched safety recall 15v-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 model year (my) cc, passat, eos, golf, gti, tiguan, jetta and jetta sportwagen models.contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.the loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in i
Air bag clockspring failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (sccm) failures in model year (my) 2012 volkswagen passat and cc models.the sccm is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.when the sccm fails electrically, an air bag warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle.if a vehicle with a failed sccm were to be invo
Diesel fuel injector line leakage
Summary
By letter dated october 3, 2011, volkswagen group of america, inc. (vw) notified the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (my) 2009-2012 volkswagen jetta, jetta sportwagen, golf, and audi a3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0l tdi common rail clean diesel engine (NHTSA recall no. 11v-490).the recalled jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles were built from may 2008 through september 2011, the golf vehicles were built from may 2009 through september 2011, and the audi a3 vehicles were built from september 2009 through september 2011.according to volkswagen, in u.s. Applications of the above
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Summary
The office of defects investgation (odi) opened ea11-003 on february 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to odi and volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (hpfp) failures in model year (my) 2009 through 2010 volkswagen jetta and golf and audi a3 tdi vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by volkswagen as part of its response to pe10-034.during ea11-003, odi analyzed design information, field experience and test data for my 2009 through 2012 volkswagen jetta, golf and touareg and audi a3 and q7 vehicles equipped with tdi engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject tdi clean diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pum
Questions about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (186 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); fuel system (166 complaints, typically around 35,000 miles); engine (115 complaints, typically around 47,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- 7 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 25, 2019 (other). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2011 a bad year for the Volkswagen Jetta?
- It is 5th of 27 Jetta model years by number of complaints, with 607 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.