2012 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has 5 safety recalls and 500 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
Recall 19V-679: Unknown or Other
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 19V-615: Electrical System, Steering
Problem: 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."
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.
Recall 15V-483: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 14V-656: Suspension
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 11V-490: Fuel System, Diesel
Problem: 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.
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.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 142 | |
| Unknown or Other | 107 | |
| Engine | 84 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 47 | |
| Power Train | 46 | |
| Steering | 42 | |
| Air Bags | 34 | |
| Service Brakes | 34 | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 24 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 20 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 13 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Horn — 8
- Structure › Body — 6
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,600 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Volkswagen Jetta complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volkswagen Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta: 19V-679 (unknown or other), 19V-615 (electrical system, steering), 15V-483 (air bags), 14V-656 (suspension), 11V-490 (fuel system, diesel). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (142 reports), followed by unknown or other (107). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,600 miles.
Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.