One of the worst Jetta years
Owners filed about 2.8 times as many complaints as a typical Jetta year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 58,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2018, 2020 and 2021.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Jetta years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 500 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (138, 28% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the fuel system. That ranks 3rd of 13 Jetta years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 8 recalls.
4 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta before you buy.
Electrical system
138 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
A microswitch malfunction. My car will not lock and while I am driving it there is clicking on the doors for locking and unlocking. My night lights will not shut off when I park the vehicle. There is a pinging noise when the vehicle is shut off and in park and the door is open with no lights on.Owner complaint, filed 2026
This is my 4th volkswagen jetta 2.5L I've own that has had the same issue with the charging system the car would just shut off while driving due to dead battery almost causing an accident this needs to be addressed 2011 to 2018Owner complaint, filed 2025
Engine and cooling
91 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 44,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
My DPF system failed after my warranty ran out, about 128,000mi. and VW charged me $3000 to replace the DPF, then two days later the Nox Catalyst failed and they wanted another $2500 out of me. I tried the regen like the manual says, and the car went in limp mode 75 miles from my house in the middle of the highway. The car is not safe to…Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly. Additionally, the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 40,000 miles
Fuel system
80 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 37,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Everytime I fill with gas car will not start.i have to pump accelerator, then it will start.it starts normally on all other occasions. This has been happening for about 6 months or 5 thousand miles.Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated he smelled a strong odor of carbon dioxide inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test however, no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle did not have a diesel…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 100,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 41,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
A bolt holding my CV Joint backed out causing the bracket between two of the bolts to come lose. The bracket then swung as I drove a created a hole in my transmission. This caused me to lose transmission fluid and damage my transmission. My car has only been serviced at VW certified dealers so I am very disappointed with this issueOwner complaint, filed 2024
I was driving the car normally on the highway and I pushed the clutch in and it went straight the floor this is a problem because it was the slave cylinder a know failure point. This is dangerous because io couldn't put the car into gear again and was in neutral on the highway. Volkswagen needs to fix this on this year jettas.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 115,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
45 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 61,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
ABS module controlling the Anti-Lock brake system has failed. I am told there is a recall for earlier models of this car for the very same issue but not for 2012 model year. This is a safety issue that is very expensive to fix and primarily by the dealer requiring factory programming of a new expensive ABS moduleOwner complaint, filed 2023
The brakes randomly engage while driving and sometimes while parking, without touching the brake pedal. After this happens and you're driving for a while, there is a burning smell, likely from the brakes being engaged while driving and not applying the brakes.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Steering
42 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 52,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The steering wheel often locks and the key gets stuck in the ignition. Sometimes I have to drive around a bit and try parking and taking the key out again. Often the wheels have to be straight to ease the process.Owner complaint, filed 2018
Well recall u have doesn't cover my car cause it's over 100k so thts rude and wr9ng it's been happening a while ago p but your recall 8 just got over 800 to fix it I think this should be taki g care of regarless cause I will not suggest anyone to yr cars u made it crappy and my keys gonna be jacked up too and wht I should pay for tht too…Owner complaint, filed 2018
Lights, wipers and visibility
36 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds in the rain, an abnormal popping sound was heard. The wipers were moving slowly and became inoperable. The contact stated that after turning on the windshield wipers, the wiper blades went into the down…Owner complaint, filed 2024
When the weather gets cold around 35 degrees and lower, the wipers stop working. They are not stuck to windshield. Very dangerous and happens randomly on in the winter.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 68,000 miles
Air bags
34 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 63,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
Clock spring went out and would have failed to deploy the airbags if i was in an accident. there was no notification that said it went out. NHTSA campaign number - 15V483000Owner complaint, filed 2024
Unknown Car has been acting up First throttle body went now airbag, tire pressure, tracking, & other lights are on Cruise control won’t work when prompted etc.Owner complaint, filed 2021
Wheels and tires
17 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 48,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owned a 2012 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle hit a bump on the road and lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to gain control of the vehicle and avoided hitting the side of the bridge. The tire detached from the rim. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that…Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 108,000 miles
This is regards to the toyo tires on my car which are defective and the [VIN] does not agree with that. The beading of the tire are week and there is bubble on the tire. One day I was driving my car on the highway ab suddenly the tire exploded and all the beading is cut but not even a single scratch on the rim or the car. I am hoping…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 79,500 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
14 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle would not respond. After a few seconds, the vehicle [VIN] rapidly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but the failure could not be duplicated and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure…Owner complaint, filed 2012, at 700 miles
Horn only occasionally works when honking and/or locking car, which increases the risk of a crash since I can’t always use my horn to alert other drivers of presence. One front headlight only occasionally works (lightbulb is not the issue), which increases the risk of a crash since other drivers may not be able to see me as well & I am…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Seats and seat belts
11 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 38,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
Rear seat belt housings broken, rear seat center location where two housings are co-located. One of the two housings does not latch the belt clip rendering this seat location useless as the occupant will not have a working seat belt. Using a caliper the housing in one area looks to measure at 40/1000 of an inch thick. Look at attached…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the outer case where the seat belt latched was cracked and prevented the seat belt from securing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The [VIN] was not notified of the…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 51,000 miles
Suspension
10 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Both front could springs broke at 45000 miles. No recall but clearly others have the same issue. Cost to replace was just under $500 as the struts were compromised when springs broke. There was not indication of when they broke and we were lucky our mechanic caught this malfunction before it caused more damage.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 45,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 volkswagen jetta. While the contact's son was driving 50 MPH, the driver heard a banging sound every time the vehicle jolted. The vehicle was taken to scott volkswagen (777 taunton ave, east providence, ri 02914) where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side strut coil spring failed and both front struts…Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 135,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
9 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 46,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (6).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the front driver's door opened independently. The contact mentioned that the latch failed and the door could not be closed. The vehicle was taken to dorschel volkswagen (3817 w henrietta rd, rochester, ny 14623, (800) 768-6026) where it was diagnosed that the…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 107,000 miles
Door latch failed mid-drive and my door flew wide open mid-turn. Major safety issue. If this was an isolated incident, I wouldn't bother posting this. But if you use a quick google search, this is an issue volkswagen wide. Not isolated to the jettas, not even limited to mk6s.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 112,000 miles
Driver assist systems
1 complaintPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Reverse lights on both driver and passenger side of vehicle are not working with 580 miles on the car and after 1 month of ownership.Owner complaint, filed 2012, at 580 miles
Volkswagen Jetta complaints by year
Compare the 2012 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2012 compact cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | Among the worst years | 8 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | Among the worst years | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | About average | 3 |
| 2012 Mazda Mazda3 | Among the worst years | 1 |
2012 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
Brakes Master cylinder
- Risk
- If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users.
Full recall summary
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
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.
Full recall 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 system 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
Full recall 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.
Engine and cooling
- Risk
- A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge.
Full recall summary
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Fuel system
- Risk
- Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage.
- 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.
Full recall 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 and cooling 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.
Full recall summary
Volkswagen is recalling certain stainless steel exhaust tips, part number 1k0 071 910 u, sold as accessory equipment for use on model year 2011-2012 jetta sedan vehicles manufactured from march 18, 2010, through august 22, 2011. 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.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most reported problem areas on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta are the electrical system (138 complaints), the engine and cooling (91 complaints) and the fuel system (80 complaints).
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta a good year to buy?
One of the worst Jetta years. Owners filed about 2.8 times as many complaints as a typical Jetta year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 58,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2018, 2020 and 2021. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Jetta years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recent, from Sep 2020, covers the master cylinder. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2012 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 58,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 44,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years should I avoid?
The Jetta years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2013 and 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
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