Volkswagen / Jetta / 2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Owners have filed 880 complaints about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 21.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 10.2%.
Complaints880
Crashes37
Fires14
Injuries23
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 21.9% · 193
Engine 10.2% · 90
Fuel system, diesel 9.3% · 82
Fuel/propulsion system 8.8% · 77
Unknown or other 7.3% · 64
Power train 6.1% · 54
Exterior lighting 4.7% · 41
Air bags 4.1% · 36
Severity
Of those complaints, 37 describe a crash, 14 describe a fire and 23 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Volkswagen Jetta in this data, 2011 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 41 in the last three years against 96 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 50,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My windshield washer fluid sensor came on, and it does not turn off. I did some reading online, and this seems to be a systemic issue. Most of the complaints were from people who used rainx washer fluid. Apparently it caused corrosion too quickly. Now, I don't want to use my washer fluid as often, so that I can make sure that I don't run out when I need it. My visibility during driving is affected by this. Electrical system · reported at 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving in the rain at approximately 30 mph, the windshield wipers and horn failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 11v196000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa without filing a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Electrical system · reported at 130,000 miles
While parked the ignition key failed to turn " as if steering wheel lock was welded solid". I could not turn the key at all. Car could not be started after repeated attempts, and had to be towed to a repair available.As a result I had to call a neighbor to take my wife to the hospital. Parts have been ordered, but the mechanic has not received a delivery confirmation date. Steering wheel is completely immovable. Electrical system · reported at 75,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…