Volkswagen / Jetta / 2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Owners have filed 692 complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 20.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 12.1%. A further 15.5% were filed without a specific system named.
Complaints692
Crashes33
Fires10
Injuries21
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 20.5% · 142
Unknown or other 15.5% · 107
Engine 12.1% · 84
Fuel/propulsion system 6.8% · 47
Power train 6.6% · 46
Steering 5.9% · 41
Service brakes 4.9% · 34
Air bags 4.9% · 34
Severity
Of those complaints, 33 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire and 21 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Volkswagen Jetta in this data, 2012 sits 9th by complaint volume. 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 19 in the last three years against 42 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 53,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the horn and security system did not function when attempting to lock the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact attempted to replace the sparks plugs on four different occasions, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 69,868. Electrical system · reported at 69,868 miles
The horn on this vehicle becomes unresponsive at times. When it does work, the horn tone is very low and is difficult to hear. This could be a safety issue. It also concerns me since an operational horn is needed to pass the state safety inspection. I have not taken it to the dealership yet for repair, but a quick internet search, I have confirmed this is far too common problem on newer model Jetta's. Electrical system · reported at 17,000 miles
The horn on this vehicle becomes unresponsive at times. When it does work, the horn tone is very low and is difficult to hear. This could be a safety issue. It also concerns me since an operational horn is needed to pass the state safety inspection. I have not taken it to the dealership yet for repair, but a quick internet search, I have confirmed this is far too common problem on newer model Jetta's. Electrical system · reported at 45,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…