2011 Volkswagen Jetta Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 200 7 crash 6 fire 4 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK OR TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED BOZZANI VOLKSWAGEN AT 626-967-6325 (LOCATED AT 528 S CITRUS AVE, COVINA, CA 91723) AND WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11269252, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. I REACHED BEHIND MY BACK AND BURNED MY FINGER. I PULLED OFF AND LOOKED AND SAW A HOLD AND MELTED SEAT. THE BACK OF MY COAT WAS MELTED AS WELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A VW DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND IT WAS CAUSED BY A WIRE SHORTING OUT. THERE IS A CASE NOW OPEN FOR ME WITH VW. WAITING TO HEAR IF THEY WILL PAY TO FIX THE SEAT.”
NHTSA complaint #11142922, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. EVERY OTHER MONTH MY HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. WHEN I DROVE OFF THE LOT I HAD ONE HEADLIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. WHEN I CHANGE IT THE OTHER SIDE GOES OUT. I KNOW THATS NOT NORMAL. AND THEN ONE DAY I HAD BEEN RUNNING ARRENDS AND MADE A STOP . I WAS WEARING FLIP FLOPS THAT DAY. WELL WHEN I WENT TO TURN AROUND IN MY SEAT TO GET WHAT WAS BEING HANDED TO ME FROM MY GIRLFRIEND I BURNED MY THREE LITTLE TOES ! !!! I IMMIEATELY WENT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL <DASH> AND SEEN IT WAS A PIPE NOT COVERED.I HAVE HAD MANY CARS AND I HAVE NEVER FELT ANY THING…”
NHTSA complaint #10907988, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel System 97

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10892846, 2016

“THE CAR IS A 2011 VW JETTA SW TDI. ON SEPT 7, 2015, WHILE DRIVING ON THE AUTOBAHN, THE CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATED AND THE CAR ABRUPTLY LOST POWER. I COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER. WE HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS. VW SAID THE FUEL PUMP WAS DESTROYED DUE TO TAINTED DIESEL FUEL. REPORTS INDICATED THAT METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN FUEL SAMPLES. VW REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM AT A COST OF EIGHT THOUSAND EUROS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE ESSO STATION & HEADQUARTERS. ESSO HAS INDICATED THAT…”
NHTSA complaint #10839115, 2015

“NOVEMBER 2014 INCIDENTS: TWO INCIDENTS OF FAILING TO START. FIRST INCIDENT: CAR FAILED TO START ONCE AND STARTED ON SECOND TRY. SECOND INCIDENT: CAR SEVERAL TIMES FAILED TO START & ENGINE MADE CLANKING NOISE. HAD CAR TOWED TO VW AGENCY. CAR STARTED AFTER UNLOADED FROM TOW TRUCK AND AGENCY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. DECEMBER 2014 INCIDENT: CAR STARTED, BUT AFTER SLOWLY DRIVING TO PARKING LOT EXIT AND BEFORE AT FULL STOP, AT ENGINE QUIT AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND BACKED DOWN A SLIGHT GRADE TO GET CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC; AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE CAR STARTED UP.”
NHTSA complaint #10667095, 2014

Engine 93 2 crash 2 fire 3 injury

“2011 VW JETTA TDI FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. AS CAR SLOWED DUE TO TRAFFIC, THE COIL (GLOW PLUG?) LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CAR CAME TO COMPLETE STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THERE WAS NO TIME FOR ME TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY DUE TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION SO I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. WAITING FOR CA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR HELP, TRAFFIC CLEARED AND I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY HIT BY A CAR MOVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND SUSTAINED INJURIES (RIBS, BACK AND NECK INJURIES, AND CONCUSSION) ONLINE, THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF OTHER VW CA…”
NHTSA complaint #10911258, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE EXHAUST TIP WAS EXTENDED BEYOND THE ORIGINAL LENGTH OF THE FACTORY-INSTALLED EXHAUST PIPES. AS A RESULT, THE EXHAUST PIPES BURNED A CHILD'S LEGS ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON ONE OCCASION BUT THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11E036000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: EXHAUST SYSTEM) AND CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE EXHAUST PIPE BY CAPPING THE TIPS OF THE PIPES PER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS RE…”
NHTSA complaint #10480177, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE IN CAR WAS DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MIN AT LEAST AND NOTICED CAR WAS SMOKING. PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND POPPED THE HOOD TO CHECK WHY IT WAS SMOKING AND NOTICED VEHICLE WAS UNDER FIRE. CAR WAS PARKED PRIOR FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS.”
NHTSA complaint #11180584, 2019 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 81 1 fire

“I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR EARLIER THAT DAY (ABOUT 40 MILES) WITH NO PROBLEMS. I GOT HOME AT ABOUT 7:30PM AND PARKED THE CAR OUTSIDE OUR HOUSE. AT ABOUT 2AM, I HEARD A BEEPING CAR HORN. I LOOKED OUTSIDE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL 2011 JETTA SPORTWAGEN. I DIALED 911, THE CAR CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND PUT IT OUT. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I'M ONLY HAPPY IT WASN'T PARKED INSIDE A GARAGE WHERE THE FIRE WOULD HAVE DESTROYED OUR HOUSE AS WELL. NO WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON THE CAR RECENTLY AND NO AFTERMARKET OPTIONS WERE INSTALLED. I HAVE ONLY…”
NHTSA complaint #10670446, 2015 · fire

“I recently bought a 2011 volkswagen jetta tdi last owner wasn't aware of recalls, car started throwing white smoke, my local service mecanics NORTHWEST EXPRESS AUTO CARE let me know that the problem is a recall on emission need to fix but dealer don't want to do it”
NHTSA complaint #11569118, 2024

“The car stalls in traffic and is slow to accelerate. The service department attributes the cause from a problem with a contaminated fuel system. However, the car has had a series of problems with the electrical system where I was told the "radio is draining the battery". The car would be parked without the keys in the ignition and it failed to start and the cause being the radio draining the battery. The issue is both electrical and diesel engine related.”
NHTSA complaint #11537327, 2023

Unknown Or Other 66 3 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“WE HAD JUST ARRIVED TO OUR NEPHEW'S POP WARNER FOOTBALL GAME. WHEN WE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE WE TOLD OUR 8 YEAR OLD SON TO STAND BY THE CAR WHILE WE PULLED OUT OUR OTHER SON'S STROLLER OUR OF THE TRUCK. OUR 8 YEAR OLD LEANED AGAINST THE DRIVER SIDE REAR END WHEN SUDDENLY WE HEARD HIM SCREECH IN PAIN. WE ASKED WHAT HAD HAPPENED HE SAID THAT HE FELT SOMETHING HOT HIT HIS LEG. WHEN WE LOOKED WE NOTICED THAT HE HAD BURNED HIS RIGHT CALF AND IT WAS BECAUSE THE EXHAUST PIPES STUCK OUT TOO FAR. WE TRIED TO TREAT THE BURN OURSELF WITH BURN OINTMENT BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH. THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK HIM TO T…”
NHTSA complaint #10434593, 2011 · 2 injury(ies)

“INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION RESULTING IN ARI BAG DEPLOYMENT RESULTING IN RECEIVED 2ND DEGREE BURN TO THE INSIDE OF THE RIGHT FOREARM FROM VW EMBLEM/BADGING ON THE STEERING WHEEL.”
NHTSA complaint #10838409, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. EVERY OTHER MONTH MY HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. WHEN I DROVE OFF THE LOT I HAD ONE HEADLIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. WHEN I CHANGE IT THE OTHER SIDE GOES OUT. I KNOW THATS NOT NORMAL. AND THEN ONE DAY I HAD BEEN RUNNING ARRENDS AND MADE A STOP . I WAS WEARING FLIP FLOPS THAT DAY. WELL WHEN I WENT TO TURN AROUND IN MY SEAT TO GET WHAT WAS BEING HANDED TO ME FROM MY GIRLFRIEND I BURNED MY THREE LITTLE TOES ! !!! I IMMIEATELY WENT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL <DASH> AND SEEN IT WAS A PIPE NOT COVERED.I HAVE HAD MANY CARS AND I HAVE NEVER FELT ANY THING…”
NHTSA complaint #10907988, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 55 5 crash 3 injury

“2011 VW JETTA TDI FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. AS CAR SLOWED DUE TO TRAFFIC, THE COIL (GLOW PLUG?) LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CAR CAME TO COMPLETE STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THERE WAS NO TIME FOR ME TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY DUE TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION SO I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. WAITING FOR CA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR HELP, TRAFFIC CLEARED AND I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY HIT BY A CAR MOVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND SUSTAINED INJURIES (RIBS, BACK AND NECK INJURIES, AND CONCUSSION) ONLINE, THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF OTHER VW CA…”
NHTSA complaint #10911258, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO REVERSE UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A SMALL PATIO BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT THEN JUMPED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND SUSTAINED INJURY. A RELATIVE THEN JUMPED INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE STILL IN MOTION TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE RELATIVE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE ON A RESIDENTIAL PATIO. THE CONTACT WAS HOSPITALIZED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE D…”
NHTSA complaint #10415394, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Was driving about 25-30mph when we heard a pop sound and the car started to become very hard to control. Everytime I would press the brakes the car would become even harder to control. I tried to turn into a driveway to see what happened and the car jerked and caused us to go into a deep ditch. The front passenger tire hit a concrete water drain and the car stopped abruptly. Impact caused the rim to completely break in half and also snapped the front axel in half. The tow truck driver informed us that the drivers rear axle trailing arm was broke in half and he had never seen anything like that…”
NHTSA complaint #11487509, 2022 · crash

Exterior Lighting 46 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. EVERY OTHER MONTH MY HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. WHEN I DROVE OFF THE LOT I HAD ONE HEADLIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. WHEN I CHANGE IT THE OTHER SIDE GOES OUT. I KNOW THATS NOT NORMAL. AND THEN ONE DAY I HAD BEEN RUNNING ARRENDS AND MADE A STOP . I WAS WEARING FLIP FLOPS THAT DAY. WELL WHEN I WENT TO TURN AROUND IN MY SEAT TO GET WHAT WAS BEING HANDED TO ME FROM MY GIRLFRIEND I BURNED MY THREE LITTLE TOES ! !!! I IMMIEATELY WENT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL <DASH> AND SEEN IT WAS A PIPE NOT COVERED.I HAVE HAD MANY CARS AND I HAVE NEVER FELT ANY THING…”
NHTSA complaint #10907988, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL TURNING SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUSE PANEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS MELTED WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,351.”
NHTSA complaint #10871199, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE BULB FAILURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY INDICATING THAT THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS WERE FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE PANEL HAD THERMALLY OVERHEATED, MELTED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10722896, 2015 · fire

Air Bags 38 11 crash 6 injury

“On February 2, 2017, My car was stop in an intersection. A car coming in my direction swerved into my lane and hit me head on. The air bag was deployed, it exploded so violently that both of my hands were severly injured. There was a fracture in my right wrist. There was a laceration to the base of the thumb and my thumb finger almost fell off and required several stiches for my forefinger to be attached. The bones in my right arm was shattered into pieces and it required major surgery. My left arm requires a total of 4 surgeries. I have to undergo an eighteen (18) months of Physical Therapy…”
NHTSA complaint #11495712, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK OR TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED BOZZANI VOLKSWAGEN AT 626-967-6325 (LOCATED AT 528 S CITRUS AVE, COVINA, CA 91723) AND WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11269252, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* 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 TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10968423, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 29 1 crash 1 fire

“driving on freeway (speed around 70mph) out of nowhere i start smelling strange burning smell then about 1 minute later the car brakes lock up in the front and I loose control of car but luckily it was in light traffic and I regained control enough to get it off to the shoulder. I got out to address the issue and notice the front tires smoking alot and it was at night and the inside (rotor, brake caliper, and rim were glowing bright red and the heat was melting the tire". Then I notice a flame and grabbed a bottle water and applied the tire and extinguish it. I sat there for a good 30 minutes…”
NHTSA complaint #11673804, 2025 · fire

“ON 05/22/2019 AROUND 6 PM, MY WIFE PARKED THE CAR (VW JETTA, 2011 WAS STATIONED IN PARKING MODE), TURNED THE CAR OFF AT 309 SMITH STREET, NEWARK, NJ 07108, THEN SUDDENLY THE CAR ROLLED BACK THE DOWNHILL, CROSSED SMITH STREET TO HIT OUR NEIGHBOR CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE, A BLACK HONDA ACCORD PARKED IN FRONT OF 310 SMITH STREET (A ONE WAY STREET). A POLICE COMPLAINT WAS NOT FILED. I SPENT ALMOST $500.0 TO PARTIALLY FIX MY NEIGHBOR CAR. WE WERE LUCKY THAT ANOTHER CAR WAS NOT DRIVING BY, NOR A PEDESTRIAN WALKING BY. WE DIDN'T THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT, BUT FOUND IT WEAR. ALMOST 3 WEEKS BEFORE, ALSO,…”
NHTSA complaint #11277689, 2019 · crash

“ABS Control Module total failure No warnings appeared prior to the total failure of the ABS Control Module to indicate that the car needed servicing. ABS would have failed in an emergency braking according to the dealership. Just driving the car without knowing the ABS had issues put my family at risk. After the lights appeared I took it to the dealership who performed the diagnostics and determined that the ABS needed total replacement and advised that the car was not safe to drive. Lights appeared after the failure. There were no brake issues' warning lights prior to the failure. For at le…”
NHTSA complaint #11677285, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 26 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT WAS REMOVING AN ITEM FROM THE TRUNK WHEN SHE WAS BURNED ON THE CALF OF HER LEFT LEG BY THE MUFFLER. THE CONTACT STATED THE MUFFLER WAS EXTENDED OUTWARD TOO FAR CAUSING HER TO COME IN CONTACT WITH IT. THE CONTACT HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR THE BURN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10415035, 2011 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR END BUMPER OF THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE FRONT HOOD AREA. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE WHICH THEN ENGULFED INTO MASSIVE FLAMES. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER AND INSURANCE COMPANY PLANNED TO PERFORM AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
NHTSA complaint #10395612, 2011 · crash · fire

“The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the catalytic convertor warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the particle filter needed to be removed and reinstalled. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken to a different dealer who determined that the particle filter needed to be checked and reinstalled. Additionally, the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however,…”
NHTSA complaint #11477382, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 26 2 crash

“Because of recall, car was not engaged in park completely like it stated after I got out it rolled away down the hill and hit a tree, therefore the recall caused my accident. Yes the problem has been confirmed it is a recall. No it has not been inspected by dealer or police. Volkswagen will not engage in any further investigations they say it's my fault. There were no warning lamps.”
NHTSA complaint #11656916, 2024 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND FILED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,708.”
NHTSA complaint #11310559, 2020 · crash

“It's the transmission when the mph needle just Bob's constantly, when sometime up to 60 mph the rps stays above the three for at least 15 sec before sometimes going down others have to push the gas pedal fast to shift gears. Constant thud sound from the motor and more condensation then should be coming from tailpipe.the odor coming from the air vents is absolutely nauseating.”
NHTSA complaint #11472267, 2022

Steering 23 3 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK OR TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED BOZZANI VOLKSWAGEN AT 626-967-6325 (LOCATED AT 528 S CITRUS AVE, COVINA, CA 91723) AND WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11269252, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“STEERING PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, COULD NOT GET THE CAR STRAIGHT AND WENT INTO THE CURB. ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP DURING THE INCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10432281, 2011 · crash

“The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle started jerking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, there was no failure detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (Electrical System, Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,600.”
NHTSA complaint #11463846, 2022

Structure 20 1 crash 2 fire

“I took my son to a birthday party. We were both out of the car for 30-45 minutes when my son wanted to get something out of the backseat. When he opened the back passenger side door, black smoke came pouring out of the car. Upon further inspection, the driver's door was on fire. It appears to have started in the door panel wiring harness - where the window control buttons are.”
NHTSA complaint #11487239, 2022 · fire

“WHILE IN CAR WAS DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MIN AT LEAST AND NOTICED CAR WAS SMOKING. PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND POPPED THE HOOD TO CHECK WHY IT WAS SMOKING AND NOTICED VEHICLE WAS UNDER FIRE. CAR WAS PARKED PRIOR FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS.”
NHTSA complaint #11180584, 2019 · fire

“Because of recall, car was not engaged in park completely like it stated after I got out it rolled away down the hill and hit a tree, therefore the recall caused my accident. Yes the problem has been confirmed it is a recall. No it has not been inspected by dealer or police. Volkswagen will not engage in any further investigations they say it's my fault. There were no warning lamps.”
NHTSA complaint #11656916, 2024 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 20

“I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STARTED POURING RAIN. I TRIED TO TURN ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THE VW JETTA 2011 AND THEY DID NOT MOVE. I LOST VISIBILITY IN SECONDS AT 50MPH AND THANK GOODNESS, WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE ANYONE WAS HURT BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING AND A CLOSE CALL. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK IN THE COLD, APPARENTLY, WHICH TO ME SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS!”
NHTSA complaint #11403786, 2021

“STOPPED WORKING. WIPER MOTOR MALFUNCTION. BLADES STOPPED MID SWIPE, SITTING ON THE WINDSHIELD.”
NHTSA complaint #11307929, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG OFF WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AFTER TWO MONTHS, THE RADIO AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11246463, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 15

“The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes locked up causing the vehicle to spin 180 degrees. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with Antilock Brake System (ABS) control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) h…”
NHTSA complaint #11444005, 2021

“THE CAR RANDOMLY STALLS!!! THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG BECAUSE THERE ARE NO CODES. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. TWICE THE CAR STALLED WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT AND ONCE WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE CITY STREET. IT WILL RESTART AFTER I LET IT SIT. IT ALSO STUTTERS/JUMPS AND DE EXCELLERATES.”
NHTSA complaint #11290651, 2019

“I STARTED UP MY CAR AND WAS DRIVING FROM WORK, ALL OF A SUDDEN I SEE A BUNCH OF MY WARNINGS LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS DRIVING IN ALEXANDRIA CITY AND THE CARE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE LIGHTS APPEARED. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, AND EVEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT. 3 DIFFERENT SYSTEM HAVE FAULTS IS A CONCERN TO MY SAFETY. I WENT TO A MECHANIC TWICE AND THEN THE DEALERSHIP, FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR ABS SENSOR NEEDS TO BE CHANGED TO GET RID OF ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. AFTER THAT WAS PART WAS CHANGED AND THE FAULT CODE WAS CLEARED THE TRACTION CONTROL AND T…”
NHTSA complaint #11253957, 2019

Tires 14

“P 205/55R16 Front side tire has developed cracks/cuts along side wall. Bought tires recently from NTB-National Tire & Battery in Forest City, NC. I don't know how safe is to drive like this?”
NHTSA complaint #11434410, 2021

“EXTREME CRACKING OF TIRE SIDEWALL, ADJACENT TO THE BEAD AREA OF HANKOOK OPTIMO H725A. SIZE: 205/55R16 91H. DOT 1 GRP DY H 0211 THIS TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A NEW 2011 VW JETTA SPORTWAGON TDI. IT HAD NEVER BEEN TAKEN OFF THE RIM AND WAS USED DURING NON-WINTER MONTHS ONLY, WITH APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES OF USE. THE DEFECT IS ON THE INNER SIDEWALL AND WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THE WINTER WHEELS/TIRES WERE BEING PUT ON THE CAR. IT IS FORTUNATE THAT THIS EXTREME CRACKING DID NOT CAUSE A HIGH SPEED CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654859, 2014

“ON APRIL 19, 2013, TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. UPON CHECKING THE TIRE A LARGE CRACK WAS NOTICE ON THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $177.01 WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 27293 ON A 2011 VW JETTA TDI. ON JANUARY 4, 2014, THE OWNER NOTICED A LARGE CRACK ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE'S SIDEWALL. THE OWNER CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND NO RECALLS WERE CURRENTLY IN PLACE. THE OWNER SUBMITTED A REQUEST FOR HANKOOK TO PAY FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF ALL TIRE REPLACEMENTS AS THE OWNER FEELS THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH A POTENTIAL TIRE BLO…”
NHTSA complaint #10558902, 2013

Suspension 11 1 crash

“I HAD AN ACCIDENT WETE CARE VERIED HARD LEFT AND HAD ACCIDENT. INSURANCE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES BLAMED ME FOR INCIDENT. CAR FRONT END WAD COMPLETELY REBUILT AND WITHIN ONE YEAR I HAVE A LOWER CONTROL ARM THAT HAS BROKEN DUE TO MANUFACTURE DEFECT. MOLD OF STEEL TO BALL JOINT- RUBBER. IT HAS BROKEN AGAIN AND VW WILL NOT STAND BEHIND STATING WARRANTY ON CHASSIS COMPONENTS ARE ONE YEAR. HOW DOES A MOJOR CHASSIS COMPONENT FAIL AND AND A HIGH SAFETY ISSUE, NOT STANT BEHIND THIS TYPE ITEM. IT HAS NOW TORN UP A NEW FRONT STRUT AND TOP STRUT TOWER. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AS I JUST HAD RECALL COMPL…”
NHTSA complaint #10760190, 2012 · crash

“Car was being driven and coils snapped caused, tire to pop damaging front end. Car was being driven and randomly shut off in middle of road. Driving vehicle shifting into gear lags, check engine light is on, had reader and said that valve 2 has low pressure. As a result clanking and loose noise sounds are heard when driven from drivers side.”
NHTSA complaint #11594711, 2022

“Going down the road - in town - at about 35 mph and I started to hear loud clanking while I felt as the rear of the car felt "stiff" all of a sudden. I parked the car as soon as I could to check it over. The rear passenger side coil spring just snapped as you'd break a pretzel... I have never seen a broken coil spring in any of the cars we owned over three decades. As I looked for information online, it seems that this MK6 generation of Volkswagen vehicles made in MEXICO were manufactured with springs that are PRONE TO FAILURE! Even the next generation MK7 especially vehicles manufactured betw…”
NHTSA complaint #11478915, 2022

Seat Belts 9

“MY TIRED WAS PUNCTURED AND THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE SEATBELTS NEVER RETRACT AFTER TAKING THEM OFF THEY JUST HANG THERE. SOMETIMES WHEN I LOCK THE DOORS THE ALARM DOES NOT SOUND OFF INDICATING THE ALARM IS SET, ALSO MY HORN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO BUT NEVER WHEN IT SHOULD, FOR INSTANCE THERE WAS A CAR COMING UP THE STREET THE WRONG WAY AND MY CAR FAILED TO CREATE SOUND FROM THE HORN FOR ME TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER. MY CAR COULD BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY NONE OF THE ABOVE WORKS, MY BRAKES HAVE WENT OUT A FEW TIMES WHILE I WAS IN MOTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE H…”
NHTSA complaint #11378392, 2020

“THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT. THE SEAT BELT WAS PULLED OUT TO BUCKLE AND FAILED TO RETRACT TO FIT THE PASSENGER. IT IS ALL THE WAY OUT AND CANNOT BE USED.”
NHTSA complaint #11376972, 2019

“PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. IF SOMEONE DOES NOT HAVE THE SEATBELT FASTENED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE BELL AND LIGHT WILL NOT COME ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11128291, 2018

Wheels 9 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT AND WHO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10676634, 2015 · fire

“I BOT W/ ONLY 40,000 MILES APPROX. I DRIVE ALOT. ITS ABOUT 70,000 NOW. ONE TIRE SENSOR IS OUT AND THE PERSON AT FRIRESTONE SAID THEYLL GO OUT AGAIN AND ITS HARD TO KNOW WHICH TIRE IT IS. THE ELE TRICAL IS A MESS. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. IT IS DEFNITELY ELECTRICAL. THIS CAR IS NOT A GOOD VALUE AS EVERYTHING BREAKS ON IT AND I DONT SPEED AND ADD ADDITIVES AND B\'BABY" IT. I'M 62. IT HAS TO LAST. BUT IT IS NOT. I SEE THERES RECALLS FOR IT CONCERNING ELEECTRICAL, YET THE DEALER SAYS NO NEVER HA DA RECALL. THE NIGHT HALF MY LIGHTS WENT OUT WAS AFTER THANKSGIVING AS I WAS TRAVELI…”
NHTSA complaint #11382782, 2020

“FOR TWO YEARS PRIOR TO AUGUST 2016, I WENT INTO MY VW DEALER ONCE A MONTH BECAUSE THE CHECK TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. EACH TIME THEY JUST PUT AIR IN THE TIRES AND SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM, AND EACH TIME I ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE RIMS. ONCE OR TWICE THEY INSPECTED AND CLEANED THE RIMS AND SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IN JUNE 2016 I ASKED THEM TO CHECK AGAIN BECAUSE I PLANNED TO DRIVE FROM CHICAGO TO NEW YORK. THEY ASSURED ME I WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM. BUT DRIVING BACK FROM NEW YORK IN AUGUST 2016, THE CAR WAS NOT HANDLING WELL, SO I CHECKED THE TIRES EVEN THOUGH THE CHECK TIRE LIGHT HAD NOT COME ON.…”
NHTSA complaint #10938652, 2016

Equipment 7

“I WAS DRIVING TO MY CABIN AND WHEN I WOKE UP THE NEXT DAY AND STARTED MY CAR - MY RADIO DID NOT WORK, THE CARE WAS STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY WHEN I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM. I DROVE TO THE DEALER, THINKING IT WAS A FUSE OR SOMETHING EASY TO FIX AND THEY SAID THE RADIO IS BROKEN AND IT BE OVER $1500.00 TO REPLACE. I WAS A BIT SHOCKED - THIS RADIO IS NOT FANCY, STANDARD STOCK RADIO. I STARTED DOING RESEARCH IN ALL THE VW JETTA FORUMS AND MANY PEOPLE (THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE OR AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT CAUSED THE RADIO TO BREAK) THE 2011 JETTA RADIO IS JUNK AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.…”
NHTSA complaint #10892293, 2016

“WHILE DRIVING, RADIO/CD/HANDS FREE TELEPHONE DIED. SCREEN FLICKERED AND THEN WENT BLANK, NO POWER TO ALL THESE FUNCTIONS. VW REPAIR SAID THIS MODEL OF RADIO INSTALLED ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND THAT THE RADIO UNIT IS DEAD AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED ($668 PLUS TAX FOR A REPLACEMENT BY DEALER). PLUS AN INSTALL FEE. AN UNGODLY PRICE FOR A REPLACEMENT RADIO THAT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND THREADS OUT WHICH WARRANT A RECALL. I USE THE HANDS FREE CONSTANTLY FOR WORK AND NOT BEING ABLE TO WILL MAKE ME HAVE TO USE THE PHONE IN AN UNSAFE MANNER.…”
NHTSA complaint #10731853, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO STOPPED WORKING, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE'S BLUETOOTH TO STOP WORKING. THE CONTACT'S CITY HAS A HANDS FREE LAW FOR SAFETY. IN THE COLD WINTER MONTHS, THE RADIO AND BLUETOOTH FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM BEING ABLE TO GET ANY UPDATE INFORMATION. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE FUSES, BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN UPDATED 9/30/12 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10721744, 2015

Latches/Locks/Linkages 7

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD UNLOCK AND LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUBURN VW (3109 AUBURN WAY NORTH, AUBURN, WA 9800,2 253-499-4121) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11416352, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO PROPERLY LOCK, AND THE DOOR SWUNG OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO TIE THE DOOR WITH ROPE TO PREVENT IT FROM OPENING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10986310, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOCK AND UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10704022, 2015

Visibility 6

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF GLASS CRACKED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT PLACED PLASTIC OVER THE SUN ROOF TO COVER THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11278292, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE LIGHT BULBS IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10626409, 2014

“WE WERE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 93 APPROX 5 MILES SOUTH OF EXIT 11 IN HOOKSETT, NH NORTHBOUND. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE LIKE A GUNSHOT. I SWERVED INTO THE LEFT LANE AND BY THE TIME I GOT THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL MY WIFE AND I WERE COVERED IN GLASS AND OUR EARS WERE RINGING. WE LOOKED UP AND THE SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED OUT/UPWARDS FROM THE BEST WE COULD TELL. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE CAR WAS DRY AND IT WAS CLEAR OUT. THERE WAS NO ICE OR SNOW ON THE ROOF. THE WINDOWS WERE ALL CLOSED AND THE SUN SHADE WAS OPEN. THE HEAT WAS NOT ON IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS ROUGHLY 40 DEGREES F OUTSI…”
NHTSA complaint #10501227, 2013

Forward Collision Avoidance 4

“The power window never works the way it is suppose to, when I row my window down it MESSES with the speakers for some reason, my wipes don't work all the time and freeze easy. When driving does nor like to shift out of 1st it's got that mk shifter, it will stay in first gear unless the gas is pressed and released fast also can smell like a burnt wire or/ candle was smell. When I try to put the air on the smell becomes worse.”
NHTSA complaint #11510091, 2023

“It's the transmission when the mph needle just Bob's constantly, when sometime up to 60 mph the rps stays above the three for at least 15 sec before sometimes going down others have to push the gas pedal fast to shift gears. Constant thud sound from the motor and more condensation then should be coming from tailpipe.the odor coming from the air vents is absolutely nauseating.”
NHTSA complaint #11472267, 2022

“Unknown , The vehicle is a slap shift and I can't put it in sport mode as well when driving I've been in just regular automatic it will shift slow but hard when it's in slap shift it it shifts Hard and when it is in sport mode it will shift fast and hard it's like a jerk it has a very rough idol and sometimes the windshield wiper's will work sometimes they won't and my cruise control does not work and I put my code reader on it and it says $7E8 and $7E9 along with not being able to complete smog test, and it acted like it wanted to die when I was in drive through it has well over half tank g…”
NHTSA complaint #11449759, 2022

Seats 4 1 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. I REACHED BEHIND MY BACK AND BURNED MY FINGER. I PULLED OFF AND LOOKED AND SAW A HOLD AND MELTED SEAT. THE BACK OF MY COAT WAS MELTED AS WELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A VW DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND IT WAS CAUSED BY A WIRE SHORTING OUT. THERE IS A CASE NOW OPEN FOR ME WITH VW. WAITING TO HEAR IF THEY WILL PAY TO FIX THE SEAT.”
NHTSA complaint #11142922, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“AT HOME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OFF AND STATIONARY, UPON REMOVAL OF THE REAR BENCH SEAT, I DISCOVERED SEVERE BURN MARKS UNDER THE SEAT. AS WELL AS SOME COINS THAT HAVE BEEN CEMENTED IN PLACE BY MELTED PLASTIC. THE BURNED AREA APPEARS TO BE RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST.”
NHTSA complaint #11282779, 2019

“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 THE IGNITION KEY AND MY WIFE DRIVE THE CAR TOO BUT SHE IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND SHE CALLED ME TO HELP HER. I HAVE THIS PROBLEM SINCE JANUARY 2019 AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO DO. I HAVE OTHER PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER SEAT THAT IS CRACKING WHEN I'M DRIVING A…”
NHTSA complaint #11196164, 2019

Traction Control System 2

“TL* 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 THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11253185, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. GUNTER VOLKSWAGEN IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33317 WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11101860, 2018

Child Seat 1

“UPON PICKING UP MY CHILD FROM DAYCARE TODAY, I INSPECTED HER CARSEAT. I FOUND THE "SUPERLATCH" LATCH STRAP WAS VISIBLY LOOSE. I CHECKED FOR MOVEMENT AT THE BELT PATH AND FOUND APPROX 2" OF MOVEMENT. I IMMEDIATELY TIGHTENED IT DOWN AND CHECKED FOR MOVEMENT AGAIN. THERE WAS NO MOVEMENT. I PUT MY CHILD IN HER SEAT AND ADJUSTED THE HARNESS. I THEN PUT MY OTHER CHILD IN HIS CARSEAT. AFTERWARDS, I CHECKED THE BELTPATH OF MY DAUGHTER'S RADIAN XTSL AGAIN. BY THIS POINT THERE WAS ABT 0.5" MOVEMENT (STILL AN ACCEPTABLE INSTALL, BUT LOOSER THAN IT HAD BEEN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES EARLIER). I TIGHTEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10397447, 2011

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“THIS IS A RE-OCCURRENCE OF THE COMPLAINT 10425920 THAT WAS SUBMITTED BY ME ON 17 SEPTEMBER AND IS LISTED ON THIS SITE. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. SYMPTOMATICALLY IT IS THE SAME. WHILE TRYING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE VEHICLE THE KEY FOB WOULDN'T OPEN THE DOORS. AFTER GAINING ENTRY TO THE VEHICLE ALL LOCKS ARE INOPERATIVE AND THE FUSE IS BLOWN. THE INITIAL ISSUE WAS WORKED ON BY MY LOCAL VW DEALER BUT DUE TO THE ODD NATURE OF THE ISSUE VW TECH WAS CONSULTED. THE SYSTEM FUSE WILL ONLY BLOW IF I TRY TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE CAR WITH THE KEY FOBS. IF A NEW FUSE IS INSTALLED AND THE SENSORS ON THE ACTUAL D…”
NHTSA complaint #10438177, 2011

Interior Lighting 1

“DASHBOARD LIGHTS FOUND IN THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER WILL TURN ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF. THIS MAKES READING THE DASHBOARD DIFFICULT. DEALER NOTICED THE PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY AND ORDERED A REPLACEMENT DASHBOARD FROM VW. IT'S BEEN TWO WEEKS AND WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE PART TO BE SHIPPED TO THE US FROM GERMANY. CAR HAS UNDER 1K MILES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10407061, 2011