What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners filed 527 complaints with NHTSA. The largest named groups are electrical system with 144 and engine with 95. In a small sample we read, owners describe shifting trouble and stalling.

Does the 2012 Jetta have any recalls?

Yes, six are listed. They cover an ignition key release, air bag inflators, an air bag clock spring, rear trailing arms, diesel fuel lines and a vehicle compliance issue.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Jetta get?

EPA rates the diesel versions at 32 combined MPG. The 2.0L gas version rates 25 with the automatic and 28 with the manual.

Is the 2012 Jetta safe?

NHTSA gave the 4 door front-wheel drive 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crash.

Is 2012 a good year for the Jetta?

It has 527 complaints and 6 recalls. Eight model years list more complaints, but counts are not adjusted for sales.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 527 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Jetta^[1], and six recalls are listed for this model year^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]. Check your VIN for open recalls, because one air bag recall had no remedy available yet in the notice we read^[4].

527owner complaints^[1]

6recalls^[8]

25–32MPG combined (EPA)^[9]

4★NHTSA overall rating^[10]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed 527 complaints with NHTSA for this model year^[1]. Of those, 24 mention a crash and 7 a fire, with 17 injuries reported, and none report a death^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group	Complaints
Electrical system^[11]	144
Unknown or other^[12]	111
Engine^[13]	95
Fuel/propulsion system^[14]	52
Power train^[15]	50
Steering^[16]	44
Brakes^[17]	41
Air bags^[18]	35

Air bags have the fewest complaints of these groups. They also have the most crashes (9) and injuries (11) tied to them^[18].

We also read a small sample of 12 complaint texts for each of four groups^[11]^[13]^[14]^[15]. It is not enough to say how common any problem is, but it shows what owners describe.

Power train. In a sample of complaints we read, 7 of 12 describe shifting trouble^[15]. Owners write about lurching, hesitation, slamming into gear, or a car that stayed in reverse^[15].
Engine. In 8 of 12 sampled complaints, the car stalled or lost power while driving^[13]. Two describe cold-weather engine trouble on diesel cars, tied to the intercooler^[13].
Electrical system. In at least 5 of 12 sampled complaints, lights, a horn or a switch did not work properly^[11].
Fuel/propulsion system. In 6 of 12 sampled complaints, a glow plug or pre-heat warning light came on, followed by lost power or a stall on a diesel car^[14]. At least 5 describe a failed high pressure fuel pump^[14].

Median mileage at failure was 45,000 miles for engine^[13], 43,000 for power train^[15] and 61,944 for electrical^[11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year^[8]. Newest first. Recall dates are the dates NHTSA lists.

Unknown or other (19V679). Announced 2019-09-25^[2]. Changes made to vehicles during an internal evaluation period may leave them out of line with some regulatory requirements, which raises the risk of a crash, fire or injury. Volkswagen will buy back the affected vehicles. The notice lists 113 potentially affected units^[2].
Ignition key release (19V615). Announced 2019-08-22^[3]. It covers Jetta cars with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. Buildup on the shift lever switch can let the key come out when the lever is not in Park, which raises the risk of the car rolling away. Dealers install an extra switch and circuit board for free^[3].
Remedy pending
Driver air bag inflator (16V078). Announced 2016-02-10^[4]. The inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys, and metal fragments could hit people in the car. Volkswagen said it would replace the inflators for free, but the notice says a second letter will follow when parts are available, so the remedy was not yet available. The notice names other Volkswagen and Audi models, so check your VIN to see if it applies to your car^[4].
Air bag clock spring (15V483). Announced 2015-08-04^[5]. Debris can tear the cable that keeps the driver air bag connected while the wheel turns, and the air bag may not deploy in a crash. Dealers add a protective cover, or replace the clock spring if the air bag light is on, free of charge^[5].
Rear trailing arm (14V656). Announced 2014-10-20^[6]. A rear trailing arm that was bent earlier, for example in a rear or side-rear crash, can fracture suddenly and cause loss of control. Dealers install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms for free^[6].
Diesel fuel line (11V490). Announced 2011-10-03^[7]. It covers cars with the 2.0L TDI diesel engine^[7]. Vibration can crack injector line number 2^[7], and leaking fuel near an ignition source may lead to a fire. Volkswagen will fit vibration dampers on the injector lines, and an improved line on certain cars, for free^[7].

Look up your VIN on NHTSA's recall page to see which of these apply to your car and which are still open.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. Ratings are city / highway / combined MPG, with EPA's estimated annual fuel cost.

Version	MPG	Annual fuel cost
Jetta, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), regular^[19]	24 / 31 / 26	$2,600
Jetta, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, regular^[20]	23 / 33 / 26	$2,600
Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), regular^[21]	23 / 29 / 25	$2,700
Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, regular^[22]	24 / 34 / 28	$2,400
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Automatic (S6), premium^[23]	24 / 32 / 27	$3,050
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd, premium^[24]	22 / 33 / 26	$3,150
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Automatic (S6), diesel^[9]	29 / 37 / 32	$3,000
Jetta, 2.0L turbo, Manual 6-spd, diesel^[25]	29 / 39 / 32	$3,000

The Jetta SportWagen has its own listings. The 2.5L gas versions rate 26 combined MPG with the automatic^[26] and the manual^[27]. The diesel versions rate 32 combined MPG with the automatic^[28] and the manual^[29].

Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA rated the 4 door front-wheel drive Jetta 4 stars overall^[10]. Frontal crash got 4 stars, side crash 5 stars and rollover 4 stars^[10]. The rollover risk is 12.1%^[10].

The SportWagen front-wheel drive has a rollover rating of 4 stars, with the same 12.1% rollover risk^[30].

Engine and size

EPA's test car list shows the 2.0L 4-cylinder rated 115 to 200 hp depending on version^[31]. It also lists a Jetta with an electric motor rated 140 hp^[32].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All three sedan variants share the same length, width, height and wheelbase^[33]^[34]^[35].

Measure	Value
Length^[34]	182 in
Width^[34]	70 in
Height^[34]	57 in
Wheelbase^[34]	104 in
Curb weight, 2.0L^[34]	2,842 lb
Curb weight, 2.5L^[35]	3,045 lb
Curb weight, 2.0 TDI^[33]	3,161 lb

How 2012 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Jetta model year. The 2012 is highlighted^[8].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	220	4
1996	31	1
1997	54	1
1998	192	2
1999	349	6
2000	439	4
2001	668	6
2002	704	5
2003	458	2
2004	233	2
2005	248	4
2006	580	4
2007	201	4
2008	190	4
2009	905	6
2010	875	5
2011	640	8
2012	527	6
2013	633	7
2014	441	7
2015	197	8
2016	164	4
2017	160	6
2018	31	2
2019	549	11
2020	54	6
2021	69	4
2022	43	1
2023	43	0
2024	46	0
2025	30	2
2026	6	1

NHTSA's model year counts put 2012 at 527 complaints and 6 recalls^[8]. The nearby years are 2011 with 640 complaints and 8 recalls, and 2013 with 633 complaints and 7 recalls^[8]. Earlier, 2010 has 875 complaints and 5 recalls, and 2009 has 905 and 6^[8].

Eight model years list more complaints than 2012: 2001, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2019^[8]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2012 Jetta?

The record is mixed. The complaint total of 527 is lower than in several other Jetta years^[8], but electrical (144) and engine (95) are the largest named complaint groups^[11]^[13]. In the samples we read, several of the stalling and power loss stories involve diesel cars^[13]^[14].

Before you buy, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup. Ask whether the recall work was done, especially the air bag clock spring item^[5], and check the status of the inflator recall^[4] and the rear trailing arm inlay^[6]. If the car is a diesel, ask about the fuel line recall^[7]. Fuel economy is a plus, with 32 combined MPG on the diesel versions^[9]^[25] and 25 to 28 on the 2.0L gas versions^[21]^[22].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?: Owners filed 527 complaints with NHTSA^[1]. The largest named groups are electrical system with 144 and engine with 95^[11]^[13]. In a small sample we read, owners describe shifting trouble and stalling^[15]^[13].
Does the 2012 Jetta have any recalls?: Yes, six are listed^[8]. They cover an ignition key release, air bag inflators, an air bag clock spring, rear trailing arms, diesel fuel lines and a vehicle compliance issue^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7].
What gas mileage does the 2012 Jetta get?: EPA rates the diesel versions at 32 combined MPG^[9]^[25]. The 2.0L gas version rates 25 with the automatic and 28 with the manual^[21]^[22].
Is the 2012 Jetta safe?: NHTSA gave the 4 door front-wheel drive 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crash^[10].
Is 2012 a good year for the Jetta?: It has 527 complaints and 6 recalls^[8]. Eight model years list more complaints, but counts are not adjusted for sales^[8].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 527 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (24 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 17 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 19V679, filed September 25, 2019: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V615, filed August 22, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V078, filed February 10, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V483, filed August 4, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V656, filed October 20, 2014: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
Recall 11V490, filed October 3, 2011: Fuel System, Diesel. NHTSA recall database
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Jetta model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
144 complaints name the electrical system component group (7 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,944). NHTSA vehicle records
111 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
95 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
52 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,195). NHTSA vehicle records
50 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
44 complaints name the steering component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
41 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
35 complaints name the air bags component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 115 to 200 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta with electric motor: rated 140 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.0 TDI: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,161 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.0L: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,842 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.5L: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,045 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta: problems, recalls and fuel economy