2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Electrical system Problems

“While driving on the highway several messages started to appear in reference to failed lights. I lost signal lights, headlights and brake lights. Replacing the lights did not solve the problem. At the dealer they told me that the fuse box was burned out and needed replacement. This is what happened to me while driving the car on 3/24/2017.”

“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.”

“Right front headlight assembly (high & low beam, turn signal, drl), right rear taillight, third brake light, license plate light and left rear turn signal all stopped working at the same time. Dash information center reported all of these lights need to be checked. After 1.5 hours of troubleshooting with a fluke multi-meter, I found a post on tdi forums referencing campaign 97am to check the fuse panel under the hood, position f16, 30amp fuse for melting. I checked this fuse and the fuse panel and fuse is melted. …”

“Recently my 2011 Jetta Sportwagen's exterior light dashboard indicator came on. Upon investigation I found that the passenger side exterior front and rear lights were not working. Intermittently over the next few days they would work and then fail again without any reason. I took the car to the dealer and was told I had one bulb out and that there was nothing wrong with the car. And that they had never ever heard of this issue in any Volkswagen. The same day the lights failed again. I investigated this time myself and found multiple complaints about the f16 fuse. …”

“On this vehicle, fuse (f16 plug-in position) overheated and damaged the fuse box, causing a partial loss of exterior vehicle lighting. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Vw issued 97am action alert for earlier year same models, but not this and later year models.”