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Exterior lightingPart report

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
41about this part
Share
7%of 607 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 607 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Passenger airbag light randomly came on because of some sort wiring issue. Headlight bulbs constantly short out. I've had to change atleast 10 bulbs in less than a year. Headlights go out and tailights... These are 2 seperate issues. But if you google it, they are both common issues. It's been an issue on my car for years, but I didn't realize I could report it.”

NHTSA complaint #11241454, filed 2019-08, 77,000 miles

“My horn and front right parking light both stopped working at the same time. I noticed there is a recall for the same make/model/year as my car, but my VIN is not included. I will need to have this repaired and pay for it, however, I do hope vw and NHTSA sees this is a problem and expand the recall to include more models.”

NHTSA complaint #11124715, filed 2018-09, 75,000 miles

“Low-beam headlights go dark within a year at best. I have replaced headlight bulbs at least 6 times since I've owned it. I recently replaced one bulb and the next day it was out. Upon inspection, the bulb does not appear to be 'burned-out'. Other lights function, including the low-beam on the other side of the car.”

NHTSA complaint #11155934, filed 2018-12, 85,000 miles

“The low beams on driver and passenger side have failed 12 times and required me buying new h7 bulbs. They have on 3 occasions went out simultaneously while driving at night on the highway. The rear tail light also randomly turns off, requiring opening and shutting the trunk to get it to come back on or shutting off the car and restarting it to get the taillight back on. This has been occurring since 30k miles, my vehicle now has 135k.”

NHTSA complaint #11364648, filed 2020-10, 135,000 miles

“Vehicle has no fuse diagram and lighter fuse repeatedly blows.unable to get help on leased vehicle without paying for service. I unfortunately cannot access simple fuses without having a diagram. I was put in harms way by accidentally removing brake light fuse. I am not able to find a diagram on the internet or vw website.”

NHTSA complaint #10511624, filed 2013-05, 45,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202513%
202212%
202111%
2019265%
201753%
201632%
201553%
2014246%
2013173%
2012133%
2011417%
2010192%
2009243%
200853%
200784%
2006326%
2005146%
200494%
2003286%
2002507%
20018012%
2000348%
1999175%
199874%
199573%
199316%
198815%

Other parts of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Electrical system
186 complaints
Fuel system
166 complaints
Engine
90 complaints
Other or unknown
67 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
54 complaints
Air bags
37 complaints
Brakes
28 complaints
Vehicle speed control
26 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaints
Engine cooling
25 complaints
Steering
23 complaints
Body and structure
20 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology