2012 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Jetta years
More complaints than typical for this model
87/100 2.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.4× that of a typical Volkswagen Jetta year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 123 of its 500 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Ignition key stuck or will not turn (lock housing binding) (131 complaints, median 65,000 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014, 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 500filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,412miles, 410 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report the ignition key becoming stuck or hard to turn, which can leave the car running or unable to start, and a separate group of electrical glitches such as warning lights, a non-working horn, and wiper failure in cold weather. Engine and fuel-system complaints cluster around stalling, loss of power, and rough running, while ABS warning lights and brake concerns also come up. Reports span a wide mileage range, from under 1,000 miles to well past 150,000.
- Electrical system
Ignition key stuck or will not turn (lock housing binding)
- 131 complaints (26%)
- median 65,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (108 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $600 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2014–2025
Owners describe the key jamming in the ignition after parking: it will not rotate to the off position, the engine keeps running, and the key cannot be pulled out. Some say the key will not turn at all to start the car, and a few report having to jiggle or tap the key or stall the engine to shut it down. Complaints mention the dealer diagnosing a binding ignition lock housing or replacing the ignition cylinder, sometimes more than once, and owners frequently note the repair was at their own expense. Spread from roughly 40,000 to 180,000 miles, mostly reported on parked vehicles after normal driving.
What to check: Before buying, start and shut off the car several times and confirm the key turns freely, comes out cleanly, and the steering lock releases. Ask whether the ignition lock housing or cylinder has been replaced, and keep the recall campaign number handy to check whether the ignition-related remedy was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was neither able to turn off my car, nor to remove the key from the ignition. With the key in the ignition, it is not possible to lock the car from the outside. Leaving an unlocked, running car just to be able to procure the spare key in the hopes that the car could at least be locked by utilizing the second key are significant safety risks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10957114, filed 2017-02, 91,158 miles“The ignition won't turn off, can't shut it down. I was able to turnit off by applying pressure on the key and tapping the end of the key with pliers. I found this solution on the internet from other Jetta owners. Volkswagen knows about this common issue and refuses to do a recall on the ignition switch which costs hundreds of dollar to owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11331236, filed 2020-06, 119,500 miles - Engine
Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving
- 73 complaints (15%)
- median 44,500 mi at 3.3 yrs old (68 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2024
Owners report the engine cutting out or losing power without warning, in some cases at highway speed, with the car coasting to a stop and sometimes not restarting. Complaints describe EPC or check-engine lights appearing around the same time, and diagnosis ranging from fuel-system repairs to a crankshaft position sensor fault and, in one case, an engine replacement recommendation. Some dealers could not reproduce the problem or found no stored codes. Reported from as low as 10,000 miles up to about 160,000 miles, occurring at various speeds.
What to check: Ask whether the car has any history of stalling or EPC/check-engine codes and request a scan for stored fault codes. A test drive that includes highway speeds and a cold start can help surface hesitation or power loss.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving 45mph, epc and engine lights came on and car suddenly decellerated, causing traffic behind me to drive off the side of the road to avoid hitting me. Fortunately it was on a curve with enough room to avoid a multi car accident. Then my car accelerated to normal and I parked it and shut it off. When I restarted it, it quietly lost power and stalled in reverse only. …”
NHTSA complaint #11279952, filed 2019-11, 65,500 miles“Car ran hot first time air conditioning got hot car was going any faster with smoke from engine. No indicator at all car was running hot. Dealership stated the block mess up. Adjuster came stated theromast which not cover warranty for my car. Why was I never aware my car had these issues”
NHTSA complaint #11341492, filed 2020-07, 92,234 miles - Brakes
ABS, brake and airbag warning lights on
- 40 complaints (8%)
- median 65,775 mi at 6.2 yrs old (34 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,346 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2013–2023
Complaints describe the ABS, brake, traction-control, and airbag lights coming on together, sometimes with a beeping chime at startup, while the brakes themselves feel normal. Owners report being told the ABS control module or an ABS-related code was the cause, and some mention the dealer wanted payment for diagnosis or said the VIN was not covered by a related campaign. A few say the ABS engaged unexpectedly during ordinary braking. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 180,000 miles, often noticed at start-up.
What to check: Turn the key to on and check that all dash warning lights go out after the self-test. Ask for any stored ABS or brake codes and whether the ABS module has been replaced or diagnosed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Oxygen sensor code comes up, then all lights coming on, when vehicle is in motion. This car had a carfax sheet stating no problem and repairs done by micheal automotive in fresno ca. No recall ever mentioned, now a young mans first car , nothing but problems, only picked up because car fax stated it had no problems, now a safty concern.”
NHTSA complaint #11339449, filed 2020-07, 134,771 miles“When starting my 2012 vw Jetta, the ABS light, brake light, passenger air bag light come on on the dashboard along with a long beeping sound. The sound eventually stops but the lights stay on. Vehicle is trying to run through diagnostics upon starting (vehicle is stationary but lights remain on while driving) when these lights come on. The brakes on the vehicle are fine and do not need to be serviced per mechanic and vw. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383833, filed 2020-12, 63,000 miles - Electrical system
Horn and wiper failures
- 46 complaints (9%)
- median 51,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (39 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $600 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2012–2025
Complaints describe the horn going silent or working only intermittently, with owners reporting dealers replacing horns repeatedly. Others report the wipers stopping entirely in cold weather, sometimes with only a click from the stalk, which leaves the windshield uncleared in wet or salted conditions. Some complaints tie the horn issue to other electrical functions such as the security system not responding. Wiper complaints center on freezing temperatures; both issues appear from roughly 30,000 to 70,000 miles.
What to check: Test the horn and the wipers on every speed setting, and if you can, check the wipers again on a cold morning. Ask whether the horn or wiper motor/stalk has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ongoing issue: in cold weather, the wiper blades will not work. Generally anytime below freezing temperatures. In a few instances, if I turn the wipers on and off, on and off, they will begin to work. But that is quite infrequent. In the winter months. The biggest problem while driving is the wet salt will cloud the windshield and need to be cleaned. The wiper fluid will squirt out, and stay splashed where it landed on the windshield. The wiper blades will not engage. Only a click-click. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300538, filed 2020-01, 36,000 miles“When the weather gets cold around 35 degrees and lower, the wipers stop working. They are not stuck to windshield. Very dangerous and happens randomly on in the winter.”
NHTSA complaint #11372462, filed 2020-10, 68,000 miles - Fuel system
Rough running, misfire and hard starts
- 100 complaints (20%)
- median 38,908 mi at 3.1 yrs old (88 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,700 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2011–2024
Owners report check-engine lights that stay on, rough idling, hard starting, and shuddering or hesitation on acceleration. Complaints describe dealers replacing spark plugs, decarbonizing the engine, or swapping coil packs and sensors without fully resolving the symptoms. Some diesel owners report stalling and repeated fuel-system repairs tied to emissions testing. Most commonly under about 100,000 miles, with diesel-related fuel reports running higher.
Recall 11V4900003 related service bulletins
What to check: Listen for rough idle or misfire at cold start and ask for the service history on plugs, coils, and fuel-system work. On a diesel, ask whether the fuel-pump and emissions-related campaigns were completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car broke down, I.e. A warning light emitted on the dash. I was able to pull my car over. I turned off the engine and the car would not restart. I had my car towed to the dealership. The dealership informed me my high pressure fuel pump failed and sent pieces of metal into my entire fuel system, and that everything except the fuel tank would need to be replaced. This is a $5400 repair per the vw dealership my car was towed to. Vw of america issued a voluntary extended warranty on this fuel pump to 120k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10917602, filed 2016-10, 120,946 miles“Check engine light came on and while driving to dealer for service the car engine failed completely while driving at 60 MPH on freeway. Car had no propulsion and came to a rolling stop. Unable to restart car. Towed to vw dealer and they said vw tdi fuel pumps have had issues and could fail. Luckily nobody was injured but could have been very dangerous as engine shut down immediately and failed completely while on freeway. I was very shaken by the incident and was unable to move all the way to side of freeway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10724183, filed 2015-06, 51,000 miles
Buying note. Check the ignition key operation carefully and confirm which open campaigns have been completed, since key and electrical complaints are the most common here. A pre-purchase scan for ABS, engine, and fuel-system codes plus a highway test drive will cover most of the remaining reported issues.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 500 consumer complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 410 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,412 miles. Of all complaints, 24 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 17 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,483 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Volkswagen Jetta model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 87 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system138 28%
- Other or unknown107 21%
- Engine84 17%
- Fuel system80 16%
- Transmission and drivetrain46 9.2%
- Steering42 8.4%
- Brakes37 7.4%
- Air bags34 6.8%
- Vehicle speed control14 2.8%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (13), Electronic stability control (10), Suspension (10), Wheels (10), Seat belts (9), Tires (9), Engine cooling (8), Body and structure (7), Equipment (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Seats (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “When my car is on, I cannot turn the key in the ignition to turn the car off. I was told this is an extremely common problem in jettas. The car is just under 5 years old, less than 80,000 miles on it. I've learned that vw knows about the problems, but won't recall to fix the problems that happen in so many jettas. It is no coincidence, and vw should be responsible.”
NHTSA complaint #11011807, filed 2017-07, 79,900 milesOther or unknown: “While in park my key was stuck in the ignition and would not come out. Car was on and I tried to turn it off and remove the key as normal but it would not turn fully to the off position or come out. I eventually stalled my car out as it is a manual to shut it off and fiddled with it for an hour and was able to get the key out. This has happened a couple times.”
NHTSA complaint #10898771, filed 2016-08, 52,000 milesEngine: “The motor kicks(jerks) really bad. It has been happening for about two years. I have taken it to a couple shops and the Volkswagen dealer once and no one has been able to detect the problem. I have changed many parts thinking it would fix it and still happens. At this point im frustrated and dont know what to do the car only has 84,146 miles. It does it when driving down a city street randomly and is very scary.”
NHTSA complaint #11232140, filed 2019-07, 60,000 milesFuel system: “The engine shut off while traveling at 65mph on the highway. The high pressure fuel pump failed, causing the shutdown. Volkswagen of america had already issued an extension on the warranty for the high pressure fuel pump, but I'm beyond the mileage of the extension. I was fortunate to be in a rural area without a lot of traffic, but this could have been a major accident if I had been in traffic or even just in the left lane.”
NHTSA complaint #11197016, filed 2019-04, 159,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
42% of the 410 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,000 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 12.1% risk |
| Jetta · wagon FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 12.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Volkswagen Jetta version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 32 | 27 | $3,050 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 33 | 26 | $3,150 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 29 | 37 | 32 | $3,000 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed manual | 29 | 39 | 32 | $3,000 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V679000Sep 25, 2019Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2007–2009, 2011–2013, 2015, 2019, Beetle 2008–2010, 2012–2013, Beetle Convertible 2008–2010, 2012–2013 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and…
- 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control moduleCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018, Beetle 2012–2019, Beetle Convertible 2012–2019 +3 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual…
- 15V483000Aug 4, 2015Air bags › FrontalCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2014, CC 2010–2014, Passat 2010, 2012–2014 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may…
- 14V656000Oct 20, 2014Suspension › RearCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2013, Beetle 2012–2013
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear…
- 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Fuel system, dieselCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2009–2012, Golf 2010–2012, Audi A3 2010–2012
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012…
Recall details for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,483 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Engine. Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
Other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 300 | 1 | 5 | 34 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 32 | — | 2 | 5 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 46 | 15,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 43 | 11,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 43 | 3,250 | 1 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 9,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 29 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 54 | 6,951 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2019 | 550 | 4,500 | 11 | 5 | 34 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 32 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 160 | 36,950 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 161 | 42,731 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 194 | 42,000 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 388 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 518 | 56,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 500 | 55,412 | 5 | 4 | 26 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 607 | 50,000 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 852 | 53,939 | 4 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 889 | 60,150 | 6 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 188 | 58,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 201 | 53,661 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 580 | 71,491 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 248 | 71,207 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 231 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 456 | 56,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 702 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 668 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 439 | 64,400 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 349 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 192 | 81,282 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 54 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 31 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 220 | 112,984 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 117 | 91,800 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | 170,000 | 4 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 119,646 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 117,000 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 22 | 125,000 | 5 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 19 | — | 7 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | 97,869 | 2 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 13 | — | 3 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Volkswagen Jetta model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners of this model year most often report the ignition key becoming stuck or hard to turn, which can leave the car running or unable to start, and a separate group of electrical glitches such as warning lights, a non-working horn, and wiper failure in cold weather. The issues reported most often: Ignition key stuck or will not turn (lock housing binding); Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving; ABS, brake and airbag warning lights on.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA recorded 500 consumer complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 138 complaints (28% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 107.
Has the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta reported?
Among the 410 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,412 miles and the middle half falls between 32,000 and 80,000 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.