2012 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 138about this part
- Share
- 28%of 500 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 138 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 28% of the 500 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,250 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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 miles“The vehicle was stationary on an incline suburban city street. The key was unable to be removed from the ignition after driving and placing gear in the park position. I was able to remove it after I put the vehicle in the neutral gear position. However, this presented a hazard and caused an accident as the vehicle rolled backward and side swiped a stationary vehicle. This has happened several times.”
NHTSA complaint #11283166, filed 2019-12, 23,436 miles“Key gets stuck in ignition when turning off the engine. The key wont move or turn off the engine no matter what I do, and I am not able to turn the car off!! I tried for over an hour and finally had to drive to dealer - they werent able to get the key to turn off the engine either and had to pop the hood and pull wires.”
NHTSA complaint #11011500, filed 2017-07, 30,600 milesRelated recalls
- 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018, Beetle 2012–2019, Beetle Convertible 2012–2019 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026This 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…
- 11030829Mar 6, 2026This 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…
- 11028490Jan 6, 2026This 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 a…
- 11007398Aug 28, 2024Battery testing
- 10239654Jul 13, 2023Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw
- 10238400Jun 30, 2023This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars.
- 10239655Jun 28, 2023Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
- 10238308Jun 28, 2023Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
- 10238301Jun 27, 2023Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.
- 10238206Jun 1, 2023This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 50% |
| 2025 | 3 | 9% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 9 | 21% |
| 2022 | 10 | 23% |
| 2021 | 13 | 19% |
| 2020 | 17 | 31% |
| 2019 | 154 | 28% |
| 2018 | 3 | 9% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 36 | 22% |
| 2015 | 49 | 25% |
| 2014 | 94 | 24% |
| 2013 | 148 | 29% |
| 2012 | 138 | 28% |
| 2011 | 186 | 31% |
| 2010 | 233 | 27% |
| 2009 | 107 | 12% |
| 2008 | 42 | 22% |
| 2007 | 45 | 22% |
| 2006 | 112 | 19% |
| 2005 | 48 | 19% |
| 2004 | 36 | 16% |
| 2003 | 97 | 21% |
| 2002 | 148 | 21% |
| 2001 | 117 | 18% |
| 2000 | 60 | 14% |
| 1999 | 44 | 13% |
| 1998 | 41 | 21% |
| 1997 | 17 | 31% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
| 1995 | 45 | 20% |
| 1994 | 24 | 21% |
| 1993 | 2 | 12% |
| 1992 | 6 | 20% |
| 1991 | 4 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 18% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
107 complaintsEngine
84 complaintsFuel system
80 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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