2012 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 17%of 500 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 84 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 17% of the 500 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“Accelerating up from a stop sign vehicle would not shift. Pushed on accelerator and vehicle lost all power and went into limp mode. Could have resulted in accident if I had been merging on a very busy highway. Had vehicle towed to dealership and they found a engine code but are unable to duplicate and want to return vehicle back to me without resolving defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10594818, filed 2014-05, 42,000 miles“I purchased my car 1 year ago has approximately 27k on it now bought it with 1000 miles on it after a month after purchasing my vehicle I started in some wobbling rumbling noises coming from the left front of my car I took up a drive with the technician the technician heard the sound they had my car for four days didn't even give me a loaner and I missed school because so. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574001, filed 2014-03, 2,000 miles“As I went to change gears into reverse I heard a very hard thump, then into drive and the thump got louder and the whole engine shifted forward. Now it sounds as if everything ( motor ) is about to fall out the vehicle .”
NHTSA complaint #11372721, filed 2020-11, 176,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 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…
- 11025437Oct 14, 2025G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
- 11025430Oct 14, 2025Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
- 11025436Oct 9, 2025How to measure engine oil consumption.
- 11025431Oct 6, 2025A list of suggested fuel stations
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 12 | 26% |
| 2023 | 11 | 26% |
| 2022 | 12 | 28% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 12 | 22% |
| 2019 | 147 | 27% |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 43 | 27% |
| 2015 | 43 | 22% |
| 2014 | 108 | 28% |
| 2013 | 112 | 22% |
| 2012 | 84 | 17% |
| 2011 | 90 | 15% |
| 2010 | 117 | 14% |
| 2009 | 96 | 11% |
| 2008 | 20 | 11% |
| 2007 | 16 | 8% |
| 2006 | 39 | 7% |
| 2005 | 27 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 16 | 4% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
138 complaintsOther or unknown
107 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 27, 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