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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2012 · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Jetta problems

525 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 1 active recall campaign on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Jetta?
High-risk ownership

Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
120 reports · fails ~64,510 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
50 reports · fails ~53,389 mi · avg $3,100
severe
steering
43 reports · fails ~67,608 mi · avg $700
severe
powertrain
39 reports · fails ~72,986 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
fuel system
30 reports · fails ~33,199 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
brakes
27 reports · fails ~66,020 mi · avg $450
severe
airbags
26 reports · fails ~78,048 mi · avg $1,100
severe
visibility
17 reports · fails ~51,888 mi · avg $350
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2012 Jetta's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2012 Jetta?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Jetta · electrical
Front driver side door will intermittently fail to lock and/or unlock with key fob or lock/unlock buttons in the cabin (began approx 6/20/2018 at approx 43,000 miles). Must use the key in exterior key hole to manually lock or unlock, but while key is in the ignition it is…
12/31/2018 · at 43,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164303.0 · see electrical pattern →
2012 Jetta · engine Fire
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen jetta. While starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a burning odor emitting from inside the vehicle. The engine compartment caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was…
12/30/2015 · at 55,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10816968.0 · see engine pattern →
2012 Jetta · powertrain
The car unintentionally accelerates and there seems to be an issue with the clutch disengaging at highway speeds. The car has 42k miles on it and the dealer wants a per-authorization signed of $1600 before they will look at the issue. Unsafe and insane!
12/29/2015 · at 42,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10816677.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2012 Jetta · electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the horn failed to function. The contact stated that the horn functioned intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
12/27/2016 · at 35,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10937697.0 · see electrical pattern →
View all 525 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2012 Volkswagen Jetta? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 11E036000 September 8, 2011

Volkswagen is recalling certain stainless steel exhaust tips, part number 1k0 071 910 u, sold as accessory equipment for use on model year 2011-2012 jetta sedan vehicles manufactured from march 18, 2010, through august 22, 2011

If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the stainless steel exhaust tips as necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened April 2018

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA18003 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 525 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 120 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 45,000–80,000 mi; Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,884–70,000 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 120 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,510 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,510 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Volkswagen Jetta has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 525 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Volkswagen/Jetta. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Volkswagen. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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