2012 volkswagen Jetta engine problems

severe 50 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 11E036000 08/09/2011

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.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

engine · filed 12/30/2015

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 TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…

engine · filed 12/21/2016

COOLANT CAME THEN WENT OFF AFTER SHUTTING OFF CAR TURNING BACK THEN 3DAYS LATER ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING PULLED OVER TURNT CAR OFF TURNED ON AFTER 5 MINS ENGINE LIGHT CUT OFF. 2 DAYS LATER ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. *TR

engine · filed 12/20/2011

UPON ENTERING AN ON-RAMP AND ALSO ACCELERATING AROUND A TURN, EXPERIENCED NO RESPONSE TO DEPRESSION OF GAS PEDAL. BASICALLY CAR HAD SERIOUS LAG BEFORE TAKING OFF. WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY ISSUE WHEN TRYING TO GET OUT OF SOMEONE'S WAY. VERY UNPREDICTABLE IN OCCURRENCE AND DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A WRECK. ALSO EXPERIENCED "STUTTERING" AROUND 30 MPH AS IF VEHICLE DID NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR TO GET INTO. THI…

engine · filed 12/16/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HER BOYFRIEND HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AND PARKED IT IN HER DRIVEWAY; HER BOYFRIEND INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO ACTIVE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. A FIRE REPORT…

engine · filed 12/13/2014

THIS PROBLEM IS DIESEL ENGINE SPECIFIC: -ENGINE STARTS, THEN WHEN PULLING AWAY, STALLS IMMEDIATELY. -TOWED AFTER MULTIPLE RESTART ATTEMPTS FAILED DEALER FOUND WATER AND SLUDGE IN INTERCOOLER, AKA, INTERCOOLER ICING. CAR SPENT OVERNIGHT IN WARM SERVICE BAY WHILE IT THAWED OUT. VW HAS TSB FOR ISSUE BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT DOESN'T FIX IT. WOW. *TR

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 volkswagen Jetta?

It's a meaningful issue. 50 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.