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FaultScore report

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen problems

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen All 2011 cars
C

FaultScore 49/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen.

How this is worked out

The numbers

41

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

85,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

0%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 53 vs 50 Severity 76 vs 50 Early failure 0 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 76
14.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2011 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Electrical System 15 36.6%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 90,000 mi

Lights 5 12.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 83,558 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 4 9.8%

Median failure at 83,602 miles

Suspension 4 9.8%

Median failure at 77,500 miles

Engine & Cooling 4 9.8%

Median failure at 74,338 miles

Other & Unspecified 2 4.9%

Median failure at 72,500 miles

Airbags 2 4.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 96,000 mi

Seats 1 2.4%

Median failure at 180,000 miles

Seat Belts 1 2.4%

Median failure at 96,230 miles

Wheels 1 2.4%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

Brakes 1 2.4%
Transmission & Drivetrain 1 2.4%

Median failure at 91,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 6.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 10 32.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 10 32.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 6 19.4%
150,000+ miles 3 9.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Mar 2016 peak 3 Jan 2025

NHTSA investigations into the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA18003 Opened 18 Apr 2018 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

Air Bag Clockspring Failure

In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...

Recalls on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

16V078000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 117,000 miles Milwaukee, WI Crash

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH AND THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED ANY TRANSPORT BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED PENDING AN OFFICIAL RULING FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOW YARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA complaint #11245452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Alstead, NH 1 injured

SEATS

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. I REACHED BEHIND MY BACK AND BURNED MY FINGER. I PULLED OFF AND LOOKED AND SAW A HOLD AND MELTED SEAT. THE BACK OF MY COAT WAS MELTED AS WELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A VW DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND IT WAS CAUSED BY A WIRE SHORTING OUT. THERE IS A CASE NOW OPEN FOR ME WITH VW. WAITING TO HEAR IF THEY WILL PAY TO FIX THE SEAT.

NHTSA complaint #11142922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Alstead, NH 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. I REACHED BEHIND MY BACK AND BURNED MY FINGER. I PULLED OFF AND LOOKED AND SAW A HOLD AND MELTED SEAT. THE BACK OF MY COAT WAS MELTED AS WELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A VW DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND IT WAS CAUSED BY A WIRE SHORTING OUT. THERE IS A CASE NOW OPEN FOR ME WITH VW. WAITING TO HEAR IF THEY WILL PAY TO FIX THE SEAT.

NHTSA complaint #11142922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,500 miles Quincy, IL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

RECENTLY MY 2011 JETTA SPORTWAGEN'S EXTERIOR LIGHT DASHBOARD INDICATOR CAME ON. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE EXTERIOR FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS THEY WOULD WORK AND THEN FAIL AGAIN WITHOUT ANY REASON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I HAD ONE BULB OUT AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. AND THAT THEY HAD NEVER EVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE IN ANY VOLKSWAGEN. THE SAME DAY THE LIGHTS FAILED AGAIN. I INVESTIGATED THIS TIME MYSELF AND FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE F16 FUSE. MY F16 FUSE WAS VISIBLY BURNT AND THE FUSE BOX WAS MELTED AT THE F16 SPOT. A NEW FUSE HAS TEMPORARILY FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A SAFETY ISSUE IF THIS IS MELTING THE FUSE BOX AND MY LIGHTS COULD FAIL AT A CRITICAL TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11014968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,328 miles Genoa, OH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON THIS VEHICLE, FUSE (F16 PLUG-IN POSITION) OVERHEATED AND DAMAGED THE FUSE BOX, CAUSING A PARTIAL LOSS OF EXTERIOR VEHICLE LIGHTING. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. VW ISSUED 97AM ACTION ALERT FOR EARLIER YEAR SAME MODELS, BUT NOT THIS AND LATER YEAR MODELS.

NHTSA complaint #10938608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,351 miles NEW Port Richey, FL Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL TURNING SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUSE PANEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS MELTED WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,351.

NHTSA complaint #10871199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Tulsa, OK

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The f16 fuse in the engine bay that connects power to multiple exterior lights as well as the abs brake system melts and melts part of the fuse tray. This is the same thing that happens with the vw Tiguan in campaign am97. Look into am97 as this can ruin your abs brake system. This should be recalled and fixed. This picture is not mine but is exactly what happened.

NHTSA complaint #11633929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tulsa, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The f16 fuse in the engine bay that connects power to multiple exterior lights as well as the abs brake system melts and melts part of the fuse tray. This is the same thing that happens with the vw Tiguan in campaign am97. Look into am97 as this can ruin your abs brake system. This should be recalled and fixed. This picture is not mine but is exactly what happened.

NHTSA complaint #11633929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tulsa, OK

SERVICE BRAKES

The f16 fuse in the engine bay that connects power to multiple exterior lights as well as the abs brake system melts and melts part of the fuse tray. This is the same thing that happens with the vw Tiguan in campaign am97. Look into am97 as this can ruin your abs brake system. This should be recalled and fixed. This picture is not mine but is exactly what happened.

NHTSA complaint #11633929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle’s electrical system shuts off as I am driving. This happened at night , almost caused a crash.

NHTSA complaint #11552529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Harrison, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car stalls in traffic and is slow to accelerate. The service department attributes the cause from a problem with a contaminated fuel system. However, the car has had a series of problems with the electrical system where I was told the "radio is draining the battery". The car would be parked without the keys in the ignition and it failed to start and the cause being the radio draining the battery. The issue is both electrical and diesel engine related.

NHTSA complaint #11537327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Harrison, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The car stalls in traffic and is slow to accelerate. The service department attributes the cause from a problem with a contaminated fuel system. However, the car has had a series of problems with the electrical system where I was told the "radio is draining the battery". The car would be parked without the keys in the ignition and it failed to start and the cause being the radio draining the battery. The issue is both electrical and diesel engine related.

NHTSA complaint #11537327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Good Hope, IL

SUSPENSION

Going down the road - in town - at about 35 mph and I started to hear loud clanking while I felt as the rear of the car felt "stiff" all of a sudden. I parked the car as soon as I could to check it over. The rear passenger side coil spring just snapped as you'd break a pretzel... I have never seen a broken coil spring in any of the cars we owned over three decades. As I looked for information online, it seems that this MK6 generation of Volkswagen vehicles made in MEXICO were manufactured with springs that are PRONE TO FAILURE! Even the next generation MK7 especially vehicles manufactured between 2015-2019 had a RECALL for this exact failure - 42J5. - 56,000 vehicles including Golf hatchbacks, Golf SPORTWAGEN, Jetta sedans and Tiguan SUVS. How come VW didn't have a recall for the previous generation? Obviously this is manufacturing with below par parts.

NHTSA complaint #11478915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Virginia Beach, VA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the catalytic convertor warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the particle filter needed to be removed and reinstalled. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken to a different dealer who determined that the particle filter needed to be checked and reinstalled. Additionally, the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the second dealer; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11477382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colo, IA

SUSPENSION

While changing lanes we heard a twang sound and felt an impact in the floor boards. The left rear of the car was unloaded from weight shift when the noise and impact was felt. When I was able to check the car over, I found the left rear spring was broken. The vehicle only has roughly 85k miles. I have heard many other stories of this happening to others as well.

NHTSA complaint #11475501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

High Point, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At first we had to replace the intake manifold and then a month later we had to replace the catalytic converter and now it’s in the shop having the DLF filter , fuel pump , & fuel lines . All dealing with the diesel exhaust and fuel distribution. It’s leaking diesel fuel with strong odor of diesel to the point it makes you feel sick. The Volkswagen dealership never informed me of any recalls on my vehicle. The dealership is Flow Volkswagen Greensboro NC

NHTSA complaint #11468080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

High Point, NC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

At first we had to replace the intake manifold and then a month later we had to replace the catalytic converter and now it’s in the shop having the DLF filter , fuel pump , & fuel lines . All dealing with the diesel exhaust and fuel distribution. It’s leaking diesel fuel with strong odor of diesel to the point it makes you feel sick. The Volkswagen dealership never informed me of any recalls on my vehicle. The dealership is Flow Volkswagen Greensboro NC

NHTSA complaint #11468080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,230 miles Yorktown Heights, NY

SEAT BELTS

THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT. THE SEAT BELT WAS PULLED OUT TO BUCKLE AND FAILED TO RETRACT TO FIT THE PASSENGER. IT IS ALL THE WAY OUT AND CANNOT BE USED.

NHTSA complaint #11376972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Barnum, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

STATIONARY VEHICLE LEFT STRANDED. ENGINE WASS IMMOBILIZED KEY NOT RECOGNIZED

NHTSA complaint #11376378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Waite Park, MN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I HAVE BEEN GETTING HORRIBLE GAS MILAGE (250 PER TANK). THIS HAS BEEN FOR OVER A YEAR NOW OF TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS (DRIVING, FUELING, REPAIRS, ECT.).

NHTSA complaint #11343980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,000 miles Indianapolis, IN

SUSPENSION

REAR SPRING BROKE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11326324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Charleston, IL

SUSPENSION

BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE WITHOUT WARNING (AT SEPARATE TIMES). THIS CLEARLY SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AS I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT IT'S A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE.

NHTSA complaint #11326318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Milwaukee, WI Crash

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH AND THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED ANY TRANSPORT BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED PENDING AN OFFICIAL RULING FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOW YARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA complaint #11245452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,676 miles Plainfield, IL

ENGINE

IT ALL STARTED WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. APPARENTLY THE CAR JUMPED TIMING AND THE CRANKSHAFT WENT BAD. THIS CAUSED COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE JETTA. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS NEEDED.

NHTSA complaint #11231372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Studio City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V196000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11195667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Alstead, NH 1 injured

SEATS

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. I REACHED BEHIND MY BACK AND BURNED MY FINGER. I PULLED OFF AND LOOKED AND SAW A HOLD AND MELTED SEAT. THE BACK OF MY COAT WAS MELTED AS WELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A VW DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND IT WAS CAUSED BY A WIRE SHORTING OUT. THERE IS A CASE NOW OPEN FOR ME WITH VW. WAITING TO HEAR IF THEY WILL PAY TO FIX THE SEAT.

NHTSA complaint #11142922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Alstead, NH 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. I REACHED BEHIND MY BACK AND BURNED MY FINGER. I PULLED OFF AND LOOKED AND SAW A HOLD AND MELTED SEAT. THE BACK OF MY COAT WAS MELTED AS WELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A VW DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND IT WAS CAUSED BY A WIRE SHORTING OUT. THERE IS A CASE NOW OPEN FOR ME WITH VW. WAITING TO HEAR IF THEY WILL PAY TO FIX THE SEAT.

NHTSA complaint #11142922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 94,000 miles Santa Clara, CA

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND MISFIRED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED DIRITO BROTHERS WALNUT CREEK VOLKSWAGEN (2020 N MAIN ST, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596, (925) 934-8224) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 181258947. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. *DT *JS *DT

NHTSA complaint #11131042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Roosevelt, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

STALLING OF VEHICLE WHILE IN TRAFFIC; EPC LIGHT WILL TURN ON, BATTERY LIGHT; REPLACEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH REGARDS TO FUEL AND OIL LEAKAGE AND STALLING STILL OCCURS

NHTSA complaint #11092637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Covington, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE FUSE BOX MELTED AND CAUSED ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE. APPARENTLY THIS HAS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY AND OTHER MODELS (TIGUAN) HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE SAME PART NUMBER.

NHTSA complaint #11073789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles Brooklyn, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAR RADIO STOPPED FUNCTIONING WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE CAUSE. SCREEN COMPLETELY BLANK, DOES NOT RESPOND TO BUTTONS OR OTHER INPUT.

NHTSA complaint #11021795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.