Owners have filed 38 complaints
about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen with NHTSA between 2016 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 14
2.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
615.8%
Median failure at 1 miles
Electrical System
615.8%
Median failure at 75,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
410.5%
Median failure at 81,000 miles
Suspension
410.5%
Median failure at 71,000 miles
Brakes
410.5%
Median failure at 64,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
410.5%
Median failure at 74,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
410.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 90,000 mi
Steering
25.3%
Median failure at 115,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
12.6%
Median failure at 37,545 miles
Seat Belts
12.6%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Body & Structure
12.6%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Airbags
12.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
14.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
312.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
937.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
833.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
312.5%
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 2016peak 5Sep 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 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.
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...
RQ17009Opened 13 Nov 2017Closed 4 May 2018AIR 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 2012 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 81,000 milesNiagara Falls, NYFire
ENGINE
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 AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED, NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. DUE TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY INSURANCE TO AN INSURANCE AUTO AUCTION WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #11383693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wpb, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Cp4 high pressure fuel pump will self-destruct causing little pieces of metal to go throughout the fuel system and causing thousands in repair lots of manufacturers are doing recalls to this pump but nothing for Volkswagen I have contact the dealer no help if you go online thousands of people it's complaining about the CP4 high pressure fuel pump it has a design flaw from factory and needs to be corrected
NHTSA complaint #11614705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wpb, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was looking at the GMC Duramax diesel and it has the same problem as the Volkswagen Jetta TDI fuel pump failure due to American Diesel in the pump is designed for foreign diesel which is very expensive to repair can we please have some help with this where they can come out with a replacement pump that can resist American diesel
NHTSA complaint #11607161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesWrightwood, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagon Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal became inoperable and the vehicle did not accelerate. The engine and power steering had failed. The glow plug warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the high-pressure fuel pump which sent metal shards through the fuel line. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11549605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesWrightwood, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagon Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal became inoperable and the vehicle did not accelerate. The engine and power steering had failed. The glow plug warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the high-pressure fuel pump which sent metal shards through the fuel line. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11549605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HPFP fuel system failed while driving at speed causing car to stall on highway.
NHTSA complaint #11472561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburndale, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
VOLKSWAGEN KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR ABS MODULE BUT REFUSE TO CORRECT IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. CODES: 01130 ABS OPERATION NOT A PLAUSIBLE SIGNAL. THEY NEED TO RECALL!!!
NHTSA complaint #11414557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesNEW Brighton, MN
SUSPENSION
I HAD TO HAVE ALL FOUR SPRINGS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE BROKEN. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH VW. WHY ARE THEY NOT ADDRESSING THIS? THE CAR HAD ABOUT 89 THOUSAND MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #11397193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Julian, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DPF LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF AND THEN CAME ON
NHTSA complaint #11387673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Julian, CA
ENGINE
DPF LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF AND THEN CAME ON
NHTSA complaint #11387673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Julian, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DPF LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF AND THEN CAME ON
NHTSA complaint #11387673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grantville, KS
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG CORROSION FOUND BY DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11384613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grantville, KS
STEERING
PER DEALER VEHICLE HAS NON-FUNCTIONING HORN AND HIGH-BEAM HEADLIGHTS APPARENTLY DUE TO CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. IN ADDITION, WATER INSTRUCTION (OF AS YET UNKNOWN ORIGIN) HAS RUSTED BRAKE, STEERING, AND DASH COMPONENTS. TDI RECALL/REPAIR/SALE AND WAS LAST PERHAPS LAST SOLD BY AND SERVICED AT VW DEALER 08/2020.
NHTSA complaint #11383930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grantville, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PER DEALER VEHICLE HAS NON-FUNCTIONING HORN AND HIGH-BEAM HEADLIGHTS APPARENTLY DUE TO CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. IN ADDITION, WATER INSTRUCTION (OF AS YET UNKNOWN ORIGIN) HAS RUSTED BRAKE, STEERING, AND DASH COMPONENTS. TDI RECALL/REPAIR/SALE AND WAS LAST PERHAPS LAST SOLD BY AND SERVICED AT VW DEALER 08/2020.
NHTSA complaint #11383930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grantville, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
PER DEALER VEHICLE HAS NON-FUNCTIONING HORN AND HIGH-BEAM HEADLIGHTS APPARENTLY DUE TO CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. IN ADDITION, WATER INSTRUCTION (OF AS YET UNKNOWN ORIGIN) HAS RUSTED BRAKE, STEERING, AND DASH COMPONENTS. TDI RECALL/REPAIR/SALE AND WAS LAST PERHAPS LAST SOLD BY AND SERVICED AT VW DEALER 08/2020.
NHTSA complaint #11383930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesNiagara Falls, NYFire
ENGINE
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 AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED, NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. DUE TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY INSURANCE TO AN INSURANCE AUTO AUCTION WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #11383693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesLutz, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2012 VW JETTA WAGON THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND ALWAYS HOUSED IN A GARAGE UNTIL FEBRUARY 2020. WATER LEAKED INTO CAR INTERIOR CARPET AND SPARE TIRE WELL. NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION OF RECALL DUE TO SUNROOF LEAKING. REPAIR WAS $900 OUT OF MY POCKET
NHTSA complaint #11372646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesBlossvale, NY 13308, NY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM REAR, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SPRINGS WERE REPLACED 4 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF FIVE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER NYE VOLKSWAGEN OF ROME LOCATED AT 5865 ROME-TABERG RD ROME, NY 13440, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH REAR SPRINGS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11348620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,700 milesFort Wayne, IN
SUSPENSION
BROKEN LEFT FRONT & LEFT REAR COIL SPRINGS. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS WAS CREATED BY RUNNING OVER ANYTHING. SERVICE ASSOCIATE BLAMED IT ON RUST DUE TO SNOW, ICE, DEBRIS BUILD UP. HARD TO BELIEVE A COIL SPRING WILL RUST THROUGH IN 8YRS. IT APPEARS VW HAS HAD OTHER ISSUES WITH COIL SPRINGS ON VEHICLES. I CHECKED WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC & HE AGREED THEY WERE BROKEN. FRONT WHEELS ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT & SQUEAL WHEN LIGHTLY PRESSING ON BRAKE. CAR CAN'T BE ALIGNED UNTIL REPAIR IS MADE.
NHTSA complaint #11330836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMolalla, OR
POWER TRAIN
I NOTICED MY CAR HAS BEEN CUTTING OUT AND NOT HAVING POWER WHEN DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY. ILL PUT THE PEDAL DOWN IT DIDNT MOVE. I NOTICED MY STEREO STARTED KIND OF FLASHING AS WELL. I FIGURED MAYBE IT WAS ELECTRICAL SO I STARTED LOOKING AROUND AND I OPENED UP MY TRUNK AND IT WAS 4 INCHES OF WATER WHERE MY SPARE TIRE IS. THEN I STARTED LOOKING AROUND WHERE MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF IS AND THERE'S A HUGE SPOTS OF WATER THAT'S WET. THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS TO ME WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR AND I ASKED THEM IF THERE WAS ANY PROBLEMS OF LEAKING. I THINK IT'S MESSING UP MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MY POWER. I FELT VERY UNSAFE WHEN I WASN'T ABLE TO ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #11300052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMolalla, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I NOTICED MY CAR HAS BEEN CUTTING OUT AND NOT HAVING POWER WHEN DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY. ILL PUT THE PEDAL DOWN IT DIDNT MOVE. I NOTICED MY STEREO STARTED KIND OF FLASHING AS WELL. I FIGURED MAYBE IT WAS ELECTRICAL SO I STARTED LOOKING AROUND AND I OPENED UP MY TRUNK AND IT WAS 4 INCHES OF WATER WHERE MY SPARE TIRE IS. THEN I STARTED LOOKING AROUND WHERE MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF IS AND THERE'S A HUGE SPOTS OF WATER THAT'S WET. THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS TO ME WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR AND I ASKED THEM IF THERE WAS ANY PROBLEMS OF LEAKING. I THINK IT'S MESSING UP MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MY POWER. I FELT VERY UNSAFE WHEN I WASN'T ABLE TO ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #11300052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMolalla, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I NOTICED MY CAR HAS BEEN CUTTING OUT AND NOT HAVING POWER WHEN DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY. ILL PUT THE PEDAL DOWN IT DIDNT MOVE. I NOTICED MY STEREO STARTED KIND OF FLASHING AS WELL. I FIGURED MAYBE IT WAS ELECTRICAL SO I STARTED LOOKING AROUND AND I OPENED UP MY TRUNK AND IT WAS 4 INCHES OF WATER WHERE MY SPARE TIRE IS. THEN I STARTED LOOKING AROUND WHERE MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF IS AND THERE'S A HUGE SPOTS OF WATER THAT'S WET. THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE THIS TO ME WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR AND I ASKED THEM IF THERE WAS ANY PROBLEMS OF LEAKING. I THINK IT'S MESSING UP MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MY POWER. I FELT VERY UNSAFE WHEN I WASN'T ABLE TO ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #11300052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,870 milesHawthorn Woods, IL
POWER TRAIN
WHEN MOVING FROM STOP, TRANSMISSION TAKES A SECOND TO ENGAGE. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN TRYING TO TAKE A TURN FROM STOP, HESITATION COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ENGAGE 1ST GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11257767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesWesterly, RI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE SUNROOF LEAKS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEN IT RAINS, CAUSING THE CAR TO HAVE FLOODING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT AND BACK.
NHTSA complaint #11195576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesBlossvale, NY
SUSPENSION
ABOUT A YEAR AGO BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKE AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM. ABOUT A MONTH AGO BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WERE BROKE AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THEM. ALL THE REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE AT MY COST. I NOW HAVE A REAR RIGHT SPRING THAT HAS BROKE AND WILL NOW HAVE TO HAVE IT REPLACED. IN MY OVER 50 YEARS OF DRIVING DIFFERENT MODEL CARS AND TRUCK, I HAVE NEVER HAD SPRING FAILURES SUCH AS THIS. I HAVEN'T HIT ANY MAJOR POT HOLES THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE. THIS MUST BE DEFECTIVE SPRINGS. THE LAST TIME I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP HAVING THE FRONT SPRINGS REPLACED THEY SAID THIS IS COMMON. IT SHOULD NOT BE COMMON.
NHTSA complaint #11194747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,208 milesWater Valley, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #11190580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.