FaultScore

2011 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems

193 of the 880 complaints about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta are about the electrical system — 22% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 60,000 miles.

D

193

Complaints

7

Crashes

4

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 174 90.2%
Horn 13 6.7%
Ignition 2 1.0%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers 2 1.0%
Switch 1 0.5%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 1 0.5%

Electrical System across every Volkswagen Jetta year

1994 26 1.2%
1995 53 2.5%
1997 18 0.8%
1998 42 2.0%
1999 45 2.1%
2000 67 3.1%
2001 122 5.7%
2002 152 7.1%
2003 97 4.5%
2004 37 1.7%
2005 49 2.3%
2006 114 5.3%
2007 45 2.1%
2008 43 2.0%
2009 107 5.0%
2010 235 11.0%
2011 193 9.0%
2012 142 6.6%
2013 150 7.0%
2014 94 4.4%
2015 49 2.3%
2016 36 1.7%
2017 33 1.5%
2019 155 7.2%
2020 16 0.7%
2021 12 0.6%
2022 10 0.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Tucson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Component/System Failure/Malfunction: ignition switch and starter, possibly transmission Yes, available for inspection upon request. Car has randomly stalled while in motion; ignition and starter switch have been replaced as well as microswitch panel - yet problem persists. Power steering shuts down, steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn. Have to put car in neutral, typically, and try to restart while in motion. Has happened over 100 times; replaced alternator as well. Battery was replaced, brand new, yet was drained multiple times - recharged at Autozone. Vehicle was brought to Larry H. Miller Volkswagen - was advised the problem was fixed, as well as recall repairs (microswitch), paid for the service, went to leave dealership and problem immediately happened again. Complete shut off. Would stay running a little longer while in neutral or AC on. When the vehicle stalls the only light that comes on is the battery light. All other lights and systems work. Ran diagnostic codes through personal mechanic, friend, and dealership... Code states "Key/Ignition/Computer" but unsure what specifically. The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta also does not have the original key fob. May be improper programming? Continued to research all other recalls, services have been completed and yet the problem persists.

NHTSA complaint #11615800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the horn was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the alarm system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V196000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11604268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mascoutah, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car was being driven and coils snapped caused, tire to pop damaging front end. Car was being driven and randomly shut off in middle of road. Driving vehicle shifting into gear lags, check engine light is on, had reader and said that valve 2 has low pressure. As a result clanking and loose noise sounds are heard when driven from drivers side.

NHTSA complaint #11594711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glade Spring, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Air bag light came on showing both driver and passenger airbags off without having any collision then pulled into gas station, car was fine pumped gas and tried to start vehicle and couldn't turn key further than interior lights. Was locked in ignition. Also had all brake pads and rotors replaced 1.5 years ago, now service center says they need replaced again already. Diagnostics from VW shoe ignition switch lock cylinder malfunction needs replaced.there are recalls for the airbags and ignition switch cylinder and brakes for my exact year, month,make and model(11 recalls) but shows 0 recalls under vin. Vw wants to charge me $1,200 to fix what should be free under recalls.

NHTSA complaint #11586964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richardson, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact initially linked the failure to a defective battery and the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V196000 (Electrical System) which was then linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it remained. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11581678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marietta, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Door unexpectedly does not close and latch correctly. Had to hold the car door the whole time driving. The driver door and passenger door has done it so far. This needs to look into.

NHTSA complaint #11571769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Beaverton, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination, while turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle failed to turn off, with the key stuck in the ON position. After several attempts, the contact was able to turn off the vehicle by disconnecting the battery terminals. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who failed to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11533317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wesley Chapel, FL Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Unknowns

NHTSA complaint #11531243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fayetteville, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At various times my car will randomly stall and it's not showing any warning lights to indicate what's wrong or when it will happen.

NHTSA complaint #11530329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ashland, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The power window never works the way it is suppose to, when I row my window down it MESSES with the speakers for some reason, my wipes don't work all the time and freeze easy. When driving does nor like to shift out of 1st it's got that mk shifter, it will stay in first gear unless the gas is pressed and released fast also can smell like a burnt wire or/ candle was smell. When I try to put the air on the smell becomes worse.

NHTSA complaint #11510091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Lights coming on by themselves while in park position and draining the battery. Replaced battery 3 times in the last 7 months.

NHTSA complaint #11496902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ignition switch. Having a hard time turning car off.

NHTSA complaint #11487725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car turns off while driving and it has put me in several safety problems that I feel could an accident

NHTSA complaint #11463834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The ABS module in this vehicle has failed as the ABS, Traction Control, Airbag, and Brake lights are all on with the brake light flashing. The dealership stated a new module would be needed to have functioning anti lock brakes. In reference to case - NHTSA: 16V913, I believe the same components are the same as the power train did not change between the two vehicles. I am having the same symptoms as stated in this document but there is no recall as of yet.

NHTSA complaint #11460999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car horn stopped working followed by an airbag sensor light that won't turn off. Seems like the clock spring failed prematurely?

NHTSA complaint #11441172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Camarillo, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car would randomly stall while driving, happens both when braking and not braking. When it stalls steering wheel locks up, cannot press gas pedal, and brakes stop working almost. This is incredibly dangerous because while on a road at 50mph+ and my car suddenly stops it can cause a serious accident. The dealer has been able to reproduce it multiple times, and has said it is a common problem. The only warning light that switched on was the battery light after it had stalled. Currently at the VW dealership and was told that it was the fuel filter, was not the problem and car continued to stall more. Not only was a good part replaced but created an even more dangerous situation than before.

NHTSA complaint #11419266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,000 miles Santa FE, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND THE FUSIBLE LINK WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILURE CEASED. ONCE THE BATTERY AND FUSIBLE LINK WERE REPLACED, THE DOORS BECAME DIFFICULT TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.

NHTSA complaint #11404739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Visalia, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I BOT W/ ONLY 40,000 MILES APPROX. I DRIVE ALOT. ITS ABOUT 70,000 NOW. ONE TIRE SENSOR IS OUT AND THE PERSON AT FRIRESTONE SAID THEYLL GO OUT AGAIN AND ITS HARD TO KNOW WHICH TIRE IT IS. THE ELE TRICAL IS A MESS. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. IT IS DEFNITELY ELECTRICAL. THIS CAR IS NOT A GOOD VALUE AS EVERYTHING BREAKS ON IT AND I DONT SPEED AND ADD ADDITIVES AND B\'BABY" IT. I'M 62. IT HAS TO LAST. BUT IT IS NOT. I SEE THERES RECALLS FOR IT CONCERNING ELEECTRICAL, YET THE DEALER SAYS NO NEVER HA DA RECALL. THE NIGHT HALF MY LIGHTS WENT OUT WAS AFTER THANKSGIVING AS I WAS TRAVELING THE GRAPEVINE IN CAL. I WAS LUCKY NOT TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT

NHTSA complaint #11382782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Atlanta, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY TIRED WAS PUNCTURED AND THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE SEATBELTS NEVER RETRACT AFTER TAKING THEM OFF THEY JUST HANG THERE. SOMETIMES WHEN I LOCK THE DOORS THE ALARM DOES NOT SOUND OFF INDICATING THE ALARM IS SET, ALSO MY HORN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO BUT NEVER WHEN IT SHOULD, FOR INSTANCE THERE WAS A CAR COMING UP THE STREET THE WRONG WAY AND MY CAR FAILED TO CREATE SOUND FROM THE HORN FOR ME TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER. MY CAR COULD BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY NONE OF THE ABOVE WORKS, MY BRAKES HAVE WENT OUT A FEW TIMES WHILE I WAS IN MOTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AS WELL. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WAY BEFORE THE DATE I LISTED BELOW BUT I JUST THOUGHT THESE WERE NORMAL ISSUES I NEED TO GET FIXED ON MY OWN BUT WHO KNEW IT WAS A RECALL ISSUE ALL ALONG.

NHTSA complaint #11378392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,000 miles Jacksonville, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING THEN STOPPED BLINKING AND IS NOW ON ALONG WITH THE EPC CODE. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN 2 YEARS MY VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS SO I KNOW ITS THE IGNITION COILS CAUSING A MISFIRE. MY VEHICLE NOW SHAKES WHEN IM STOPPED AND HAS A TICKING SOUND AT RED LIGHTS, THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS IS WAY TO MANY TIMES FOR MY IGNITION COILS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #11361634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Fairport, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HORN DOESN'T WORK ON THE STEERING WHEEL. AIR BAG LIGHT FREQUENTLY FAILS TO INITIALLY ILLUMINATE WHEN FIRST STARTING THE CAR. CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. ONE WOULD BELIEVE THERE IS A CLOCK SPRING ISSUE. HOW MY SPECIFIC JETTA WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL OF CLOCK SPRINGS IS CONCERNING.

NHTSA complaint #11342292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Baltimore, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 MONTHS AGO KEY GOT STUCK IN IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE KEY WILL NOT T URN TO OFF POSITION AND CAR KEEPS RUNNING. IT HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES THEN YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED 5 TIMES. CAR HAD TO BE STALLED MANUALLY IN ORDER FOR IT TO STOP RUNNING. THE KEY WOULD THEN COME OUT OF IGNITION. THIS IS BECOMING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. AM TAKING TO DEALER TO GET FIXED HOPEFULLY

NHTSA complaint #11342352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denham Springs, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

IGNITION/KEY WILL NOT TURN BACKWARDS TO TURN THE CAR OFF. IT ACTS AS IF IT IS JAMMED OR STUCK. I'VE HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE RUNNING FOR 15-30 MINS WITH SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN IT OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS.

NHTSA complaint #11337261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,654 miles Oxnard, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FIRST FEW TIMES MY KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION WITH THE CAR ON AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF FOR A LONG TIME. NOW I CAN PUT THE KEY IN BUT WONT LET ME TURN IT ON. MY CONCERN IS IF MY CAR FINALLY TURNS ON AND THE KEYS GETS STUCK AGAIN AND CANT TURN OFF MY VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM STARTED SO I LOOKED UP MY RECALLS AND GOT ONE RECALL DONE THIS MONTH ON THE MICRO SWITCH THEN MY CAR WAS OK FOR A FEW DAY AND JUST STARTED MESSING UP AGAIN. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL.

NHTSA complaint #11329084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Mcdonald, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

KEY IS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND VERY HARD TO TURN AFTER YOU GET IT LOOSE.

NHTSA complaint #11327804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,000 miles Austell, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

IGNITION SWITCH IS STUCK, CANNOT TURN THE IGNITION ON.

NHTSA complaint #11320287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Clarita, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAR WAS IN PARK AND TRIED TURNING KEY TO TURN VEHICLE OFF. THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CAR WILL NOT TURN OFF. DISCONNECTED BATTERY, CAR STILL WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I HAD TO REMOVE FUSE IN ORDER FOR CAR TO TURN OFF. KEY STILL NOT ABLE TO BE REMOVED. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THIS IS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH JETTAS AND NO RECALL AS BEEN ISSUED.

NHTSA complaint #11319592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,200 miles Toms River, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAR HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING. NO WARNING..JUST STOPPED WORKING.

NHTSA complaint #11310610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Daphne, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

OVER A PERIOD OF TIME WITH READJUSTING THE DRIVER'S SEAT, IT HAS DISCONNECTED OR COMPROMISED THE AIRBAG WIRING REQUIRING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO CONFIRM AS WELL AS REMOVING THE ENTIRE SEAT TO CLEAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. WITHOUT DOING SO THEY MAY NOT PROPERLY DISENGAGE.

NHTSA complaint #11309945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 101,000 miles Henderson, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DRIVER SIDE OF MY JETTA LIGHTING WENT OFF , I WENT ONLINE TO SEE WHAT CAN BE WRONG WITH IT AND I SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, THATS UNSAFE, SHOULD BE RECALLED, ITS NOT A FUSE OR LIGHT BULBS ,SO ITS THE WIRE IN, I THINK THIS IS NO SAFE TO BE DRIVING AND SHOULD BE CHECK , LIKE I SAY ITS MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, THANKS

NHTSA complaint #11300579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems

← Full 2011 Volkswagen Jetta report