CarRecallWatchThe 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 607 complaints with NHTSA, including 27 crashes, 9 fires, 15 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (194 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
Vehicles May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules
Volkswagen is recalling certain Jetta, Beetle and related models because modifications made while the vehicles were held for internal evaluation may cause them to not fully comply with applicable federal safety requirements.
Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway
A buildup of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in Park.
Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Debris can contaminate the steering wheel clock spring, a flat spiral cable that keeps the driver's front airbag electrically connected while the wheel turns.
Most common 2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Problem areas named in the 607 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 194 |
| Engine | 90 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 82 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 77 |
| Unknown Or Other | 64 |
| Power Train | 54 |
| Exterior Lighting | 41 |
| Air Bags | 37 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 26 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 25 |
What owners report
Suddenly the car showed the abs, cruise control, air bag , and a flashing break light on the dashboard. Took to dealership to get diagnostic and the Abs control module needs to be replaced.
ABS Control Module total failure No warnings appeared prior to the total failure of the ABS Control Module to indicate that the car needed servicing. ABS would have failed in an emergency braking according to the dealership. Just driving the car without knowing the ABS had issues put my family at risk. After the lights appeared I took it to the dealership who performed the diagnostics and determined that the ABS needed total replacement and advised that the car was not safe to drive. Lights appeared after the failure. There were no brake issues' warning lights prior to the failure. For at least 8 years I've complained that my brakes screeched and for years I was told that my brakes were fi
driving on freeway (speed around 70mph) out of nowhere i start smelling strange burning smell then about 1 minute later the car brakes lock up in the front and I loose control of car but luckily it was in light traffic and I regained control enough to get it off to the shoulder. I got out to address the issue and notice the front tires smoking alot and it was at night and the inside (rotor, brake caliper, and rim were glowing bright red and the heat was melting the tire". Then I notice a flame and grabbed a bottle water and applied the tire and extinguish it. I sat there for a good 30 minutes to let everything cool down and the car would not move. "THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFTEY RECALL" AND IF IT'
Because of recall, car was not engaged in park completely like it stated after I got out it rolled away down the hill and hit a tree, therefore the recall caused my accident. Yes the problem has been confirmed it is a recall. No it has not been inspected by dealer or police. Volkswagen will not engage in any further investigations they say it's my fault. There were no warning lamps.
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), p
2011 Volkswagen Jetta safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (12.1% rollover risk) |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta questions
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Vehicles May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules; Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway; Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash; Suspension:Rear; Fuel System, Diesel. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?
Based on 607 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (194), Engine (90), Fuel System, Diesel (82).
How safe is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta up to 4 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.