CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 500 complaints with NHTSA, including 24 crashes, 6 fires, 17 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (142 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Problem areas named in the 500 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 142 |
| Unknown Or Other | 107 |
| Engine | 84 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 47 |
| Power Train | 46 |
| Steering | 42 |
| Air Bags | 34 |
| Service Brakes | 34 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 24 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 20 |
What owners report
On the day the issue occurred, I went to work as usual. When I finished work and tried to leave, my vehicle wouldn't start. I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop to determine what was wrong. After inspecting the vehicle, I was informed that the issue could only be properly repaired by a dealership. My vehicle has now been at the dealership for approximately one month, and I have been without my car for this entire period. This has created a significant inconvenience and has made it difficult for me to get to work, handle my daily responsibilities, and maintain my normal routine.
A microswitch malfunction. My car will not lock and while I am driving it there is clicking on the doors for locking and unlocking. My night lights will not shut off when I park the vehicle. There is a pinging noise when the vehicle is shut off and in park and the door is open with no lights on.
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that for the past eight months, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that to start the vehicle, the contact had to plug in the two fuse boxes and connect the battery cable. The contact feared the vehicle might catch on fire. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V615000 (Electrical System, Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that pre-existing repairs needed to be performed before the recall repair could be performed. The contact stated that the dealer had not provided an official r
The ignition switch where the key is placed in the ignition and turned to start the car failed. The ignition would not turn with the key engaged inside the ignition switch. It will require a new ignition switch kit and new key in order for the car to function properly again.
This is my 4th volkswagen jetta 2.5L I've own that has had the same issue with the charging system the car would just shut off while driving due to dead battery almost causing an accident this needs to be addressed 2011 to 2018
2012 Volkswagen Jetta safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SW FWD | Not rated | n/a | n/a | 4 (12.1% rollover risk) |
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (12.1% rollover risk) |
2012 Volkswagen Jetta questions
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
Based on 500 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (142), Unknown Or Other (107), Engine (84).
How safe is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 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 2012 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.