NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 640 owner complaints for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. It has 1 open investigation that names this model year.
Recalled components: air bags, electrical system, diesel fuel system, engine and cooling, and 1 more. Most-described problem: stalling or shutting off (126 complaints, 20%). Most-reported area: electrical system (201 complaints, 31%; median mileage when it happened: 60,900).
One of the Jetta years to avoid
The 2011 drew 196 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 54 for a typical Jetta year: 3.6 times as many.
Years to avoid: 2010 to 2013 and 2019. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated Oct 2, 2026
Year to avoid
Includes the Jetta SportWagen.
8 safety recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Fails federal standard 114 (theft and rollaway protection) · 679,027 vehicles.
Risk: Should this happen while the vehicle is being driven, the engine could stall, or the headlights or wipers could turn off unexpectedly, potentially leading to a crash without warning.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
These vehicles may have an electrical wiring and fuse layout where the converter box is protected by the same fuse used by the signal horn and the anti-theft alarm system. Should that fuse be blown, the converter box will be disconnected from the power supply which, in turn, will shut off applications such as the engine management system, lighting system, and wipers.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners when sufficient quantities of repairs kits are available. Dealers will separate the wiring for the horn and the theft protection horn from the power supply of the converter box and route the wires to separate fuses to correct the condition free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during april 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
71,043 vehicles.
or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2011 jetta vehicles, manufactured from march 2010 through march 2011.
Risk: Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
Fix: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
168,275 vehicles.
Volkswagen recall campaign number is 23j9/v5 & 23j8/k5. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine.
Risk: If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Some vehicles had a stainless steel exhaust tip installed at the port during importation. These exhaust tips may extend beyond the original length of the factory-installed exhaust pipes. It is possible for inadvertent contact to occur with a person's leg.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the stainless steel exhaust tips as necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
30,294 vehicles.
Volkswagen's safety recall number is 26g8/u3. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 jetta sedan vehicles manufactured from march 18, 2010, through august 22, 2011.
Risk: The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
113 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: JETTA. Volkswagen campaign 01D7.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA also lists 3 equipment recalls for parts sold for this vehicle, not the vehicle itself: Brakes: foundation components, master cylinder (Tenneco Automotive, 20E-064); Engine and cooling: engine (The Gates Corporation, 14E-007); Engine and cooling: exhaust system (VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC, 11E-036).
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 5 investigations that name the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta; 1 is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Air bag clockspring failure
Engineering analysis EA18003Open since Apr 18, 2018
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… NHTSA's full summary
Recall query RQ17009Closed May 4, 2018 (opened Nov 13, 2017)
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… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: JETTA. Component: Air bags (frontal, driver clockspring/spiral cassette).
Air bag clockspring failure
Preliminary evaluation PE15010Closed Sep 28, 2015 (opened Mar 24, 2015)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 15V-483, listed above.
NHTSA listing: JETTA. Components: Air bags; Electrical system.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Engineering analysis EA11003Closed Mar 27, 2015 (opened Feb 7, 2011)
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010… NHTSA's full summary
Preliminary evaluation PE11023Closed Dec 2, 2011 (opened Aug 2, 2011)
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 11V-490, listed above.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 640 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Jetta. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Stalling or shutting off126 · 20%
Median 39,800 miles at failure, from 112 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode63 · 10%
Median 46,700 miles at failure, from 61 reports with mileage
Fuel pump failures50 · 8%
Median 45,100 miles at failure, from 50 reports with mileage
Check engine light47 · 7%
Median 49,000 miles at failure, from 44 reports with mileage
Won't start37 · 6%
Median 45,000 miles at failure, from 33 reports with mileage
Headlight or exterior light problems27 · 4%
Median 62,000 miles at failure, from 21 reports with mileage
Infotainment or touchscreen failures23 · 4%
Median 89,000 miles at failure, from 19 reports with mileage
Hesitation or slow acceleration22 · 3%
Median 5,300 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
Most named: horn (13) · Median 60,900 miles at failure, from 159 reports with mileage
Engine93 · 15%
Median 53,000 miles at failure, from 75 reports with mileage
Diesel fuel system82 · 13%
Median 20,000 miles at failure, from 80 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system81 · 13%
Median 56,500 miles at failure, from 73 reports with mileage
Powertrain55 · 9%
Most named: automatic transmission (6) · Median 19,000 miles at failure, from 51 reports with mileage
Exterior lighting46 · 7%
Median 65,000 miles at failure, from 37 reports with mileage
Air bags39 · 6%
Median 77,000 miles at failure, from 25 reports with mileage
Unknown or other66 · 10%
Median 78,000 miles at failure, from 36 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Volkswagen Jetta recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2011 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2010 Jetta drew the most (299) and the 2011 drew 196.
Owner complaints
2011: 640 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Volkswagen Jetta
Model year
Complaints
2010
875
2011
640
2012
526
2013
631
2014
440
2015
197
2016
164
2017
159
2018
31
2019
549
2020
53
2021
69
2022
43
2023
43
2024
44
2025
29
2026
6
Safety recalls
2011: 8 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Volkswagen Jetta
Model year
Recalls
2010
5
2011
8
2012
6
2013
7
2014
7
2015
8
2016
4
2017
6
2018
2
2019
11
2020
6
2021
4
2022
1
2023
0
2024
0
2025
2
2026
1
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 640 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, the problems described most are stalling or shutting off (126), loss of power or limp mode (63), and fuel pump failures (50). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta earns 4 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: air bag clockspring failure (EA18003, opened Apr 18, 2018). It has closed 4 others. An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Jetta has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Volkswagen dealers for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Oct 2, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.