2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: 7 recalls, 607 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #11V196000 · 2011 · 71,043 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V466000 · 2011 · 30,294 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.
The 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.
Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #11V490000 · 2011 · 168,275 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Suspension Vehicle recall #14V656000 · 2014 · 442,066 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V483000 · 2015 · 415,825 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #19V679000 · 2019 · 113 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #11E036000 · 2011 · 99,322 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.
The 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.
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #14E007000 · 2014 · 50 vehicles
What's wrong: These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi a4, 2000-2006 Audi tt, 1998-2005 Volkswagen beetle, 1999-2006 golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt May develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Why it matters: A failure of the timing belt May cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #20E064000 · 2020 · 38 vehicles
What's wrong: The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder May be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Why it matters: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Beck/arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (186): the most common themes are electrical failure (83), stalls / loses power (43), warning light on (29).
- Engine (90): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (46), warning light on (21), electrical failure (12).
- Fuel system (diesel) (82): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (44), warning light on (24), leaks (14).
- Fuel & propulsion (77): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (46), warning light on (24).
The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has 607 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 37 Jetta model years for complaints (2.2× the average Jetta year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (100 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 50,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (852 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (500 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 32 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners have filed 607 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (186), engine (90), fuel system (diesel) (82).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.