Is ignition switch/key stuck in ignition a known issue with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

28 NHTSA complaints have been filed about ignition switch/key stuck in ignition on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (2017-09 → 2022-10). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11487725): "Ignition switch. Having a hard time turning car off" Source: NHTSA.

Is rear coil spring/trailing arm fracture a known issue with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear coil spring/trailing arm fracture on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (2019-03 → 2022-10). Reported component: SUSPENSION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11478915): "Going down the road - in town - at about 35 mph and I started to hear loud clanking while I felt as the rear of the car felt "stiff" all of a sudden. I parked the car as soon as I could to check it over" Source: NHTSA.

Is radio/head unit sudden failure a known issue with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about radio/head unit sudden failure on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (2017-09 → 2020-10). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11310610): "CAR HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING. NO WARNING..JUST STOPPED WORKING" Source: NHTSA.

Is engine stall while driving a known issue with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

23 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine stall while driving on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (2017-09 → 2024-07). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11419266): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is horn failure linked to clockspring/airbag light a known issue with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

16 NHTSA complaints have been filed about horn failure linked to clockspring/airbag light on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (2017-09 → 2024-07). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11032548): "AIRBAG LIGHT ON, VW MECHANIC DIAGNOSED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING FAILURE, AND INDICATED THE AIRBAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL" Source: NHTSA.

Is abs control module failure with warning lights a known issue with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about abs control module failure with warning lights on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (2018-06 → 2025-07). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11677285): "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" Source: NHTSA.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is windshield wiper failure in cold temperatures a known issue with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about windshield wiper failure in cold temperatures on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (2017-12 → 2021-03). Reported component: VISIBILITY/WIPER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11403786): "I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STARTED POURING RAIN. I TRIED TO TURN ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THE VW JETTA 2011 AND THEY DID NOT MOVE. I LOST VISIBILITY IN SECONDS AT 50MPH AND THANK GOODNESS, WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE ANYONE WAS HURT BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING AND A CLOSE CALL" Source: NHTSA.

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering unknown or other and control module. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Ignition switch/key stuck in ignition.” Volkswagen's modern TSI turbo engines (1.4T, 1.5T, 2.0T) require oil meeting VW 502 00 or VW 508 00 specification — generic 5W-30 will not protect under load. DSG dual-clutch transmissions (Jetta GLI, Golf GTI/R, Tiguan) require fluid service every 40,000 miles regardless of dealer claims of 'lifetime fill.' Haldex AWD models add their own coupling-fluid schedule.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Campaign #19V679000 · Sep 25, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Campaign #19V615000 · Aug 22, 2019

Issue: 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."

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.

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #15V483000 · Apr 8, 2015

Issue: 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.

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #14E007000 · Jul 3, 2014

Issue: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. 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.

Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #14V656000 · Oct 20, 2014

Issue: 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.

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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Campaign #11V196000 · Mar 29, 2011

Issue: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 JETTA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2010 THROUGH MARCH 2011. 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.

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.

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Campaign #11V490000 · Mar 10, 2011

Issue: 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. 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.

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Campaign #11E036000 · Aug 9, 2011

Issue: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS, PART NUMBER 1K0 071 910 U, SOLD AS ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 JETTA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 18, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2011. 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.

Risk: IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Campaign #11V466000 · Jul 9, 2011

Issue: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 JETTA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 18, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2011. 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.

Risk: IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign #20E064000 · Sep 23, 2020

Issue: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Action #EA18003 · opened 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 of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Ignition switch/key stuck in ignition

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

28 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2022-10

“Ignition switch. Having a hard time turning car off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487725

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11319592

“IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN ENGINE OFF, CANNOT REMOVE WITHOUT 10 MINUTES OF JIGGLING. SECOND OCCURRENCE, SECOND REPAIR. MY VEHICLE HAS 49,800 MILES. IGNITION MODULE AND ASSOCIATED PARTS WERE REPLACED IN 2015 DUE TO FAILURE AND NOW IN SEPTEMBER 2018 DUE TO FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11129728

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear coil spring/trailing arm fracture

SUSPENSION

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2022-10

“Going down the road - in town - at about 35 mph and I started to hear loud clanking while I felt as the rear of the car felt "stiff" all of a sudden. I parked the car as soon as I could to check it over”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11478915

“The spring in the back left suspension fell off/broke. We heard a loud clank on the highway and were able to slowly steer to a local mechanic. The back left of the car sunk over the wheel, he looked under and told us the issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423741

“BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE WITHOUT WARNING (AT SEPARATE TIMES). THIS CLEARLY SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AS I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT IT'S A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11326318

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper failure in cold temperatures

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2021-03

“I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT STARTED POURING RAIN. I TRIED TO TURN ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THE VW JETTA 2011 AND THEY DID NOT MOVE. I LOST VISIBILITY IN SECONDS AT 50MPH AND THANK GOODNESS, WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE ANYONE WAS HURT BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING AND A CLOSE CALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403786

“WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. IN VERY COLD WEATHER, THEY WILL OFTEN TAKE 3-5 MINUTES BEFORE MOVING ONCE TURNED ON. IN COOL TEMPERATURES THEY WILL OFTEN RUN AT A VERY SLOW PACE. CHANGING WIPER BLADES HAS NO EFFECT/IMPACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11089735

“IF THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW APPROXIMATELY 15 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, THE WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED, OR DURING OPERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057496

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radio/head unit sudden failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2020-10

“CAR HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING. NO WARNING..JUST STOPPED WORKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310610

“TURNED ON VEHICLE, WENT TO TURN ON THE STEREO, AND ONCE I HIT THE 'POWER' BUTTON, IT TURNED ON AND THEN THE SCREEN WENT BLACK, RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE LOSS OF THE HEAD UNIT, RADIO, BLUE TOOTH, AND CLOCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11046977

“MY RADIO STOPPED WORKING. MY WARRANTY JUST RAN OUT AND THEN MY RADIO GOES. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A COINCIDENCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183703

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

23 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2024-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419266

“WHEN DRIVING CAR THE ENGINE WILL STALL AND LOCK UP THE POWER STEERING. IT MAY HAPPEN 3-4 TIMES WITHIN IN 3 MILE DISTANCE. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS ONE OF WHICH DEALS ONLY WITH GERMAN MOTORS. THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144129

“VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY SINCE PURCHASE, COMMONLY WHEN EXITING A FREEWAY TO A STOP OR DURING RUSH HOUR(STOP/GO)TRAFFIC. BEFORE STALLING, VEHICLE WILL JERK, ROUGH IDLE, AND DELAY ACCELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11030417

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Horn failure linked to clockspring/airbag light

AIR BAGS

16 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2024-07

“AIRBAG LIGHT ON, VW MECHANIC DIAGNOSED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING FAILURE, AND INDICATED THE AIRBAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11032548

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HORN WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO A FUEL STATION, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED IT, BUT THE HORN WAS STILL NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066511

“MY HORN AND FRONT RIGHT PARKING LIGHT BOTH STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. I NOTICED THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR AS MY CAR, BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11124715

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS control module failure with warning lights

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2025-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677285

“The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes locked up causing the vehicle to spin 180 degrees”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444005

“AT 46,800 MILES THE ABS CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED. WHEN STARTING UP THE CAR, NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING (ABS, TRACTION, AIR BAG, AND BRAKE) ILLUMINATE. THESE LIGHTS REMAIN ON WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND VEHICLE IN MOTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11234479

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Jetta, Passat, Golf, and Atlas.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

VW G13 coolant (lilac/pink) is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW specialists recommend replacement every 5 years or 100,000 miles to prevent water pump impeller wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

90 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta reflects Volkswagen's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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