2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
33 complaints1 involved a crash3 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
The f16 fuse in the engine bay that connects power to multiple exterior lights as well as the abs brake system melts and melts part of the fuse tray. This is the same thing that happens with the vw Tiguan in campaign am97. Look into am97 as this can ruin your abs brake system. This should be recalled and fixed. This picture is not mine but is exactly what happened.
- Electrical system
Vehicle’s electrical system shuts off as I am driving. This happened at night , almost caused a crash.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
The car stalls in traffic and is slow to accelerate. The service department attributes the cause from a problem with a contaminated fuel system. However, the car has had a series of problems with the electrical system where I was told the "radio is draining the battery". The car would be parked…
The car stalls in traffic and is slow to accelerate. The service department attributes the cause from a problem with a contaminated fuel system. However, the car has had a series of problems with the electrical system where I was told the "radio is draining the battery". The car would be parked without the keys in the ignition and it failed to start and the cause being the radio draining the battery. The issue is both electrical and diesel engine related.
- Suspension
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. The rear passenger side coil spring just snapped as you'd break a pretzel... I have never seen…
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. The rear passenger side coil spring just snapped as you'd break a pretzel... I have never seen a broken coil spring in any of the cars we owned over three decades. As I looked for information online, it seems that this MK6 generation of Volkswagen vehicles made in MEXICO were manufactured with springs that are PRONE TO FAILURE! Even the next generation MK7 especially vehicles manufactured between 2015-2019 had a RECALL for this exact failure - 42J5. - 56,000 vehicles including Golf hatchbacks, Golf SPORTWAGEN, Jetta sedans and Tiguan SUVS. How come VW didn't have a recall for the previous generation? Obviously this is manufacturing with below par parts.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the catalytic convertor warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the particle filter needed to be removed…
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the catalytic convertor warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the particle filter needed to be removed and reinstalled. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken to a different dealer who determined that the particle filter needed to be checked and reinstalled. Additionally, the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the second dealer; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- Suspension
While changing lanes we heard a twang sound and felt an impact in the floor boards. The left rear of the car was unloaded from weight shift when the noise and impact was felt. When I was able to check the car over, I found the left rear spring was broken. The vehicle only has roughly 85k miles. I have heard many other stories of this happening to others as well.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
At first we had to replace the intake manifold and then a month later we had to replace the catalytic converter and now it’s in the shop having the DLF filter , fuel pump , & fuel lines . All dealing with the diesel exhaust and fuel distribution. It’s leaking diesel fuel with strong odor of diesel…
At first we had to replace the intake manifold and then a month later we had to replace the catalytic converter and now it’s in the shop having the DLF filter , fuel pump , & fuel lines . All dealing with the diesel exhaust and fuel distribution. It’s leaking diesel fuel with strong odor of diesel to the point it makes you feel sick. The Volkswagen dealership never informed me of any recalls on my vehicle. The dealership is Flow Volkswagen Greensboro NC
- Seat belts
The right rear seat belt fails to retract. the seat belt was pulled out to buckle and failed to retract to fit the passenger. it IS all the way out and cannot be used.
- Electrical system
Stationary vehicle left stranded. engine wass immobilized key not recognized
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have been getting horrible gas milage (250 per tank). This has been for over a year now of trying different things (driving, fueling, repairs, ect.).
- Suspension
Rear spring broke sitting in the driveway. *tr
- Suspension
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
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2011 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the while driving on the highway at 50 mph and the vehicle rear ended another vehicle. No further information was available. The frontal air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries that required any transport by ambulance. A…
TL* the contact owned a 2011 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the while driving on the highway at 50 mph and the vehicle rear ended another vehicle. No further information was available. The frontal air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries that required any transport by ambulance. A police report was filed and the vehicle was totaled pending an official ruling from the insurance company. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The vehicle was towed to tow yard. The failure mileage was 117,000.
- Engine
It all started with a check engine light. Apparently the car jumped timing and the crankshaft went bad. This caused complete and total engine failure. This IS a common problem with the jetta. I believe a class action lawsuit IS needed.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. While driving various speeds, the windshield wipers activated without warning and the vehicle intermittently stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the electrical system needed to be…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. While driving various speeds, the windshield wipers activated without warning and the vehicle intermittently stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the electrical system needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same failure as listed in nhtsa campaign number: 11v196000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Electrical system · Seats
I was driving on the highway and I smelled burning plastic. I reached behind my back and burned my finger. I pulled off and looked and saw a hold and melted seat. The back of my coat was melted as well. I have taken it to a VW dealer to be inspected and it was caused by a wire shorting out. There IS a case now open for me with VW. Waiting to hear if they will pay to fix the seat.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. While driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle shook and misfired. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The contact called dirito brothers…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. While driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle shook and misfired. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The contact called dirito brothers walnut creek volkswagen (2020 n main st, walnut creek, ca 94596, (925) 934-8224) and was informed to schedule a service appointment. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 181258947. The manufacturer referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was 94,000. *Dt *js *dt *jb
- Unknown or other
Stalling of vehicle while in traffic; epc light will turn on, battery light; replacements have been made with regards to fuel and oil leakage and stalling still occurs
- Electrical system
The fuse box melted and caused electrical malfunctions. this seems like a safety issue. apparently this has happened frequently and other models (tiguan) have been recalled due to the failure of the same part number.
- Electrical system
Car radio stopped functioning without any noticeable cause. Screen completely blank, does not respond to buttons or other input.
- Unknown or other
Entire sound/radio system suddenly stopped thereby eliminating my blue tooth connectivity for handsfree phone use
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled and the glow plug warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to a parking lot and was towed to the dealer (joe heidt volkswagen, 515 route 17 south, ramsey, nj, 201-327-2900)…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled and the glow plug warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to a parking lot and was towed to the dealer (joe heidt volkswagen, 515 route 17 south, ramsey, nj, 201-327-2900) where it was diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump contained pieces of metal, which caused the fuel system to fail. Also, a diagnostic test was performed and the contact was informed that the fuel was bad. The fuel pump system was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was 70,205.
- Electrical system
Recently my 2011 jetta sportwagen's exterior light dashboard indicator came on. upon investigation I found that the passenger side exterior front and rear lights were not working. intermittently over the next few days they would work and then fail again without any reason. I took the car to the…
Recently my 2011 jetta sportwagen's exterior light dashboard indicator came on. upon investigation I found that the passenger side exterior front and rear lights were not working. intermittently over the next few days they would work and then fail again without any reason. I took the car to the dealer and was told I had one bulb out and that there was nothing wrong with the car. and that they had never ever heard of this issue in any volkswagen. The same day the lights failed again. I investigated this time myself and found multiple complaints about the F16 fuse. my F16 fuse was visibly burnt and the fuse box was melted at the F16 spot. a new fuse has temporarily fixed the problem, but I am concerned about a safety issue if this IS melting the fuse box and my lights could fail at a critical time.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While driving on the highway several messages started to appear in reference to failed lights. I lost signal lights, headlights and brake lights. Replacing the lights did not solve the problem. At the dealer they told me that the fuse box was burned out and needed replacement. This IS what happened to me while driving the car on 3/24/2017.
- Wheels
For two years prior to august 2016, I went into my VW dealer once a month because the check tire light came on. Each time they just put air in the tires and said there was no problem, and each time I asked them to check the rims. Once or twice they inspected and cleaned the rims and said there was…
For two years prior to august 2016, I went into my VW dealer once a month because the check tire light came on. Each time they just put air in the tires and said there was no problem, and each time I asked them to check the rims. Once or twice they inspected and cleaned the rims and said there was no problem. In june 2016 I asked them to check again because I planned to drive from chicago to new york. They assured me I would not have a problem. But driving back from new york in august 2016, the car was not handling well, so I checked the tires even though the check tire light had not come on. I didn't spot a problem, so I continued to drive, but on the expressway just outside of youngstown, ohio, the left front tire suddenly went flat, and I barely was able to steer the car to the side of the road. With the help of a state trouper I finally got a tow truck and had the spare put on. The next morning I drove to the closest VW dealer in youngstown. They replaced the tire, which was damaged beyond repair. They said that they found two small indentations on the inside of the rim that probably caused the tire to leak air and go flat. They fixed the indentations. Back home at the VW dealer in glenview, il, they again assured me there was no problem, and they reimbursed me for the repairs. But just a couple weeks after that, my car began to handle poorly. I put air in the tires, and a few hours later on the expressway the check tire light came on. I asked VW to replace all the rims and tires for by back the car. They refused. Online I see others with this complaint. I have decided to sell the car myself, at great loss, and buy a subaru. This was a safety issue that I took to the highest levels at VW, but they wouldn't listen to my claim. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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 contamination and ultimately failure of…
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 contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.An Engineering Analysis has been opened to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a thorough review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 10762670, 10760644, 10758777, 10749901, 10748922
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005820Engine Assembly Tip
- 11005819Engine Replacement Tip
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 10253491Secondary Air Pressure Sensor Limited Warranty Extension
- 10253483Engine Exhaust Flap Limited Warranty Extension
- 10253439Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Gasoline Engines (Except Routan) - REVISED
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253216Keyless Entry Inoperative after Access / Start (KESSY) Module Replacement
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253207Washer Level Sensor
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252941Washer Level Sensor
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252935Equipped With KESSY ? Key Adaptation Tip
- 10252922Washer Level Sensor
- 10252921Windshield Washer
- 10252916Coding Information for Replacing ?AC? Suffix Radios with ?AF? Suffix Replacement Unit
Every Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.