The Lemon Index2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is worse than average by owner complaints: 275 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 133, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel system, diesel, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 25 to 32 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 640 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 82K miles on the car (524 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 39K–92K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 30K–80K miles
- fuel system, diesel complaints mostly came at 6K–45K miles
Recalls 10
- brakes 2020
The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- unknown or other 2019
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.
- electrical 2019
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.".
Show all 10 recalls
- airbags 2015
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.
- suspension 2014
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.
- engine 2014
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- fuel system, diesel 2011
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 SE…
- engine 2011
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 2…
- engine 2011
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 JETTA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 18, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2011.
- electrical 2011
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 JETTA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2010 THROUGH MARCH 2011.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 1387 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- While driving approximately 55 to 65mph, a whinning or whistle noise is heard
- Whistle or whine noise coming from the transmission when driving
- Tech Tips (Torque Converter/Flywheel/Flexplate installation): Incorrect torque converter
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2017–2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2015
- ClosedHigh-pressure fuel pump failure2011–2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen SW FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2400–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
In owners' words
Jetta tdi high-pressure fuel pump & fuel line blow-out; stalling of engine.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 10483623
More owner reports
The horn only works sporadically, not sure when it will or will not function.
NHTSA complaint 10653904
The high pressure fuel system is leaking from one of the fuel injectors. There is currently an investigation going on that was brought my attention to see if I had the problem. And it looks as if I do.
NHTSA complaint 10418878
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 133; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel system, diesel (29%), electrical (20%) and transmission & drivetrain (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have?
10 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta get?
25 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,000 and 82,100 miles. The middle report was at 52,000 miles, from 524 complaints.
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $2400 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2020 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works