The Lemon Index2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is about average by owner complaints: 180 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 93, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 8 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 527 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2012 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 33K to 80K miles on the car (428 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 43K–80K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 21K–70K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 25K–74K miles
Recalls 8
- 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 8 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…
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 1543 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- In some vehicles, the warning light for engine may be on and the engine power has failed
- All models experience the timing chain slipping, rattling noises of the engine after starting
- Possible oil leak from oil filter housing
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 SW FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
In owners' words
Car lost power and coasted to the side of the road . Towed to VW dealer . No fuel pressure . Removed fuel filter , full of metal . Fuel pumps , filter , lines and injectors replaced under warranty. Not a miss fueling issue.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 10494632
More owner reports
Cannot shut engine off. Cannot remove ignition key.
NHTSA complaint 10705750
Car ignition will not turn off. Was told by a dealership that it was the steering column lock and sheer bolts would need to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint 10619389
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 93; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2012 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (24%), engine (21%) and fuel or ev drive system (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
8 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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta get?
25 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 33,600 and 80,000 miles. The middle report was at 56,200 miles, from 428 complaints.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2012?
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