2012 Volkswagen Jetta reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has 526 complaints with NHTSA after 15 years, or 41 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Jetta years here — over the median of the other years, which is 14. NHTSA has 8 recalls on file, including Brake master cylinder, Unknown or other, and Control module.

Complaints

526

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (144 of 526), then Engine (88) and Fuel and propulsion system (52). Those filings include 24 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, and 10 that report an injury.

Next to 2013

The 2013 Jetta has 516 complaints, 34 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (8)

Recall Brake master cylinder 2020-09-23 · NHTSA campaign 20E064000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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 Unknown or other 2019-09-25 · NHTSA campaign 19V679000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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.

Recall electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, control module 2019-08-22 · NHTSA campaign 19V615000

Summary 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."

Remedy 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.

Recall air bags, frontal 2015-08-04 · NHTSA campaign 15V483000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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.

Recall suspension, rear 2014-10-20 · NHTSA campaign 14V656000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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.

Recall Engine 2014-03-07 · NHTSA campaign 14E007000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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.

Recall diesel fuel system 2011-10-03 · NHTSA campaign 11V490000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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.

Recall engine and cooling, exhaust system 2011-09-08 · NHTSA campaign 11E036000

Summary 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.

Remedy 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.

Complaints by component (526 total)

Electrical system

144

Engine

Fuel and propulsion system

Powertrain

Steering

Service brakes

Air bags

Diesel fuel system

Visibility and wipers

Speed control

Suspension

Exterior lighting

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Fuel system, gasoline

Seat belts

Tires

Wheels

Engine and engine cooling

Structure

Visibility

Hydraulic brakes

Latches, locks, and linkages

Adaptive and mobility equipment

Seats

Back-over prevention

Show 17 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"A microswitch malfunction. My car will not lock and while I am driving it there is clicking on the doors for locking and unlocking. My night lights will not shut off when I park the vehicle. There is a pinging noise…"
Electrical system · filed 2026-06-14
"The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that for the past eight months, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that…"
Steering, Electrical system · filed 2025-07-21
"The ignition switch where the key is placed in the ignition and turned to start the car failed. The ignition would not turn with the key engaged inside the ignition switch. It will require a new ignition switch kit and…"
Unknown or other · filed 2025-05-21
"This is my 4th volkswagen jetta 2.5L I've own that has had the same issue with the charging system the car would just shut off while driving due to dead battery almost causing an accident this needs to be addressed 2011…"
Electrical system · filed 2025-05-02
"I recently bought vehicle seen there is a recall"
Powertrain, Service brakes, Engine · filed 2025-03-15

Fuel economy

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Annual fuel cost
Jetta	2.5L, 5-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	24	31	26 MPG	$2500
Jetta	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	29	37	32 MPG	$2950
Jetta	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	24	32	27 MPG	$2950
Jetta	2.5L, 5-cyl	Manual 5-speed	Front-wheel drive	23	33	26 MPG	$2500
Jetta	2L, 4-cyl	Manual 5-speed	Front-wheel drive	24	34	28 MPG	$2300
Jetta	2L, 4-cyl	Manual 6-speed	Front-wheel drive	29	39	32 MPG	$2950
Jetta	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	23	29	25 MPG	$2600
Jetta	2L, 4-cyl	Manual 6-speed	Front-wheel drive	22	33	26 MPG	$3050
Jetta SportWagen	2L, 4-cyl	Manual 6-speed	Front-wheel drive	29	39	32 MPG	$2950
Jetta SportWagen	2.5L, 5-cyl	Manual 5-speed	Front-wheel drive	23	33	26 MPG	$2500
Jetta SportWagen	2.5L, 5-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	24	31	26 MPG	$2500
Jetta SportWagen	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	29	37	32 MPG	$2950

Specs and fitment

Mk6 (A6), 2012–2018

Body styles Sedan

Oil VW 502.00/504.00 5W-30 or 0W-20 (engine dependent) , 4.8 qt capacity

Tire size 205/55R16, 225/45R17 (trim dependent)

Known issues for this generation

NHTSA safety recall 20V648000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

Compare

Next year 2013 Volkswagen Jetta See every Volkswagen Jetta model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

What are common problems with a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2013 Jetta has 516 complaints, 34 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.

Has the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has 8 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners have filed 526 complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is 28.2 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What engine oil does a Volkswagen Jetta use?

VW 502.00/504.00 5W-30 or 0W-20 (engine dependent)

What does NHTSA recall 20V-648 cover on the Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA safety recall 20V648000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

What generation is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?

Mk6 (A6) (2012-2018).