2011 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 133 engine complaints for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 22% of all 607 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 47,637 miles. A related recall (11V466000) addresses an exhaust tip issue, but does not cover the reported stalling and fire complaints.
- Engine complaints
- 133
- 22% of 607
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 47,637 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine fires starting near the front hood or driver's side, in some cases while parked and in others while driving.
- Some drivers describe the engine losing power or stalling unexpectedly at highway speed, with power returning only after the engine was shut off and restarted.
- Several TDI owners report the glow plug or catalytic warning lights coming on soon after purchase, followed by the engine stalling or failing to restart.
- Owners describe the engine revving on its own while stopped with the brake depressed, in one case causing a crash.
- Cold-weather complaints mention the engine stalling at low speeds on snow-covered roads, with traction control seemingly involved.
When 2011 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 27, 2010, latest Apr 26, 2025.
Engine recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
- NHTSA 11V466000Sep 7, 2011Engine30,294 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system
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.
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.
Engine complaints by Jetta model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- NHTSA lists 133 engine complaints for the 2011 Jetta, which is 22% of the 607 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta engine?
- There is one related recall, campaign 11V466000, but it covers a stainless steel exhaust tip installed during importation, not the stalling or fire issues described in owner complaints.
- At what mileage do 2011 Jetta engine problems usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2011 Jetta is 47,637 miles.
- Do 2011 Jetta engine complaints involve fires or crashes?
- Yes. NHTSA data for this problem area shows 3 fires, 5 crashes, and 4 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2011 Jetta.