2012 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 144 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 29% of its 499 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 61,888. A related recall (campaign 19V615000) covers 2011-2018 Jetta models for an electrical switch issue.
- Electrical System complaints
- 144
- 29% of 499
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 61,888 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Radio units reportedly caught fire in the dashboard, producing a loud noise and smoke pouring from the center console.
- Horns reportedly failed to sound, leaving drivers unable to warn other vehicles before a collision.
- Ignition keys reportedly became stuck in the ignition after the vehicle was placed in park, sometimes causing the car to roll while unattended.
- Electronic hill start assist reportedly caused a delayed brake response of about two seconds when stopped on an incline, and unoccupied vehicles reportedly rolled on slopes.
- Engines reportedly began running hot with smoke, with one owner told by a dealership the issue involved the engine block and thermostat.
- Reverse lights on both sides of the vehicle reportedly failed to work within the first month of ownership.
When 2012 Volkswagen Jetta electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 24, 2012, latest Jun 14, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
- NHTSA 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical System679,027 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
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."
Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
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.
Electrical System 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 electrical complaints does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- NHTSA lists 144 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Jetta, which is 29% of the 499 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2012 Jetta?
- Yes. Recall campaign 19V615000 covers 2011-2018 Jetta models, among other Volkswagen models, for an electrical switch problem, with the remedy being installation of an additional switch and circuit board.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2012 Jetta?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 61,888 at the time electrical failures were reported.
- Were there fires or crashes linked to electrical complaints on the 2012 Jetta?
- NHTSA records show 4 fires and 7 crashes among complaints in this problem area for the 2012 Jetta, with no reported injuries.
- Is the 2012 Jetta worse than other years for electrical complaints?
- The 29% share for 2012 is similar to 2010 (28%), 2013 (31%), and 2011 (34%), so it is not an outlier among nearby Jetta model years.