2012 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 102 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 20% of all complaints filed for that model year. Owners reported engine fires, stalling, and hesitation, with a median mileage at failure of 44,250 miles. No related recall is listed in NHTSA data.
- Engine complaints
- 102
- 20% of 499
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 44,250 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling or losing power abruptly while accelerating from a stop or merging into traffic.
- Some describe a burning odor followed by an engine compartment fire, in some cases starting while the vehicle was parked in a garage.
- Several drivers report severe lag or hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, especially when accelerating around turns or onto on-ramps.
- Owners describe stuttering or shuddering between gears at low speeds, such as around 30 mph, sometimes progressing to full stalling.
- One owner reported a hydro-lock failure after the engine reportedly took in water, preventing the car from starting.
When 2012 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 20, 2011, latest Mar 15, 2025.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- NHTSA lists 102 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Jetta, which is 20% of the 499 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for 2012 Jetta engine problems?
- NHTSA data shows no related recalls listed for the 2012 Jetta's engine complaints.
- At what mileage do 2012 Jetta engine problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported in NHTSA complaints is 44,250 miles.
- Did the 2012 Jetta have engine fires?
- NHTSA complaint data for the engine problem area on the 2012 Jetta includes 4 reported fires and 1 crash, with no injuries reported.
- How does the 2012 Jetta compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2012 Jetta's engine complaints make up 20% of that year's total complaints, lower than the 2010 (25%), 2014 (31%), and 2016 (34%) model years.