YearToAvoid

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 26 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 5% of its 499 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 25,011. A related recall (14V656000) covers rear axle trailing arms, but most reports point to tire sidewall and rear-noise issues rather than that campaign.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints
26
5% of 499
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
25,011 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

  • Tire sidewalls tear or blow out unexpectedly while driving, sometimes on the same wheel position after replacement.
  • Original-equipment Hankook Optimo H725A tires develop severe cracking on the inner sidewall, reported across multiple vehicles.
  • A rumbling or grinding noise starts from the front driver side and worsens over time, intensifying when turning.
  • Tires lose traction and grip poorly on snow-covered roads at slow speeds, causing sliding.
  • Tires split on the inner sidewall during routine rotation despite otherwise adequate tread depth.
  • A rattling noise comes from the rear deck on vehicles with the 'Fender' sound system, tied to a campaign that reportedly did not cover this model year.

When 2012 Volkswagen Jetta suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 25, 2012, latest May 24, 2022.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta suspension, wheels & tires complaints: complaints filed per month5Jun 2012Nov 2012Oct 2014Apr 2015Dec 2015Jun 2017Sep 2018May 2022
26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2012 to May 2022; peak May 2014 (5).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

  1. NHTSA 14V656000Oct 20, 2014Suspension, Wheels & Tires442,066 vehicles

    Suspension:rear

    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.

    Risk: The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a 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.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Jetta model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20059 (4%)
  2. 200616 (3%)
  3. 20079 (4%)
  4. 20088 (4%)
  5. 200915 (2%)
  6. 201022 (3%)
  7. 201126 (4%)
  8. 201226 (5%)
  9. 201323 (4%)
  10. 201415 (4%)
  11. 201521 (11%)
  12. 20168 (5%)
  13. 20179 (6%)
  14. 20182 (6%)
  15. 201925 (5%)
  16. 20203 (6%)
  17. 20211 (1%)
  18. 20221 (2%)
  19. 20231 (2%)
  20. 20243 (7%)
  21. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension, wheels & tire complaints does the 2012 Jetta have?
NHTSA lists 26 complaints in this area for the 2012 Jetta, about 5% of its 499 total complaints that year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Jetta's suspension?
Yes, recall 14V656000 covers 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles for rear axle trailing arms, addressed with a sheet metal inlay installed by dealers.
At what mileage do these suspension and tire problems usually show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this area is 25,011 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?
No, NHTSA records 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among these 26 complaints.
What tire brands are most mentioned in these complaints?
Owners most often mention Hankook Optimo H725A tires, along with some reports involving Continental, Dunlop, and Primewell tires.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.