NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 640 owner complaints for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. Most complaints involve electrical system (201) and engine (93). The EPA rates it 25–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Jetta model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 183 |
| 1997 | 141 |
| 1998 | 194 |
| 1999 | 354 |
| 2000 | 451 |
| 2001 | 677 |
| 2002 | 711 |
| 2003 | 463 |
| 2004 | 233 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 190 |
| 2009 | 905 |
| 2010 | 875 |
| 2011 | 640 |
| 2012 | 527 |
| 2013 | 518 |
| 2014 | 388 |
| 2015 | 196 |
| 2016 | 164 |
| 2017 | 160 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 552 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 6 |
“Suddenly the car showed the abs, cruise control, air bag , and a flashing break light on the dashboard. Took to dealership to get diagnostic and the Abs control module needs to be replaced.”
“Car was being driven and coils snapped caused, tire to pop damaging front end. Car was being driven and randomly shut off in middle of road. Driving vehicle shifting into gear lags, check engine light is on, had reader and said that valve 2 has low pressure. As a result clanking and loose noise sounds are heard when driven from drivers side.”
“THE CAR IS A 2011 VW JETTA SW TDI. ON SEPT 7, 2015, WHILE DRIVING ON THE AUTOBAHN, THE CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATED AND THE CAR ABRUPTLY LOST POWER. I COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER. WE HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS. VW SAID THE FUEL PUMP WAS DESTROYED DUE TO TAINTED DIESEL FUEL. REPORTS INDICATED THAT METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN FUEL SAMPLES. VW REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM AT A COST OF EIGHT THOUSAND EUROS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE ESSO STATION & HEADQUARTERS. ESSO HAS INDICATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTS OF TAINTED DIESEL FUEL AT THE STATION. I AM BEING SHUFFLED BETWEEN THE ESSO STATION & THE VW DEALERSHIP. IT IS OBVIOUS WHO THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY IS. VW NEEDS TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND DEMONSTRATE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,950 | 318 |
| Jetta Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 32 | $2,950 | 315 |
| Jetta Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Jetta Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
10 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 640 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (201), engine (93), fuel system, diesel (82). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 4 out of 5 stars overall.