Is the 2011 Volkswagen CC reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Volkswagen CC is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen CC?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen CC have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Volkswagen CC

▲ Better than typical

2011 Volkswagen CC
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:25.960Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 86
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2011: 86 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	1
2009	136
2010	242
2011	86
2012	230
2013	148
2014	80
2015	30
2016	26
2017	4

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

37% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I received a notice that my fuel pump was being recalled for safety precautions.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-10

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Volkswagen CC. While driving approximately 30-35 MPH through an intersection, the contact's vehicle was struck on the rear driver's side.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-19

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen CC. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact became distracted and crashed into another vehicle. In addition, the air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-06

Engine

30% · 26 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

19% · 16 reports

INJURY

Steering

15% · 13 reports

Electrical system

8% · 7 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2015-03-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-09-28 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
R

2016-01-15Air bags15V483000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-10Air bags16V078000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2017-11-13Recall queryClosed 2018-05-04 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
R

2018-03-16Air bags18V148000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
R

2018-06-26Fuel system, gasoline17V509000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Volkswagen CC — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 32 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 26 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V483000 · Air bags
Recall 16V078000 · Air bags
Recall 18V148000 · Air bags
Recall 17V509000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Volkswagen CC reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Volkswagen CC is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen CC?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Volkswagen CC have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.