2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2011 | 33 |
| 2012 | 27 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 34 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
6 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
4/5/16 4:30PM, vehicle would not shut off. Brought to Volkswagen dealers who diagnosed vehicle with an ignition lock cylinder housing issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-06
Also filed under Engine
Fuel/propulsion system
5 of 27 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
I was looking at the GMC Duramax diesel and it has the same problem as the Volkswagen Jetta TDI fuel pump failure due to American Diesel in the pump is designed for foreign diesel which is very expensive to repair can we please have some help with...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-07
Suspension
4 of 27 total reports mention: suspension.
Service brakes
4 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes.
Power train
4 of 27 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact noticed that the transmission was hesitant as if the vehicle would stall when needing to change gears. In addition, the gears were slow to change over.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-17
Also filed under Fuel system, diesel
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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I
2017-11-13Recall queryClosed 2018-05-04 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V078000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.