This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I was on the highway when it started pouring rain. I tried to turn on my windshield wipers on the VW Jetta 2011 and they did not move. I lost visibility in seconds at 50mph and thank goodness, was able to pull over before anyone was hurt but it was terrifying and a close call. The windshield wipers don't work in the cold, apparently, which to me seems very dangerous!
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 45 mph, the air bag off warning indicator illuminated. After two months, the radio and windshield wipers failed to function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated there was an electrical shortage. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 52,000.
1) seatbelt indicator sounds when drives belt is connected and is the only one in the vehicle; no one or items are in any of the other seats (same issue as in the 2006 Jetta). 2) wiper motor failed - wipers worked intermittently when functioning. 3) headliner is separating and drooping in rear and obstructing the view through the rear view mirror (same issue as in the 2006 Jetta). 4) ignition coil's and map sensor are continuously failing (same issue as in the 2006 Jetta).
Wipers do not function properly in cold temperatures. In very cold weather, they will often take 3-5 minutes before moving once turned on. In cool temperatures they will often run at a very slow pace. Changing wiper blades has no effect/impact. This is a wiper arm and/or wiper arm assembly issue and widespread throughout online reports. VW should be forced to issue a recall.
Defective light switch that controls the headlights, daytime running light low beams and high beams. Daytime running light no longer work, low beams are so dim they are no longer effective.
Windshield wipers not functioning when vehicle is in 18 degree and below temperatures for a few hours. Wipers work fine once vehicle is heated up in garage or outside temperatures rise above 18 degrees. Replacement wiper motor assembly was diagnosed and required to correct malfunction. Would like VW to reimburse the $537.03 out of pocket costs to replace the defective/faulty part. Have seen numerous complaints for same issue online. Thanks and hope VW is listening!
If the outside temperature goes below approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the wipers fail to operate. This can happen when the vehicle has been parked, or during operation. This has happened several times and from indications on the internet, is a known safety problem.
Within three to four days I've had two door windows blow out while driving. Nothing hit the windows. One day I was driving on the interstate and the other time I was driving onto the interstate ramp going approximately 40 miles/hour. This is baffling!
When parked overnight with temperatures in the lower teens, the windshield wipers do not work the next morning. If I warm the car up for 20 minutes or so and then let it sit for another half hour then they will usually work. This has happened four or five times from 12/2016 - 2/2017. Seems worse if it has been snowing or icing overnight. When they are working there are no signs of hesitation or slow movement. The fact that it is random seems unusually dangerous. Sitting in the driveway or moving does not make any difference. Car has 52000 miles. There have been several reports from other people with this issue. Should warrant an investigation.
When vehicle subjected to cold temperatures (below freezing) the wiper motor stops working. When vehicle placed in warm garage wipers work again. This has happened on several occasions over the last year. Wiper motor was replaced by VW dealership. New motor is a new part number. It appears the old wiper motor design may have been defective allowing moisture to enter where drive shaft enters motor. New wiper motor has improved rubber seal in this area.
When cold, the windshield wipers won't work until it warms up enough. If your driving and it gets cold, like during snowstorm, they quit working. I have looked online and have encountered many instances of this. The cost is around $500 to $1000 for parts and labor for..., maybe the motor, maybe the wiper transmission, maybe both. Nonsense! this is a huge safety issue. Please do something and issue a recall for this problem is occurring with different vehicles over many year models. Just do an online search for windshield wiper problems and narrow the results to wipers won't work when its cold. Dealer says we've never encountered that. I can't believe it if they know what they have to replace. Please help. People are in danger.
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving in the rain at approximately 30 mph, the windshield wipers and horn failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V196000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA without filing a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
My horn does not consistently work. When I'm driving it only works sometimes due to believed to be faulty electrical. My door locks do not engage. A noise sounds but they do not engage causing safety issue. My wiper blades do not always work correctly nor do they spray wiper spray causing visibility issues. My electrical system is faulty causing one door to stay unlocked unless locked with key. My alarm system does not work. My driver side window does not properly work and will stop in the down position. The same door is having locking issue. There is known recall for other 2011 models on electrical system. I called VW and they said my VIN was not affected by the recall. I'm having the same issues as other Jetta owners with same year make and model and with active recall but VW refuses to fix my car. I could get into accident due to faulty horn, faulty door locks, faulty visibility and wipers that do not work properly. My electrical system is clearly faulty if all of these issues are failing at once. I took my vehicle to Firestone and they said faulty computer issues need to be fixed by VW. The vehicle is only 5 years old.
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle jerked, the check engine warning indicator illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred. The was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the fuel injector system failed. Four injectors, the fuel rings, the ignition coil, and the wires were replaced. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper motor failed. The windshield wiper motor was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. Updated 01/12/16; 04/19/18
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the frontal windshield wipers seized and could not be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000. The VIN was not available.
My windshield washer fluid sensor came on, and it does not turn off. I did some reading online, and this seems to be a systemic issue. Most of the complaints were from people who used rainx washer fluid. Apparently it caused corrosion too quickly. Now, I don't want to use my washer fluid as often, so that I can make sure that I don't run out when I need it. My visibility during driving is affected by this.
While driving the 2011 VW Jetta on 1/5/14 during rain showers I switched the wipers on (which I had previously used aprox 5 mins before) & nothing happened, then I realized that the turn signals were also not working including the hazard flashers.. upon reaching my home at reduced speeds in order to safely make it home I attempted to make the needed repair to resolve the issue, thinking the issue was a blown fuse, but after further investigation no blown fuses are present & at the current time VW service dept. Denies that any part of the electrical system is faulty & although the problem is still currently not fixed. Along with other electrical functions such as the power windows & door locks not functioning due to this electrical malfunction the vehicle will not crank & start using the ignition switch. I feel this problem is a safety issue that VW needs to address & offer a recall before such a malfunction results in a fatal incident due to not being able to clearly see the roadway during rainy conditions.
I was driving and I tried to honk my horn because a tractor trailer was merging in my lane. My horn would not sound and I had encountered this problem before and then later that evening it started to drizzle and my windshield wipers were not working.
- Loganville , GA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Maple Shade, NJ, USA