CarComplaints.com Notes: Digging through the long list of NHTSA complaints about a sudden loss of engine power and the high pressure fuel pump failing, it's never good to come across the "my car (with a cold engine) set itself on fire in the middle of the night" complaint.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,660 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta brakes problems

brakes problem

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2011 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Apr 172024

Jetta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Air bag light came on showing both driver and passenger airbags off without having any collision then pulled into gas station, car was fine pumped gas and tried to start vehicle and couldn't turn key further than interior lights. Was locked in ignition. Also had all brake pads and rotors replaced 1.5 years ago, now service center says they need replaced again already. Diagnostics from VW shoe ignition switch lock cylinder malfunction needs replaced.there are recalls for the airbags and ignition switch cylinder and brakes for my exact year, month, make and model(11 recalls) but shows 0 recalls under vin. Vw wants to charge me $1,200 to fix what should be free under recalls.

- Glade Spring, VA, USA

problem #21

Mar 032019

Jetta

  • miles
The ABS module in this vehicle has failed as the ABS, Traction Control, Airbag, and Brake lights are all on with the brake light flashing. The dealership stated a new module would be needed to have functioning anti lock brakes. In reference to case - NHTSA: 16V913, I believe the same components are the same as the power train did not change between the two vehicles. I am having the same symptoms as stated in this document but there is no recall as of yet.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #20

Dec 062020

Jetta

  • 75,000 miles
My tired was punctured and the tire pressure indicator light did not come on at all. The seatbelts never retract after taking them off they just hang there. Sometimes when I lock the doors the alarm does not sound off indicating the alarm is set, also my horn works when it wants to but never when it should, for instance there was a car coming up the street the wrong way and my car failed to create sound from the horn for me to alert the other driver. My car could be in motion or stationary none of the above works, my brakes have went out a few times while I was in motion in the middle of the highway as well. These issues have been happening way before the date I listed below but I just thought these were normal issues I need to get fixed on my own but who knew it was a recall issue all along.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #19

May 222019

Jetta

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On 05/22/2019 around 6 pm, my wife parked the car (VW Jetta, 2011 was stationed in parking mode), turned the car off at 309 smith street, newark, NJ 07108, then suddenly the car rolled back the downhill, crossed smith street to hit our neighbor car on the right side, a black Honda Accord parked in front of 310 smith street (a one way street). A police complaint was not filed. I spent almost $500.0 to partially fix my neighbor car. We were lucky that another car was not driving by, nor a pedestrian walking by. We didn't the cause of the incident, but found it wear. Almost 3 weeks before, also, my wife come back from the grocery store, she parked the car, turned the car off, went out and removed the grocery from the trunk, and suddenly the car rolled back to crush the grocery items on the floor and rolled over right foot

- Newark, NJ, USA

problem #18

Jan 122019

Jetta

  • 121,000 miles
There are multiple lights on the dashboard. The ABS, brake, traction control, airbag, and tire pressure light are all on when starting the car and stay on. The TPMS light sometimes shuts off but sometimes it doesn't. there is a similar problem on 2006-2010 Jettas and there was a recall that resolved a similar problem.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #17

Sep 062019

Jetta

  • 144,424 miles
I started up my car and was driving from work, all of a sudden I see a bunch of my warnings light appear on the dashboard all at the same time. I was driving in alexandria city and the care was in motion when the lights appeared. The tire pressure light, traction control, ABS, and even the air bag light. 3 different system have faults is a concern to my safety. I went to a mechanic twice and then the dealership, found out that the rear ABS sensor needs to be changed to get rid of ABS and traction control. After that was part was changed and the fault code was cleared the traction control and tire pressure still remained. Air bag light code was cleared too. After a month driving all of those same light reappeared again after I started up my car, I was stationary when the lights reappeared and was about to drive in city. The lights did not go away after driving. A big job needs to be done in which this is an manufacturer error which VW needs to take care of. I've spent close to $1100 of part and labor and this problem still remains. I am concerned for my safety if the electronic system might caused my air bags to deploy or traction control may not assist me while driving. The first incident occurred late July and the second occurred September 6.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #16

Sep 012019

Jetta

  • 88,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving at an unknown speed, the ABS, traction control, brake, and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The mechanic, however, informed the contact that the failure may be due to the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #15

Jun 242019

Jetta

  • miles
When I purchase this car 2 days after I purchase the brake light came on flashing the car idles too high what could be wrong with

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #14

May 062019

Jetta

  • miles
We purchased the vehicle and a couple of days later we went to have the brakes checked and found out all the brakes and rotors were rusted so bad the bushing was broken off and there was no emergency brake. This was something that would not pass inspection yet the dealer said he just had it pass inspection. Also the ti-rod bar in the back was broken the rear springs were rusted and broke.

- Matthews, NC, USA

problem #13

Feb 272019

Jetta

  • miles
The ABS module on this model keeps breaking every 88,00 miles

- Homestead, FL, USA

problem #12

Jun 272018

Jetta

  • 92,814 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The rear drum brakes failed on more than one occasion causing loss of break pressure which on one occasion almost resulted in a rear end collision. Both times the rear drum break failure was confirmed by a Volkswagen certified mechanic. On one occasion both rear brake systems were completely replaced including the brake drums. On the other occasion the rear brake drums were salvageable but the other components were replaced. The first time was on May 26th, 2015 and the second time was June 27, 2018. The first time a complaint was made with Volkswagen in the untied states on June 5, 2015.

- Yorkville, NY, USA

problem #11

Jun 032018

Jetta

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While the vehicle was stationary, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) failed. In addition, the air bag and traction control indicators illuminated when the vehicle was started. Gunter Volkswagen in fort lauderdale, Florida 33317 was made aware of the failure and diagnosed that the ABS failed to function properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

- Dania Beach, FL, USA

problem #10

Sep 282017

Jetta

  • 90,889 miles
Vehicle stalls intermittently since purchase, commonly when exiting a freeway to a stop or during rush hour(stop/go)traffic. Before stalling, vehicle will jerk, rough idle, and delay acceleration. Stalling may occur at a stop after high speed, however stalling has also occurred during driving after a high speed to low speed departure. When vehicle stalls during driving, both the wheel and brakes lock up commonly. It takes putting it in neutral while rolling and attempting to start several times before ignition kicks in. This has been dangerous as the only braking would be a gradual emergency brake pull and there is no additional steering, thankfully I have had straightaways the times it has happened, however I have been forced to go through red lights with my hazards on, laying on the horn. VW has attempted repair 5 times for same issue with no resolve. Lights and codes come and go intermittently after stalling. One or both of the previous issues mentioned occurs on a daily basis as of the moment. The ftc, BBB, and attorney general for the state of Michigan have all been made aware of the situation and the attorney general's office recommended I report it to you.

- St Clair Shores, MI, USA

problem #9

Apr 012017

Jetta

  • miles
This is the second time that I have been driving and my brakes went straight to the floor and the car wouldn't stop. I had to keep pumping the brake until I got slight pressure and pulled the hand brake which didn't help. The first time I took the car to the mechanic they told me it was the master cylinder and that it was replace this was last year. Yesterday I was driving and the same thing occurred I changed my brakes and then was told that it was not my brakes. I am leaking brake fluid and that it is my master cylinder. This is a serious problem where I can't stop and I'm putting myself and other people at danger because there is no warning of when it's going to occur.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #8

Feb 282017

Jetta

  • miles
ABS module failed after 31K miles. Horn also failed. This was diagnosed by my mechanic. Told me about the recall on 2009 and 2010 Jetta's for ABS module. Lights for ABS, electronic stability control, air bag and tire pressure are all illuminated. Car has 31K miles. There is a recall on the ABS module on 2009 and 2010 Jetta's this car was purchased in 2010.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

problem #7

Jul 062015

Jetta

  • 92,629 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While attempting to accelerate at 35 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond effectively. The wrench and check engine lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The brakes failed to completely stop the vehicle on two separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be determined. The dealer reset the electrical system, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 92,629.

- Atco, NJ, USA

problem #6

Mar 122014

Jetta

  • 12,000 miles
I purchased the Jetta used from carmax in nashville, tn in 2014. It began having safety issues on March 2014. Randomly, my car will just stop while driving down the road, or after accelerating from a stopped position when moving on from a stop sign or stop light. I can be driving anywhere from 15 mph to 50 mph, and all systems shut down. The battery light goes on, the steering locks, and the brakes lock. I always panic, put the car in neutral and have luckily managed to veer off to the side of a road and stop, shut the car off, and turn it back on again. Eurofix tried to manage the problem by replacing the crank sensor and cam shaft. But he problem came back, much worse. The second problem is now I cannot unlock my drivers side door with my magnetic key or by sticking the actual key in the lock. I see that another recall has been announced for the 2011 Jetta that is not pulling up via my VIN number, but I believe it might be my car's issue: Online, ate that in March 29, 2011 (published by NHTSA) in which an issue with "an electrical wiring and fuse layout where the converter box is protected by the same fuse used by the signal horn and the anti-they alarm system. Should that fuse be blown, , the converter will be disconnected from the power supply which in turn will shut off applications such as the engine management system, lighting system, and wipers"......"should this happen while the vehicle is being driven, the engine could stall or the headlights or wipers could turn off unexpectedly, potentially leading to a crash without warning." Please help me!!!!!!! what do I do. What will remedy this situation so I don't get killed or kill others. I't gonna happen....then my family will file a lawsuit. I need guidance and for this car to be fixed/traded out.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #5

Jun 182015

Jetta

  • 59,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While exiting the highway at 20 mph, the vehicle struck a pothole and the front driver side brake assembly failed. The brake caliper was rubbing against the wheel and locked. The contact was able to repair the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000. The VIN was not available.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #4

Aug 052014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • miles
While driving, I smelled a burning smell from outside the car. Had the same occurrence on 3 different occasions on a previous vehicle which turned out to be sticking calipers, so immediately I checked the brakes. What I found was the smell was coming from the rear driver side and the rim was very hot.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #3

Jun 142014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 15,900 miles
Car would not accelerate properly, requiring the pedal to be completely depressed to achieve any acceleration even to low speeds. At this point, a brake warning light appeared for the first time. Vehicle was brought to dealer, jim ellis VW in the atlanta area who tested the model and determined the ABS module had failed. After replacing the ABS module the brakes locked during a test drive by the service staff. Subsequently the brake booster and brake master cylinder were replaced. Owner believes that this early failure of so many components on a newer, very low mileage vehicle likely represents manufacturing defect and could have resulted in serious injury.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

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