All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.
Recall & Buyer Checklist
2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta · 8 recorded campaigns · Prepared 2026-11-09
Model-year records do not confirm VIN eligibility or completed repairs. Ask your dealer to check your VIN and the original filing's safety instructions.
Done
NHTSA Campaign
OEM Recall
Component
☐
20E064000
Ask dealer
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Manufacturer
Tenneco Automotive
What Happened
The master cylinder in your vehicle is the main part that helps you control the brakes. In certain Volkswagen models, the seal on this cylinder might not be tight enough, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to break apart.
Risk if Unfixed
If the master cylinder fails, brake fluid could leak out, reducing your braking power and making it harder to stop your vehicle. This could lead to a higher risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen dealer will replace the faulty master cylinder with a new one, free of charge. Schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer – it's completely free to you. This timing describes the original 2020 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Your water pump's pulley/sprocket might develop tiny cracks that can cause the timing belt to break. This belt keeps your engine running smoothly, and if it fails, your engine will shut off while driving.
Risk if Unfixed
If the timing belt fails, your engine will suddenly stall, which could make it hard to control your vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty water pump with a new one at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2014 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Original — Remedy
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
The fuel injector line in your vehicle is a thin hose that carries fuel from the engine to the cylinders. In certain 2009-2012 Jetta, Golf, and Audi A3 models with 2.0L diesel engines, this line can develop small cracks due to the way fuel pulses interact with the line's natural frequency.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fuel injector line develops cracks, you could have a fuel leak. If the leak finds an ignition source, it could cause a fire.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen or Audi dealer will install a special fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder and add vibration dampers to the other lines. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2011 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Original — Remedy
VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
The exhaust tip on your Jetta is a part that connects to the exhaust pipe. It's possible that the accessory tip you got installed might be longer than the original one, and this could cause problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If you touch the extended tip when it's hot, you could get burned. This is a serious burn risk.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen dealer will inspect and replace the exhaust tip if it's too long, at no cost to you. You should schedule this repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2011 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS, PART NUMBER 1K0 071 910 U, SOLD AS ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 JETTA SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 18, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2011. THESE EXHAUST TIPS MAY EXTEND BEYOND THE ORIGINAL LENGTH OF THE FACTORY-INSTALLED EXHAUST PIPES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR INADVERTENT CONTACT TO OCCUR WITH A PERSON'S LEG.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE TAILPIPE EXTENSION IS HOT DURING INADVERTENT CONTACT, A BURN COULD OCCUR.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST TIPS AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
The clock spring in your air bag system is a crucial cable that keeps your driver's air bag powered while you're turning the steering wheel. It might get contaminated with debris, which could cause it to tear.
Risk if Unfixed
If the clock spring tears, your driver's air bag won't deploy in a crash, which could lead to serious injury or worse.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen dealer will install a protective cover or replace the clock spring with a new one, depending on your situation – at no cost to you. You'll get a notice, and they'll take care of it.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Original — 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. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
The trailing arms in your rear suspension are critical for keeping your Beetle or Jetta stable and on the road. In certain 2011-2013 models, these arms could be weakened if they've been damaged in a crash.
Risk if Unfixed
If a weakened trailing arm breaks suddenly, you could lose control of your vehicle, especially if it happens while you're driving on the road. This could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen dealer will add a protective inlay to your rear axle trailing arms, making them stronger and less likely to break. Don't worry – this repair is completely free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2014 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle vehicles manufactured March 1, 2011, to July 31, 2013. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a sheet metal inlay on the rear axle trailing arms designed to prevent a sudden loss of control in the event of trailing arm sudden fracture, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
The anti-theft system in your vehicle is the part that prevents you from starting the car without the key. In some 2011-2019 models, a buildup of debris on the shift lever switch can cause the key to come out when it shouldn't.
Risk if Unfixed
If you remove the key while your car is not in 'Park', the parking brake won't engage, and your vehicle could roll away – this could lead to a crash or injury.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen dealer will add a new switch and circuit board to your car, free of charge. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2019 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Original — Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Your vehicle might have undergone some changes during a testing phase, which means it may not meet all safety standards.
Risk if Unfixed
If your vehicle doesn't meet all the safety requirements, there's a higher risk of getting into a crash, or even a fire or injury.
Free Fix
Volkswagen will contact you and offer to repurchase your vehicle, free of charge. You'll also be able to call them at 1-800-893-5298 for more information, and the recall number is 01D7.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Original — Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
What is the overall risk grade for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta?
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta has a risk grade of F. This grade is calculated from 8 NHTSA safety recalls, weighted by severity, recency, and temporal decay. Grades range from A+ (excellent) to F (avoid).
How many safety recalls does the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta have?
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta has 8 known safety recalls on record. All recalls are repaired free of charge at authorized dealerships.
What is the most severe recall for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta?
The most severe recall for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta is classified as critical. This indicates a life-threatening safety issue that should be addressed promptly.
Is the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta safe to drive?
This model year has 8 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.
What is the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER recall for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta? (Campaign #20E064000)
The master cylinder in your vehicle is the main part that helps you control the brakes. In certain Volkswagen models, the seal on this cylinder might not be tight enough, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to break apart. If the master cylinder fails, brake fluid could leak out, reducing your braking power and making it harder to stop your vehicle. This could lead to a higher risk of a crash. Your Volkswagen dealer will replace the faulty master cylinder with a new one, free of charge. Schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer – it's completely free to you. This timing describes the original 2020 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE recall for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta? (Campaign #14E007000)
Your water pump's pulley/sprocket might develop tiny cracks that can cause the timing belt to break. This belt keeps your engine running smoothly, and if it fails, your engine will shut off while driving. If the timing belt fails, your engine will suddenly stall, which could make it hard to control your vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Your dealer will replace the faulty water pump with a new one at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2014 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL recall for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta? (Campaign #11V490000)
The fuel injector line in your vehicle is a thin hose that carries fuel from the engine to the cylinders. In certain 2009-2012 Jetta, Golf, and Audi A3 models with 2.0L diesel engines, this line can develop small cracks due to the way fuel pulses interact with the line's natural frequency. If the fuel injector line develops cracks, you could have a fuel leak. If the leak finds an ignition source, it could cause a fire. Your Volkswagen or Audi dealer will install a special fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder and add vibration dampers to the other lines. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2011 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM recall for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta? (Campaign #11E036000)
The exhaust tip on your Jetta is a part that connects to the exhaust pipe. It's possible that the accessory tip you got installed might be longer than the original one, and this could cause problems. If you touch the extended tip when it's hot, you could get burned. This is a serious burn risk. Your Volkswagen dealer will inspect and replace the exhaust tip if it's too long, at no cost to you. You should schedule this repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2011 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL recall for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta? (Campaign #15V483000)
The clock spring in your air bag system is a crucial cable that keeps your driver's air bag powered while you're turning the steering wheel. It might get contaminated with debris, which could cause it to tear. If the clock spring tears, your driver's air bag won't deploy in a crash, which could lead to serious injury or worse. Your Volkswagen dealer will install a protective cover or replace the clock spring with a new one, depending on your situation – at no cost to you. You'll get a notice, and they'll take care of it.
