Driver-side airbag non-deployment in a fatal crash
Passenger-side airbag deployed; driver-side did not
Check engine light: On
A motorcycle rider was killed in a crash where the passenger-side airbag deployed but the driver-side airbag did not.
PROBLEM GUIDE
2011–2016 Volkswagen Jetta Common Problems
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated August 2026
516
complaints filed for the 2013 model year
2011–2016
Model years affected
$7,500+
Typical repair cost, by problem
Quick Scan: 20 Issues
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
PROBLEM
SYMPTOMS
TYPICAL REPAIR COST
- SYMPTOMS
Passenger-side airbag deployed; driver-side did notTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Sudden loss of drive power, $7,500+ repairTYPICAL REPAIR COST
$7,500+ - SYMPTOMS
Metal shavings throughout the fuel system, described as a "ticking time bomb"TYPICAL REPAIR COST
$7,500+ - SYMPTOMS
Key won't turn to off, or becomes stuck with the vehicle runningTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Non-deployment, disconnected sensors, faulty clock springsTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Vehicles shut off while driving or idling, particularly at stopsTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
High mileage automatic transmissions may have shifting problemsTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
The ignition coil, ignition wires, and spark plugs may failTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Power windows fail more often than manually operated window cranksTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Difficult to diagnose electrical issues are typically due to ground issuesTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
An odor comes from the HVAC ventsTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Reverse gear failures and noise in manual transmission models are commonTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
The rear driver's side door won't lock with the key fob or manually, and the alarm activates when drivingTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
The radiator fan runs continuously after the engine is shut off, draining the batteryTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
The check engine light comes on due to issues with the glow plugs or wiring harnessTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Premature headlight bulb burnout and bulb harness failure is commonTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Coolant and oil leaks occurTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Loss of power occurs due to oil and carbon build up in the intake manifoldTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
The engine overheats due to a damaged water pump impellerTYPICAL REPAIR COST
— - SYMPTOMS
Shifting and drivability issues occur due to throttle body failureTYPICAL REPAIR COST
—
Think this sounds like your Volkswagen Jetta?
Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.
Talk to MyGearGuru
Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.
Start my diagnosis →PROBLEM DETAILS
Transmission mechatronic unit cracks, VINs excluded from recall
Sudden loss of drive power, $7,500+ repair
Check engine light: On
The single most common complaint category (127 of 516 complaints): mechatronic unit hairline cracks cause internal oil leaks, pressure loss, and sudden loss of drive power. Many owners report their VINs are excluded from recall 34J6 despite experiencing an identical failure.
$7,500+
TDI diesel high-pressure fuel pump failure
Metal shavings throughout the fuel system, described as a "ticking time bomb"
Check engine light: On
The CP4 high-pressure fuel pump fails on TDI diesel models, sending metal shavings throughout the fuel system and requiring a complete fuel system replacement — owners describe this as a 'ticking time bomb' design flaw.
$7,500+80,000 – 92,000 mi
Ignition cylinder sticking
Key won't turn to off, or becomes stuck with the vehicle running
Check engine light: On
The ignition cylinder sticks — the key won't turn to the off position or becomes stuck in the ignition, leaving the vehicle running. Dealerships reportedly charge high prices for replacement ignition systems.
Airbag system failures beyond the fatal crash
Non-deployment, disconnected sensors, faulty clock springs
Check engine light: On
Airbag system failures include non-deployment during crashes, disconnected sensors, and faulty clock springs affecting both airbag and horn functionality.
Engine stalling without warning
Vehicles shut off while driving or idling, particularly at stops
Check engine light: On
Vehicles shut off without warning while driving or idling, particularly at stops, with no consistent error codes, complicating diagnosis.
High Mileage Automatic Transmissions May Have Shifting Problems
High mileage automatic transmissions may have shifting problems
Check engine light: Off
High mileage automatic transmissions may have shifting problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 956 owner reports on file.
Ignition Coil, Ignition Wires, and Spark Plugs May Fail
The ignition coil, ignition wires, and spark plugs may fail
Check engine light: On
The ignition coil, ignition wires, and spark plugs may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 245 owner reports on file.
Power Windows Fail More Often Than Manually Operated Window Cranks
Power windows fail more often than manually operated window cranks
Check engine light: Off
Power windows fail more often than manually operated window cranks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 209 owner reports on file.
Difficult to Diagnose Electrical Issues Are Typically Due to Ground Issues
Difficult to diagnose electrical issues are typically due to ground issues
Check engine light: On
Difficult to diagnose electrical issues are typically due to ground issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 207 owner reports on file.
Odor From HVAC Vents
An odor comes from the HVAC vents
Check engine light: Off
An odor comes from the HVAC vents. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 191 owner reports on file.
Reverse Gear Failures and Noise in Manual Transmission Models Are Common
Reverse gear failures and noise in manual transmission models are common
Check engine light: Off
Reverse gear failures and noise in manual transmission models are common. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 176 owner reports on file.
Rear Driver's Side Door Won't Lock With Key Fob or Manually, Alarm Activates When Driving
The rear driver's side door won't lock with the key fob or manually, and the alarm activates when driving
Check engine light: Off
The rear driver's side door won't lock with the key fob or manually, and the alarm activates when driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 170 owner reports on file.
Radiator Fan Runs Continuously After Engine Shut Off, Draining Battery
The radiator fan runs continuously after the engine is shut off, draining the battery
Check engine light: Off
The radiator fan runs continuously after the engine is shut off, draining the battery. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 147 owner reports on file.
Check Engine Light Due to Issues With Glow Plugs/Wiring Harness
The check engine light comes on due to issues with the glow plugs or wiring harness
Check engine light: On
The check engine light comes on due to issues with the glow plugs or wiring harness. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 145 owner reports on file.
Premature Head Light Bulb Burnout and Bulb Harness Failure Is Common
Premature headlight bulb burnout and bulb harness failure is common
Check engine light: Off
Premature headlight bulb burnout and bulb harness failure is common. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 117 owner reports on file.
Coolant and Oil Leaks
Coolant and oil leaks occur
Check engine light: Off
Coolant and oil leaks occur. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 94 owner reports on file.
Loss of Power Due to Oil and Carbon Build Up in Intake Manifold
Loss of power occurs due to oil and carbon build up in the intake manifold
Check engine light: Off
Loss of power occurs due to oil and carbon build up in the intake manifold. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 89 owner reports on file.
Engine Overheating Due to Damaged Water Pump Impeller
The engine overheats due to a damaged water pump impeller
Check engine light: Off
The engine overheats due to a damaged water pump impeller. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 85 owner reports on file.
Shifting/Drivability Issues Due to Throttle Body Failure
Shifting and drivability issues occur due to throttle body failure
Check engine light: Off
Shifting and drivability issues occur due to throttle body failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 59 owner reports on file.
Many owners report their VINs are excluded from recall 34J6 for the transmission mechatronic unit despite experiencing an identical failure. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
Free instant car diagnosisKnow what's wrong before you go to the mechanic — takes 1 minute.
IMPORTANT — THIS GENERATION IS TIED TO A DOCUMENTED FATALITY. A motorcycle rider was killed in a crash where the passenger-side airbag deployed but the driver-side airbag did not. Separately, transmission mechatronic unit hairline cracks cause internal oil leaks, pressure loss, and sudden loss of drive power ($7,500+ repair) — the single most common complaint category (127 of 516 complaints), with many owners reporting their VINs excluded from the applicable recall despite an identical failure.