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2011 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems

186 complaints (31% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints
186
of this car's complaints
31%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
7
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Horn
    13
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    2
  • Ignition
    2
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    1
  • Ignition: switch
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202027

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 13Warning lights 9Screen failure 7

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control moduleReported August 22, 2019 · 679,027 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.
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.

Recall number 19V615000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakersReported March 29, 2011 · 71,043 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2011 jetta vehicles, manufactured from march 2010 through march 2011. These vehicles may have an electrical wiring and fuse layout where the converter box is protected by the same fuse used by the signal horn and the anti-theft alarm system. Should that fuse be blown, the converter box will be disconnected from the power supply which, in turn, will shut off applications such as the engine management system, lighting system, and wipers.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners when sufficient quantities of repairs kits are available. Dealers will separate the wiring for the horn and the theft protection horn from the power supply of the converter box and route the wires to separate fuses to correct the condition free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during april 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.

Recall number 11V196000 · Recall details

What 2011 Volkswagen Jetta owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Airbags, Driver assistance · CA

Suddenly the car showed the abs, cruise control, air bag , and a flashing break light on the dashboard. Took to dealership to get diagnostic and the Abs control module needs to be replaced.

Filed Sep 21, 2024 · Electrical · AZ

Component/System Failure/Malfunction: ignition switch and starter, possibly transmission Yes, available for inspection upon request. Car has randomly stalled while in motion; ignition and starter switch have been replaced as well as microswitch panel - yet problem persists. Power steering shuts down, steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn. Have to put car in neutral, typically, and try to restart while in motion. Has happened over 100 times; replaced alternator as well. Battery was replaced, brand new, yet was drained multiple times - recharged at Autozone. Vehicle was brought to Larry H. Miller Volkswagen - was advised the problem was fixed, as well as recall repairs (microswitch), paid for the service, went to leave dealership and problem immediately happened again. Complete shut off. Would stay running a little longer while in neutral or AC on. When the vehicle stalls the only light that comes on is the battery light. All other lights and systems work. Ran diagnostic codes through personal mechanic, friend, and dealership... Code states "Key/Ignition/Computer" but unsure what specifically. The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta also does not have the original key fob. May be improper programming? Continued to research all other recalls, services have been completed and yet the problem persists.

Filed Jul 24, 2024 · Electrical · VA

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the horn was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the alarm system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V196000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 17, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Car was being driven and coils snapped caused, tire to pop damaging front end. Car was being driven and randomly shut off in middle of road. Driving vehicle shifting into gear lags, check engine light is on, had reader and said that valve 2 has low pressure. As a result clanking and loose noise sounds are heard when driven from drivers side.

Filed May 4, 2024 · Airbags, Brakes · VA

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.

Filed Apr 8, 2024 · Electrical · TX

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact initially linked the failure to a defective battery and the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V196000 (Electrical System) which was then linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it remained. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 13, 2024 · Body, Electrical · OH

Door unexpectedly does not close and latch correctly. Had to hold the car door the whole time driving. The driver door and passenger door has done it so far. This needs to look into.

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination, while turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle failed to turn off, with the key stuck in the ON position. After several attempts, the contact was able to turn off the vehicle by disconnecting the battery terminals. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who failed to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · FL · crash · 1 injury

Unknowns

Filed Jul 4, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TN

At various times my car will randomly stall and it's not showing any warning lights to indicate what's wrong or when it will happen.

Questions about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta electrical

Does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 186 complaints about the electrical of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 31% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2011 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 19V615000, 11V196000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have the most electrical problems?

The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most electrical complaints are 2010 (233 complaints), 2011 (186 complaints) and 2019 (154 complaints).

Other 2011 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Fuel system 166Engine 115Transmission 54Lights 42Airbags 37Brakes 28Acceleration 26Visibility 26Steering 23Driver assistance 22Body 20Tires 14Seat belts 8Wheels 8Locks 7Suspension 7Seats 3

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