10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 48,898 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
I was on an approximately 6 hour road trip. Approximately 100 miles from my home, my 2012 Volkswagen Jetta tdi was being driven at approximately 70 mph on the highway. The glow plug light on the instrument cluster began flashing. Vehicle then went into "limp mode", slowing to approximately 45 mph on the highway. I was able to make it to the next exit off the highway, and come to a stop at the off ramp stop sign. The vehicle then stalled, and would not restart. This left my wife and I stranded 100 miles from home. Vehicle was towed back to the dealership, where the vehicle was purchased. Mechanic at dealership stated the high pressure fuel pump "exploded", sending metal shards throughout the vehicle's fuel system. Dealership states this may be caused by "contaminated fuel". a small amount of online research revealed this is a common problem with Volkswagen tdi engines.
- Arlington, TN, USA
Driving at 45 mph city highway speed, in traffic, & stopped at a red light. Light turned green, accelerated, car suddenly lost power & warning light came on. Turned onto a side street, turned off engine & looked up the warning light in the owner's manual. "engine pre-heat" warning, solid, not flashing. Restarted car, light was out, resumed normal travel on highway, but light came back on and check engine light also came on. Both solid. Contacted dealer & was told to bring in the car. During trip to dealer glow plug light resumed flashing & car lost power on hills. Tech removed fuel filter, found metal filings, said hpfp had failed & filled fuel system with metal particles. Repairs estimated @ >$7,000. Dealer originally said repairs would be covered under warranty, then 2 days later said they would not be covered under warranty. No possibility of gasoline contamination. Purchased car expressly to fuel it with 100% vegetable oil based biodiesel. Dealer knew intent & sold the car for this express purpose. Still working with dealer & VW to resolve warranty issues.
- Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA
After less than 3 minutes of operation, the vehicle can stall under a specific set of circumstances. The incidences (13 and counting in 2 months) always occur when in second or third gear at ~30-35 mpg. The driver is slowing down (as to stop at a red light) and then accelerates (light changes to green). About 2-3 seconds after acceleration begins the engine stalls and must be restarted. The engine just cuts out during acceleration.
- Burnsville, MN, USA
High pressure fuel pump failed. Took to dealer and they repaired and said they are having problems with them.
- Friendswood, TX, USA
When fueling with diesel, some diesel pump handles don't fit into fill nozzle. While attempting to refuel vehicle. Fuel will spilled over onto person filling, ground and vehicle. You are unable to safely fill vehicle without spilling fuel.
- Humboldt, SD, USA
- Santa Barbara, CA, USA