2012 Volkswagen Jetta

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Volkswagen Jetta
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi, 4 Dr Sedan 2.0l, 4 Dr Sedan 2.5l
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 29 city / 39 hwy
Length
182.3 in
Curb weight
2,842–3,161 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,161 lb (4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 39 highway), 25% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 404 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Jetta — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Jetta →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,161 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan 2.0l182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in2,842 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan 2.5l182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,045 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+25%$3,000318
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+25%$3,000315
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+30%$3,000318
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+30%$3,000315
Jetta2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+9%$2,400317
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+5%$3,050329
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26+2%$3,150342
Jetta2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 26+2%$2,600342
Jetta2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26+2%$2,600342
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 26+5%$2,600342
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26+5%$2,600342
Jetta2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25-2%$2,700355
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.

Similar 2012 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Volkswagen Jetta (this car)32 MPGNot rated6
2012 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated4
2012 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (6)

Unknown Or Other · Sep 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 113 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 10, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V078000 · 659,493 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags › Frontal · Aug 4, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V483000 · 415,825 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Oct 20, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V656000 · 442,066 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Diesel · Oct 3, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V490000 · 168,275 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

404Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
20Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
65,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System112
Unknown Or Other110
Engine58
Fuel/Propulsion System36
Power Train35
Steering35
Service Brakes31
Air Bags30
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 122/12: 223/01: 423/02: 223/03: 123/05: 123/06: 223/08: 123/09: 123/10: 123/11: 224/01: 124/02: 124/03: 124/05: 124/06: 124/08: 124/09: 124/10: 125/03: 225/05: 225/07: 126/06: 126/10: 122/0723/0223/0623/1024/0224/0624/1025/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 112 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 58 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 36 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Jetta years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Jetta34–Not rated00
2026 Jetta34185.8 inNot rated16
2025 Jetta33185.8 in★★★★★232
2024 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★046
2023 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★043
2022 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★143
2021 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★470
2020 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★654
2019 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★11550
2018 Jetta33–★★★★★232
2017 Jetta33183.1 in★★★★★6160
2016 Jetta44183.1 in★★★★★4164

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →