7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$230
Average Mileage:
70,050 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace ignition cylinder (1 reports)
  3. spray lubricant into key slot (1 reports)
2012 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Comments

problem #6

May 052019

Jetta 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Take brake cleaner and spray into the ignition with key removed. This should free up any lint, dirt or debris that is causing the ignition to not turn to the off position. After thoroughly spraying with brake cleaner, spray WD-40 or equivalent lubricant into the key slot. Take your key and and turn on and off to distribute the lubricant evenly.

- Tracy P., Vicksburg, US

problem #5

Feb 042018

Jetta 2.5L 5 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

Was told by dealership that it would cost no less than $650 to repair. Until I can afford the repair, I feel very unsafe in several ways.

- wheelerd, Fenton, US

problem #4

Aug 202016

Jetta 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Apparently this is common with VW. In my opinion and my mechanic's, this should of been a recall. When you can't even turn your car off that is a big problem especially when its your daughter and she is panicking an AAA doesn't fix that problem and its weekend at night. Ignition cylinder has to be replaced and it takes 1 to 2 weeks to make it from Mexico and ship to a dealership. It has to be cut to fit your original key for programming your vehicle. Dealer wants $650 to fix, my mechanic will pick it up from the dealership after ordering and 1 to 2 weeks waiting and install for $450. If you are stuck with your key not turning off engine or stuck in ignition a temporary fix to get the key out is grab key with left hand and turn towards you and at the same time tap or hit end of key to get it to release. key should turn off and come out.

- riccis, Temecula, CA, US

problem #3

Jun 172016

Jetta SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,250 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was stuck in my vehicle for 30 min due to the key being stuck in the ignition and the steering wheel was not locked!!! After attempting to take the key it out several times it finally came out and switching from park to drive several times didn't help either!!!!!

- drakel, Blue Island, IL, US

problem #2

Sep 062015

Jetta SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

This issue happened while out of town on vacation with small children. I could not turn the vehicle off, or risk being stolen (If I were home I would have gladly risked this one). Finally I managed to get the key removed. Seems that the ignition is poorly (cheaply) designed and should be recalled.

- bhenderson, Hardy, VA, US

problem #1

Apr 152015

Jetta SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Previous to this car, I owned a 2011 VW Jetta and had the same problem, it did not occur as often as it does with my 2012 VW Jetta. I work at a used car dealership and have had a customer who also owned a 2011 VW Jetta with the exact same issue. The key is difficult to turn off, sometimes it will turn off immediately, but more often than not it will not turn off; I have to sit and wiggle & jerk the key sometimes for 5-15 minutes before it will finally give and turn the car off. It's the most frustrating thing; I feel like I'm going to break the damn key off in the ignition. I believe I need a whole new ignition switch, but unsure about this. This should certainly be a recall, I've read and heard to many of the exact same complaint with other consumers. Otherwise, I love, love, love my Jetta.

- cmarion, Meridian, MS, US

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