2012 Volkswagen Jetta Review
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car with a price range of $6,808 to $12,910.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Exterior (26)Interior (35)Colors (9)
The Good
A nice cabin with more passenger room than the competitors, an easy-to-use infotainment system on the upgraded models, and an available diesel engine.
The Bad
Ownership costs are very high for a compact car, the standard engine has less power than the competition, and the suspension is very firm for the class.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2012 model year include a new sunroof package, and an optional Fender stereo system.
- Reliability ratings are below average, but there are fewer complaints than in the 2011 model year.
- Four engine options are available, including a very efficient turbo diesel version.
- Fuel economy is excellent tying for 1st place out of 36 compact cars with a combined rating of up to 32 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are good, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, and earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 17th out of 36 compact cars based on owner reviews. We recommend checking out the competition since the Jetta is expensive to own, and will not last as long as other compact cars.
Expert Ratings
KBB 4.4/5
US News 8.4/10
Cars.com 4.4/5
Positive Owner Reviews
Julia P
The most reliable car on the road.
I have had my Jetta for 6 years and it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. The gas mileage is incredible and it is very comfortable and easy to drive. I highly recommend this vehicle it you are looking for a quality car you can always count on.
Michelle B
This is a very economic ride. Great gas mileage comfy seats, lots of extras.
I have a 2012 Jetta SportWagen. Its silver and sleek. It gets 43 mpg on the highway. I do a lot of travelling so that’s great. It comes with a turbo boost that lags when kicking in. This is only a 4 cylinder engine so that’s a problem. Also there is no USB plugin although you can use the cigarette lighter port. This year does not come with an electric auto start. Installed an aftermarket put in by dealership. No problems yet. Love this car though.Read more
Elizabeth R
Great vehicle, worth the price!
Besides the headlights going out frequently, this has been a great car. I have only needed to do regular maintenance and have had no problems. This is my second Jetta. The ride is exceptional. I totaled my last Jetta and was completely unharmed (beside scratched from the airbag). Overall, my favorite car I have owned.
Dee P
It’s a keyless car with all the bells and whistles from that year.
It’s reliable. I can get to places quickly. The car runs smoothly.
Debbie T
My vehicle is reliable and performs well.
I have a basic model for my vehicle but I absolutely love it. My car is extremely reliable and drives great and is good on gas.. My car does not have any features it is a base model but it is a very nice looking car and drive smoothly. One thing that is really good in my car is the sound system.
Rosa V
Valles gen are star bets cars ever.
The bluest car ever, I haven’t had no problem since I have it. The brakes, lights doors everything in perfect conditions is great irony have any complains, is good to do maintenance every year, also change the oil. The Volkswagen dealer is really good.
Debbie W
VW Jetta zooms very smoothly-.
Totally love my VW Jetta- it has plenty of room and gets the best gas mileage- only complaint is the quality of glass used in windows that shows way too many imperfections for this model and cost- also needs a review wiper for the rainy weather- you can be sure I pay attention to both when I purchase again.
Negative Owner Reviews
Alyse C
Slides on ice, but perfect in good weather.
It does not do well on snow/ice and even struggles in rain sometimes. Other than this it has been a very reliable vehicle.
Bertha T
Pretty and nice shape car. Has windshield wiper on the back glass.
I am handicap. My right leg does not bend and is 3 inches short. It is very hard to get in and out of, was bought for me, check lights come on all the time because of tire pressure. It will make 5-6 other lights to come also. It is a diesel and it is now cheap to own.>
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This vehicle uses way to much gas. Is a very heavy car to operate. I have constant issues with the electrical system. I also have problems with the tire pressure lights constantly turning on and off. I have had a few belts break that are very expensive to fix. Not a good car to travel long distances in due to gas mileage.Read more
What Problems Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has an average number of complaints compared to other compact cars on the market. There are fewer problems on the newer 2013 model, making the $1,000 price difference worth it.
Engine problems, including a check engine light, are the most common complaint. A check engine light can be caused by many different problems, so using an OBD-II scan tool is necessary to find the source. Some of the most common issues are the mass air pressure sensor or ignition coil. Replacing either is about $350.
The key not turning off the car is another problem owners have. Replacing the ignition cylinder with a new one solves the problem, costing about $230, depending on local labor rates.
Wiper motor problems are another frequent issue. The wiper motors fail in cold weather and the only solution is to replace them, costing about $400.
There are 9 recalls, which is worse than some other compact cars from 2012. The recalls include exhaust tips, diesel fuel injection lines, water pump, rear trailing arm, air bag clock spring, air bags, key being able to be removed while not in park, and master cylinder crimp. Overall, all of the recalls are important since they affect the long-term reliability of the car.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is average-priced for a compact car with a range of $6,808 to $12,910, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price was $15,515 to $26,445. Depreciation is average, dropping about 40% in value over the first 5 years of ownership.
- Base is the entry-level model with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, manual height-adjustable front seats, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system.
- S is next in the range and adds cruise control, keyless entry, air conditioning, power exterior mirrors, and an AUX input jack for the stereo.
- SE is in the middle of the lineup and has 16-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating, a more powerful engine, cruise control, and a storage compartment in the front center armrest.
- SEL is the luxury version with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, fog lights, leather steering wheel, and an improved 6-speaker stereo system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a touch-screen infotainment system.
- TDI is an efficient model with a diesel engine, and all the features of the SEL model and unique chrome exterior trim.
- GLI focuses on performance with a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, premium vinyl seating, and heated front seats.
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology is very stripped down in the entry-level Jetta, but is average compared to other compact cars in the higher-level models.
- Base technology includes a simple 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system.
- Upgrades include a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an upgrade to a 6-speaker stereo system.
- Standard safety features include antilock brakes, active front head restraints, traction and stability control, and airbags.
What Engine Options are Available?
The base 2012 Jetta engines are slower than some other compact cars on the market, but the GLI model is decently quick. The upgraded engine in the GLI version takes the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.8 seconds.
- The engine found on the Base and S models is a 2.0L 4-cylinder with 115 horsepower.
- An upgrade for the SE and SEL models is a 2.5L 4-cylinder which produces 170 horsepower.
- The engine found in the TDI is a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel which has 140 horsepower.
- Rounding out the pack is the engine found in the GLI and is a 200 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder.
How Big is the Jetta?
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car and has similar exterior dimensions to other cars in the same class. There’s more passenger room in the Jetta than other compact cars. Legroom in the back seats comfortably fits adults. Cargo space is good for the class, and will fit 4 suitcases in the 15.5 cubic feet of room in the trunk.
