The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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 details
| NHTSA campaign | 11V-196 (11V196000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers |
| Report date | March 29, 2011 |
| Owners notified | April 21, 2011 |
| Vehicles affected | 71,043 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 11V-196 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 71,043 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.