Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked, the check engine warning indicator illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred. The was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the fuel injector system failed. Four injectors, the fuel rings, the ignition coil, and the wires were replaced. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper motor failed. The windshield wiper motor was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. Updated 01/12/16; 04/19/18
When cold, the windshield wipers won't work until it warms up enough. If your driving and it gets cold, like during snowstorm, they quit working. I have looked online and have encountered many instances of this. The cost is around $500 to $1000 for parts and labor for..., maybe the motor, maybe the wiper transmission, maybe both. Nonsense! This is a huge safety issue. Please do something and issue a recall for this problem is occurring with different vehicles over many year models. Just do an online search for windshield wiper problems and narrow the results to wipers won't work when its cold. Dealer says we've never encountered that. I can't believe it if they know what they have to replace. Please help. People are in danger.
When parked overnight with temperatures in the lower teens, the windshield wipers do not work the next morning. If I warm the car up for 20 minutes or so and then let it sit for another half hour then they will usually work. This has happened four or five times from 12/2016 - 2/2017. Seems worse if it has been snowing or icing overnight. When they are working there are no signs of hesitation or slow movement. The fact that it is random seems unusually dangerous. Sitting in the driveway or moving does not make any difference. Car has 52000 miles. There have been several reports from other people with this issue. Should warrant an investigation.
1) seatbelt indicator sounds when drives belt is connected and is the only one in the vehicle; no one or items are in any of the other seats (same issue as in the 2006 Jetta). 2) wiper motor failed - wipers worked intermittently when functioning. 3) headliner is separating and drooping in rear and obstructing the view through the rear view mirror (same issue as in the 2006 Jetta). 4) ignition coil's and map sensor are continuously failing (same issue as in the 2006 Jetta).
Windshield wipers not functioning when vehicle is in 18 degree and below temperatures for a few hours. Wipers work fine once vehicle is heated up in garage or outside temperatures rise above 18 degrees. Replacement wiper motor assembly was diagnosed and required to correct malfunction. Would like vw to reimburse the $537.03 out of pocket costs to replace the defective/faulty part. Have seen numerous complaints for same issue online. Thanks and hope vw is listening!
When vehicle subjected to cold temperatures (below freezing) the wiper motor stops working. When vehicle placed in warm garage wipers work again. This has happened on several occasions over the last year. Wiper motor was replaced by vw dealership. New motor is a new part number. It appears the old wiper motor design May have been defective allowing moisture to enter where drive shaft enters motor. New wiper motor has improved rubber seal in this area.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving in the rain at approximately 30 MPH, the windshield wipers and horn failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V196000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA without filing a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 45 MPH, the air bag off warning indicator illuminated. After two months, the radio and windshield wipers failed to function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated there was an electrical shortage. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Wipers do not function properly in cold temperatures. In very cold weather, they will often take 3-5 minutes before moving once turned on. In cool temperatures they will often run at a very slow pace. Changing wiper blades has no effect/impact. This is a wiper arm and/or wiper arm assembly issue and widespread throughout online reports. Vw should be forced to issue a recall.
I was on the highway when it started pouring rain. I tried to turn on my windshield wipers on the vw Jetta 2011 and they did not move. I lost visibility in seconds at 50mph and thank goodness, was able to pull over before anyone was hurt but it was terrifying and a close call. The windshield wipers don't work in the cold, apparently, which to me seems very dangerous!
Window & Wiper complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 4% of the model year's 607 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Volkswagen Jetta window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Volkswagen Jetta window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
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.