Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, when the ABS, traction control, brakes and air bags warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that she needed to pay for the diagnostic test. The VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with codes 16352, 01130 and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall however, if there was a recall later that included the VIN, the contact might be eligible for reimbursement. The failure mileage was 181,000.
ABS module controlling the Anti-Lock brake system has failed. I am told there is a recall for earlier models of this car for the very same issue but not for 2012 model year. This is a safety issue that is very expensive to fix and primarily by the dealer requiring factory programming of a new expensive ABS module
The car it's having severals issues such a fuel system injectors fuel gas leak also breaks and battery alternador and much more this car was sold to me by a dealership looking for legal assistant that can help also it was on a accident but I don't know when
The brake vacuum pump is leaking oil. As this component is related to brakes, it is considered a safety component. The leak was confirmed by the local VW dealer and a cursory google search shows that this issue is common amongst this engine (across many models/years).
The brakes randomly engage while driving and sometimes while parking, without touching the brake pedal. After this happens and you're driving for a while, there is a burning smell, likely from the brakes being engaged while driving and not applying the brakes.
2012 Jetta wagon - while driving on a recently paved highway (eg. Seemingly pristine asphalt), my wife and I noted a strange vibration sensation in our car. There was no drag, veered steering, abnormal handling, or warning on the dash. We had accelerated to approximately 50 MPH when at the upcoming intersection the light changed to red. It was a normal braking/stop maneuver. On stopping, no unusual braking sensation, again no abnormal pull. We noticed smoke coming along the drivers side while stopped. There was a faint smell of hot metal as well. My wife stated "I hope that's not us". Several cars honked and flashed lights to get our attention and on rolling the drivers window down, a driver adjacent yelled "your car is on fire". I quickly exited the drivers side and noted a small flame at the drivers rear brake. By simply blowing, it went out. The rotor was glowing red/orange. …
I'm still continuing to have problems with this var 2012 Jetta Volkswagen. Up in till recently it was fixed on a recall notice that displayed vehicle right roll even if placed in part and ignition turned off !! Unfortunately it happened to my son during christmas 2019. What if there was a body in from that car. This car has been a nightmare and Volkswagen USA knows it. I took it in and was addressed of new recall which relays the same savageness; it was fixed till when ?? [redacted] this caused about 1000-2000 dollars in damage after we had already fixed this bumper with Volkswagen.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. While the vehicle was parked on a hill in a parking garage, the contact depressed the brake pedal to release the emergency brake. The brake pedal extended to the floor. The vehicle rolled backwards and the contact had to quickly maneuver the vehicle to avoid crashing into other vehicles. However, the vehicle crashed into a wall. The contact did not sustain any injuries and medical attention was not received. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
While driving my car on normal driving conditions, no rain, daylight hours, when coming up on a stop sign I pushed the brake pedal and it wouldn't push, the breaks didn't work, I pumped them and still the pedal wouldn't move, on the fourth of fifth pump finally the pedal would compress. This has happened approx 6-8 times over the last 4 years but yesterday it was a serious issue. I couldnt get my brakes to react and rear ended the car in front of me , and the value of my Jetta is now likely a total loss. I have periodically looked for recalls on this issue and have found only similiar complaints.
Recently, I was going approximately 35mph on my way home. I depressed my brake pedals to stop the vehicle because a vehicle at approximately 3-4 car lengths from me had come to an abrupt stop. The brake pedal went all the way down to the floor and failed to stop the vehicle properly. This resulted in a minor accident and the Jetta se rear-ended the vehicle that had stopped abruptly. The damage was to my front bumper and the other vehicles bumper. This is not the first time this happened, about a week ago, I was on the highway and a vehicle cut me off and the same thing happened. The brake went down to the road. Thankfully, I was next to the shoulder on the highway and this is how I avoided the accident. …
Brake complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the model year's 500 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 5 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 2012 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.