2012 Volkswagen Jetta: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Jetta

  16.1% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Volkswagen Jetta

  14.4% All 2012 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Suspension arm2.6× usual
  Volkswagen Jetta

  5% All 2012 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Link ball joint covers2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Jetta

  4.8% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2012 Volkswagen Jetta MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Volkswagen Jetta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  26% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  17% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)

  1.2 TSI petrol (older engine)

  The older 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch. It starts as a rattle, especially when the engine first starts, and if it’s left the chain can fail and destroy the engine. Some garages advise changing it as often as every four years or 40,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask whether the chain has been changed, with an invoice.

  Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Polo (2009-2017) used review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the timing chain been changed, and is there an invoice? Does it rattle when you start it from cold?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?