Used 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Consumer Reviews
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qbk2205, 08/30/2014
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
40 of 43 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new and it currently has 90000 miles on it. Last year the fuel pump exploded. Dealership replaced it, saying it was under warranty at 70000 miles. The warranty is 3 years, 36000 miles, whichever comes first. Makes me think VW knew there was a potential problem with the fuel system. Last week we replaced the turbo at a cost of $2600. This one is most irritating, because while under warranty I told the service department how the car hesitated at initial acceleration and they responded with it was due to the double clutching action of the transmission. Liars. We did not expect VW to be of such poor quality
Nice car, but clutch failure at 22,280 miles?!?
jeremycarguy, 07/02/2014
updated 07/03/2017
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
I purchased the 2011 VW Jetta TDI with the manual 6-speed transmission in January 2011. The car had significant problems at first with stalling. After a couple of tries, the dealership replaced the air mass meter which improved it significantly. At 22,280 miles, the clutch disk disintegrated. VW claims that his was normal wear and tear. However, on a previous car (87 Volvo 740T) I got 210,000 miles on the clutch. I know how to drive a clutch. I am a former licensed master auto mechanic, this is clearly a materials failure, and VW will not stand behind their product. They have lost a good customer and somebody who had been a good advocate for VW in the past. Update July 2016: In June 2016, the glow-plug warning light started flashing, the engine lost power, and then started making a loud clattering noise. Had it towed in to the dealer, and the high-pressure fuel pump had disintegrated internally, sending small shards of metal throughout the fuel system. They had to replace the entire fuel system (injectors, fuel distributor, hoses, filter, pumps) and flush out the fuel tank. Apparently this has been a fairly common problem as VW has a warranty extension for this to 10 years 120,000 miles. So VW paid for this repair, which at full retail would have been $7,000 to $8,000. My takeaway from this is that VW got the price point down on this car by engineering the car with no slack - a clutch which was too weak for the engine, a fuel pump which was cheaper than what was required for longevity, etc. What else would go wrong with this car if I kept it? Although the car drives well, I am now happy that VW will be buying it back due to the emission controls scandal. January 2017: Between June and Septempber 2016, the ring gear became misaligned on the flywheel (aftermarket, see above), and the dealer wanted $3,000 to install the factory clutch and dual-mass flywheel. I got a replacement ring gear from the 3rd party manufacturer, and paid a good mechanic to install it. Then, the A/C stopped working. Finally, in January 2017, VW bought the car back from me, so I'm done with it. Thank goodness!
- Technology
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- Value
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javoice, 11/29/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
28 of 30 people found this review helpful
Let's see what I should say about this car: with $10,000 HPFP failures, sunroofs which doesn't close, doors which doesn't shut right, intercooler's which ice up in cold weather, rear cupholders which get stuck even after dealer fix it and more Fact: no car is perfect but also the fact is how many cars are out there which can devlep a mechanical failure which cost more than 1/3 of the price of the car to fix it? Another sad fact is the company which doesn't take responsibility to admit to the problem and blames the poor quality fuel. It is not like that the fuel quality was good here before! I made a mistake to buy one. That's all! READ VW FORUM
Sportwagen model excels
oppai, 04/19/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Recently picked up a TDI Sportwagen discounted due to light exterior hail damage. So far I'm extremely impressed with the build quality, handling, responsiveness, and power of the TDI. While I can't compare the 2011 model to prior models, I still remain impressed with the upgrade it provides from my prior vehicle: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. The wagen feels larger but is actually several inches shorter than the Grand Am. The DSG transmission is butter-smooth and relatively aggressive driving is still averaging 30+mpg (5 better than conservative driving on the Grand Am) The interior is suprisingly roomy as well; I'm 6'1'' 260 and don't feel cramped in the least. A long haul car.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M
hercnav, 10/09/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
We love the driving experience the TDI provides. Bolder front and rear appearance lines taken from Audi line nice! Performance is outstanding for the mileage and power. Seats are good with comfortable sitting position. Im one of those people whose right leg tends to rest near the center console, but its a broad area of contact and not just an edge so its comfortable. Nice clean interior design, good visibility. Solid body feel, doors, suspension. The dash design with the chrome accents provides a nice overall look. Rear twisted bean suspension is fine; smooth controlled ride and quiet interior. Some less refined materials and build quality in interior, but not a show stopper.
4th Jetta TDI
WisconKev, 02/10/2020
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have owned 4 Jetta TDIs, with the latest a 2011. The first three had over 300,000 miles when I sold them. The last one, a 2003, I got $1400 for with 305000 miles on it. Yes there has been maintenance but when I look at cost per mile, including purchase price, I spend very little on transportation. Note that I do drive 100 miles a day, 50 miles each way to work every day. The fact that I am on my 4th one probably says it all.
- Technology
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2011 Jetta TDI 6 spd MT
mike18040, 03/28/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
18 of 24 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Jetta for 2 weeks and absolutely love it. I read the Edmunds review prior to purchasing and I don't agree that VW has made a cheaper car. I owned a 2006 TDI and also loved that car, but I believe the 2011 is even better. The interior is wonderfully designed and high quality compared to many other cars. The 6 spd manual is silky smooth and fun to drive. It handles like it's on rails. The fuel mileage is unbelievable for the power that you get too! The leatherette seats are of very high quality and look great. Overall, this car is worth every penny and is not cheaply built in any way. It seems like it should cost a lot more.
So far so good
hathcock90, 07/19/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Love my new TDI, I had had for 2 months now. Black on tan with every option. Nav, Kessy, Chrome. So far it has 5k miles and have had no issues great car. Compare quality and price. Free maintains is nice too. Had a issue with bluetooth dealer fixed in 5 minutes.
Towed to Dealership Twice
nickanna2, 10/03/2014
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Jetta new in December of 2011. Had several issues within the first few weeks including seals on the driver and passenger doors. The whole dashboard had to be replaced due to a loud buzzing noise. After the first winter the windscreen washer hose line froze. At first the dealership said it wouldn't be covered under warranty :). Car stalled in the middle of the road at 40,000 fuel pump failure. Starter motor failed and both rear calipers at 70,000 in addition the whole back window had to be replaced due to defroster not working. The car comes off warranty next month and I am dreading it. Would never purchase a vw again. The TDI is powerful and fun but not worth the $$$
2011 jetta tdi nightmare
davey_dcgr, 05/30/2012
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
here is a list of issues. passenger door does not close right scratches car they told me it was fine but it is obviously not i bought door sills to protect it from more scratches for 200 dollars just for the door to destroy it! its all on that one door so its the car bad wind noise bluetooth has been replaced 3 times and if you are listening to music then get a call the phone disconnects. antenna fixed 1 time. deliverd with paint issues witch had to go to the body shop for and had wrong media system. cheap interior gps has had to be checked twice. engine part was recalled exaust tips were recalled sun roof sometimes wont close have to fiddle with it with warenty 40grand not worth it
2011 TDI Jetta Sportwagen 6m
Licensed in '72, 10/19/2010
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Have only driven the car once since we picked it up last night but test drove 2010 and 2011 6m and DSG. Settled on the 2011 6m with nav, panoramic sunroof and protection packages. This will be the wife's car and was the perfect fit for her and our family. The wife is even reading the owner's manual like her Kindle. A first. Really test drove the cars the way they should be driven which really startled the salesman. Felt like the DSG was driving me but a vast improvement over past autos in the TDIs I've owned but the manual is still the way to go. The leatherette seats are better than leather for maintenance and the accoutrements are almost overwhelming. An amazing ride and value.
Luv my TDI
partymarty, 07/18/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased my TDI about three months ago, and I am extremely satisfied with all major aspects of the car; particularly the economy and performance of the Clean Diesel. However, I do have a few nitpicky quibbles: 1. There is no padding in the overhead storage compartment, so my glasses rattle when placed there. 2. I am getting used to the digital fuel gauge but I am still searching for some sort of engine temp gauge (I hate idiot lights!). 3. I am also still searching for the ACC setting on the ignition switch. 4. I wish I had adjustable lumbar supports on the front seats. 5. Why do I have to order a nav system to get optional fog lights? 6. There is a big blind spot in the left rear!
2011, Asian in teutonic wolf garb!
pzeiger, 05/13/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
8 of 13 people found this review helpful
I am the proud owner of a 2009 TDI sedan. Am still in love with it after 3 years. It's a great car in every respect; refined, luxurious, fast, stable, gas miser. Went to test drive 2011 TDI. Have to say, changes for the worse. My car handles the same at 50 or 100. Had this car up to 80, felt dangerous, like the rear end was going to fly off. The 09 just gets low on the road when pressed and says give me more! I can handle it! The doors are half the thickness as 09/10 and sound like tin can upon closing. Interior is not as refined, but still better than Asian. Hoping that by the time I'm ready for new TDI, VW will have returned what their loyal customer base expects.
Powerful diesel car
timm333, 10/22/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Well this was my first time buying a new car, so I thought I would get what I wanted. I knew I wanted a diesel and the Jetta had all the other features that I wanted too. I bought the car on July 5th, 2011 and in the three months I have owned it I have already put 10,265 miles on it. I figured I might as well break it in while it is still on a warrenty. The engine puts out a lot of torque for its size. The 6m tranny is nice and you can get going fast pretty quick. I have only had the car up to 90mph and it handles pretty good at that speed (all though I don't drive it like that for long). I get more than the advertised 30pmg in town and have hit 50mpg on the highway.
Is this what I've heard so much about?
colosteve, 08/13/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 2011 TDI about 4 months now and I like it. We immediately took it on a road trip (Colorado to Georgia) and it was comfortable and enjoyable. My normal daily driving is about 50 miles round trip. I drive on a curvy mountain road and it ahndles great. The inside is a little on the cheap looking side, but it is a lot for the money. I would have prefered to pay a little more and have a better quality inside. Other than not getting fog lamps it is equipped nice. Everyone I've know swears they get 50 MPG in their older Jetta...what changed. The best I've seen is 44, but it is usually closer to 40 mixed driving.
Don't Buy this car
David, 02/11/2017
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
lets start here, from 2010 to 2011 VW wanted a new market, they wanted to appeal to a lower price market, so they made the interior cheap, I have had an ongoing issue with the interior lights just turning on and won't go off. Once they do finally go off I can push anywhere on the headliner to turn them on, to rectify it I had to pull the upper console away from the headliner. I have put no less than 20 headlamps in the car over the duration owning it. Repair costs are extensive, Check engine light on $1500 fix for exhaust part, 2 weeks later check engine light back on $1000 intake valve, AC hasn't worked in 3 years, recharged every summer, mechanic says it needs a new compressor $500. Timing belt replacement, $1500 because VW uses a nylon impellor for the water pump for OE so while the engine is torn down you need to replace the water pump. Recall for emissions VW dragged their feet for both the fix and the buyback so owners would add more mileage and then volkswagen hits them with mileage penalties. Wife got stranded in West Virginia 600 miles away because a sensor went in the motor causing the turbo to shut down, $300 and 4 hours stuck in West Virginia while it was repaired. This car has been one nightmare after another. Stay away from volkswagen!
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Not Too Shabby
maro71, 08/18/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've driven one of these as a loaner vehicle as our 2008 SE 2.5 was in the shop for repairs. We bought it used a month ago. Fortunately we were under warranty. The car was loaded including navigation. I checked out the sticker price in the showroom and they had it for around 29,000. In my opinion diesel is the way to go vice a hybrid. After 2 years or so you have to have your batteries replaced in a hybrid. In a diesel they keep on chumming. I was getting around 43-44 mpg and here in PA where it's all hills. The quality is down sort-off. If you've never owned a VW you won't know the difference. Prior owners such as my self (87 Jetta Gl and 95 Jetta GL) it's readily apparent.
2011 jetta
dshibi, 10/05/2010
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
12 of 29 people found this review helpful
I just wanted to shed some light on the unrealistic views of some comments on here. I purchased a 2011 jetta tdi today and also own a 2006 jetta tdi. Everyone seems to be talking about low quality but i don't believe thats the case. My jetta is very well equipt with disc brakes all around, touch screen, bluetooth, heated seats and all the regulars VW has always had...for less then 25000. For those who want a cheap car they offer that as well in a bearbones model with drum rear brakes etc....but quality is still there. Bottom line is you get what you pay for, so instead of complaining about what your not getting..pay the extra few bucks and get what you want!! VW is quality and always was.
League of it's own
dc_volks_fan, 05/26/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I believe that anyone who compares the features, size, interior space and gas mileage of this car against anything in it's class they must reach the same conclusion as I did - this car is a great value. I have never owned a Volkswagen and was immediately impressed by the build quality and study feel it presents while driving and yet - great handling grace when the occasion called for it. If you are considering a Civic, Accord, Camry, Fusion, Hyundai anything, please consider the Jetta TDI and judge for yourself!
customer care is a joke!
m. Kinney, 07/14/2015
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
12 of 38 people found this review helpful
You should know that once you bought the car, if anything goes wrong, you are on your own my friend. Bought a new 2011 Jetta and maintained in impeccably and at 114,00 miles the turbo blew(not supposed to). I now have at 22,000 dollar car, less than four years old that is pretty much worth scrap. Customer care, all the way up to Volkswagen top supervisor, told me with deep sincerity, there was nothing they could do and felt no responsibility since my warranty had expired. Does Volkswagen stand behind their product in any way? This company has no sense of fairness toward their customer. Sincerely, broke and carless
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reliable
kkingston57, 05/10/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
6 of 27 people found this review helpful
Have had car for 55K miles and still have original tires(Bridgestone Turanzas) getting 40+ MPG and drive conservatively. Have heard of people getting 50 MPG. Is this downwind?
2011 Jetta TDI
alco_pa, 07/01/2011
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
1 of 9 people found this review helpful
Before you buy one better check the paint, mine has milky spots under the clear coat. I did not notice until I washed and waxed it. Look it over carefully... Too bad, I really was looking forward to a great car.
Good fuel economy, and Reliable.
BrwnTDI, 09/26/2020
2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new from dealership. 120+k miles later no issues so far. Only a door seal started to tear off around 50k or so. The driver seat pleather has some cracks and tear. Meh those are kinda expected. Otherwise I've had no major issues with my car. I do appreciate the soft touch interior I had on my 2004 GTi that the TDI doesn't have, but, with heated seats and sun roof as standard options, I can't complain. The center consol also started to come on when the car is off around 100k. Lastly, I went a manual because it is just cheaper, more fun, and easy maintenance. But first gear started to have some issues getting in around 120k. Don't care to pay mechanic 2k to look into it as it still works.
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