Used 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Consumer Reviews
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Fun and Fuel Efficient
tdilover3, 05/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have 13,000 miles on my 2012 Jetta. This is my third Jetta and my second TDI. I love this car. It is amazing for the money. I drive 55 miles everyday in mixed driving in this car, and I have fun the entire time. It only costs me $90 a month in fuel to drive this amazing car. It has power for days, the torque is amazing. It handles great and has plenty of space. I have two kids in car seats, no space issues. I love this car and I plan to keep it forever.
Lemon Car
g_simpson, 08/03/2014
updated 08/05/2017
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
27 of 30 people found this review helpful
At 12,000 miles, the high pressure fuel pump blew up, destroying the whole fuel system. ($7500) That was bad enough for a one year old car, but then it did it again at 23,000 miles. Search the internet for articles about this problem, but VW has covered it up well. The dealer said they fix about 2 per week. The car suddenly lost power going 70 mph on I-5, then died. Just barely made it to the shoulder. Very scary. I hoped the new fuel pump they installed would be a better design, but obviously it was not, since the car blew up again 6 months later- same thing- high pressure fuel pump. We sold the car, and lost $10K. My friends Jetta did the same thing. Big rip off by VW. Smartest thing we ever did was sell it. Glad we sold before the big emissions scandal.
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Lasted only 75000 miles VWdesign FLAW
unhappyvw1, 01/19/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Bought as certified pre-owned with 23K miles Loved the car great mileage ect Drove it to work 70 miles (reason we bought it) and at quitting time tried to start only to have engine turn over then lock up. Turns out after some research these motors have issue with inter cooler As motor is run in cold weather air that comes in freezes on inter cooler as the day warmed up ice thawed and when I tried to start water was sucked into engine (NOT GOOD) Dealer will do nothing out of warranty 600 price tag to just evaluate it. Issue with VW since 2009 USE EXTREME caution before purchase Cost 8-10K to replace this motor
Awesome Buy
jcmoore5, 06/19/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
Best Bang for your buck! I don't know why reviewers slam the VW Jetta TDI so bad. I have driven all the others that this site has ranked with it. I recomend driving them all for your self. Find what car fits you. Do the math for your self. I think that you would be surprised.
An excellent car, but do your homework
calex905, 06/05/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
27 of 31 people found this review helpful
This was the most reasonably priced car in this kind of fuel mileage range that did not feel like a toy. True the interior is not flashy, and I am a bit heavy for the standard seat bolsters, and it is not an independent rear suspension, but this little car is a kick to drive. I have 12,000 miles on and I have no complaints. I just got my first 50MPG trip this last weekend. In mixed driving I get 38 on the low side and can always depend on 44 to 45 MPG highway driving with cruise control on 65 or 70 from Fresno to Los Angeles and back. The DSG transmission does take a while to get used to but its a great car. Lots of torque and a huge backseat.
This car is a LEMON. Stay away!!
dirtmcgirt718, 02/03/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
I got it used with 7k miles on it. After I ran the odometer up to 65k miles, I ran into the same intercooler problem other people have. The intercooler traps moisture in cold weather, and after the temperature rises, it sucks water into the engine, and the lights on the dashboard go haywire. The electronics are also horrible. I've burned out countless lightbulbs, and apparently, after less than 3 years, and 65k total miles, my wiring harness has a short and needs replacement. VW refuses to believe there's anything wrong with the car, but clearly, I've read about similar problems before.
Solid, Comfortable, Effecient, Elegant, Sporty
jlgolden, 03/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
After determining that I wanted an efficient sedan with some acceleration zip and handling athleticism, the Jetta TDI prevailed as the most appealing. The diesel's acceleration is delightful around Houston's inner-city grid, as well as when merging and passing on open highways. The DSG transmission takes some personal adjustment time, due to its characteristic (normal) hard downshifts during parking-lot creeping and stop & go traffic situations. Conversely, upshifts are fast and super smooth. Fuel economy is now averaging 42 mpg in mixed driving. This car feels amazingly stable, responsive, and capable in all driving situations.
Good clean driving fun
beaverdam, 08/09/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This VW has exceeded all of my expectations. Highway Mpg is always above 50 unless the AC is on then it drops to 46. City MPG is about 35. Only time will tell but so far it is rock solid and very reliable. Ride control is tight but not too firm. The lack of independent suspension in the rear is not noticable for me. 4 wheel disc brakes have a firm feel. Electric power steering feels like "steer by wire" but is easy to adjust to.
Clear upgrade from my last Jetta except in a few areas
golf_jetta, 01/17/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
28 of 34 people found this review helpful
I bought my first Jetta in 2006 back when they were giving away free electric guitars with each purchase. That was the cheapest Jetta they had and people were blown away by how nice the interior was. Fast forward to 2011 where you find me buying the 2012 Jetta TDI because I drive 2 hours each day and I want better fuel economy and an automatic. On balance this is a great car. The motor is peppy and the automatic is very smooth. I love the diesel, if you are going to get the Jetta then I recommend you get the automatic with the 2.0 TDI. My suggested improvments are long, but they are really quibbles and should not deter you from purchase.
Awesome commuter car!!
Happy Camper, 09/15/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought the car for commuting. 150 miles a day, 30 miles back roads and 120 miles Interstate. I do not drive this car gently, 75/85mph depending on the traffic flow on the interstate. Summer 42-45MPG, Winter 39-42MPG. I do run winter tires on the car in the winter and summer tires in the summer. I have seen 50MPG keeping the speed below 70mph, and I have seen 60MPG on country roads doing less then 60mph. I have the 6 speed manual transmission, Fender stereo with navigation. Now the car has 100,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have changed the Oil, oil/air filters and tires, that is it. Now it's time for new rear brakes and a new battery, that's it. For $25,000 I think it has been a awesome car!!
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Fast and Fun
stacygee, 10/25/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this Jetta TDI in late 2011, it is so fun and fast!!! Great sound system, sporty looking. I threw some black wheels on there and feel like im driving a sports car. I was in a horrible wreck in October 2011 and the car held up pretty well, I actually drove it home and the other drive has to be towed and her car was totaled. Safe, reliable, well built and fun to drive! I get about 35-40 MPG too!
Jetta Diesel is all for Fun
tdi_all_fun, 06/28/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
After driving Toyota Camry for 8 years i decided to move on and try something that is fun to drive and at the same time has great mpg. I decided to buy Jetta TDI, i start loving it the moment i test drove it and bought it right away. I bought this in June 2011 and wanted to wait for a while before writing this review so far i have put over 15000 miles and getting 37-38 in 50% city and 50% highway. I drove it on long drive couple of time and noted 46 mpg which is awesome for car with a soul. So far i am happier with my decision to move to diesel. I don't think i am ever moving back to gas ever again.
Solid. Fun. Worth Every Penny!
fistofstone, 04/07/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have owned two VW's previously, a 1995 Golf and a 2000 Jetta, and was 'mostly' satisfied. The 2012 Jetta TDI, however, has completely blown me away. I simply cannot say enough great things about this car. The low end torque that is referred to in most of the professional reviews, paired with the manual transmission, has to be experienced to be believed. Simply put, driving this car is pure enjoyment. The interior plastics are not as high-quality and 'warm' as I have come to expect from VW - but they are tastefully and intellegently laid out. The stereo system is fantastic; it sounds great and it is easy to use. If you really like to DRIVE, I would highly recommend this car.
Happy VW Convert
bustoff, 11/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Purchased my TDI Jetta 4 door with premium after test driving everything else out there. That includes BMW 328i. This car's ride is ALMOST as good as the BMW...for 15-20k less...not to mention the cost to insure, maintenance and fueling up with premium and getting significantly less mpg with the BMW. 5 months old and just broke 6,000 miles. Averaged 44.3 mpg from bay area to San Diego...less than one tank of diesel. NO DIESEL SMELL detected. Handles great; plenty of power-had trouble keeping it under 80 on I-5.
Love My Jetta TDI D
debrasue, 12/28/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
My husband and I bought this car for the gas mileage and the Jetta has delivered. I drive 100 miles a day (highway) for work plus running errands and only fill up once a week ($50 a tank). I get about 47 mpg or 550-560 miles per tank. The car is comfortable and responsive when driving. Being on the road so much I like the Blue tooth hands free system that syncs with my phone.
This car delivers
delfin1, 05/22/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have just over 2,000 miles on a new base model Jetta TDI with a manual, so I can't comment on long term reliability. What I can comment on is the performance of the package, and it exceeds expectations. We're averaging around 43 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Since this is more than promised, it is hard not to be impressed. The seating is comfortable, and while the interior finish materials are not as high quality as some other vehicles, they are certainly good enough for a car that costs less than $23,000.
This car is a lemon. STAY AWAY!!
MS125, 10/24/2015
updated 10/26/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
15 of 20 people found this review helpful
VW should be ashamed of their refusal to acknowledge the intercooler problem on this car. After I passed 65k miles, moisture got inside during cold weather, and it cracked, resulting in a pretty useless engine. VW said its not covered by warranty, but clearly, given the number of people who've experienced the same issue, it's obviously a design flaw. Stay away!!!
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Fun and efficient diesel, questionable reliability
austin28, 01/21/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
14 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have just finished putting a 1000k miles on my 2012 Jetta TDI. I have averaged 39MPG in moderate city driving. I highly recommend the diesel to anyone who is looking for added driving fun, longevity, and a higher resale value. The leather steering wheel, heated seats, and touchscreen audio system make this car seem luxurious. Despite negative reviews on the cars interior, I suspect it will please almost everyone who experiences it. Unfortunately, within the first week of ownership, I had 2 different problems with exterior body work. 1. The gas door would not shut. 2. The trunk squeaks loudly when you open or close it. The dealership noted both problems would be fixed under warranty.
Good... but...
bigal11, 11/01/2014
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
52k miles. Nice look, cheap interior. Doesn't feel or sound as solid as my German built '13 TDI Golf. Ventilation controls feel frail. No mechanical problems yet but fear of the fuel pump issue lurks. Generally we like the car but wouldn't buy it again. MPG's the same as my traded '08 Civic 5sp, so no advantage using pricy diesel ar paying VW service rates. Particulate filter is a joke. Burning raw fuel without contributing to forward motion hurts efficiency. What's up with the $12/qt oil? VW owns the arbitrary spec and charges for access to it. Truthfully, I wish I could have my Red '01 Jetta again. Better materials, better MPG's, simpler, better ride and handling qualities.
So far so good...
23hammer, 03/02/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
I picked up this Jetta because of rising fuel costs and a long commute. So far I have nothing bad to say about it. The car is comfortable, quiet, solid, and performs well. It does take a little adjustment if you are not familiar with a diesel. I am impressed with the interior and how much I like the "leatherette" I was expecting a lot less from the car's interior and performance after reading the reviews on Edmunds, but I must say I am completly impressed by this car. I am averaging 45 MPG in mostly highway driving. I am 6'4" tall and 250 pounds and I fit well in the car with my spouse and 2 kids.
Catch a Star...
MTHOM, 12/03/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Diesels produce great torque, seemingly indifferent to payload, notably maintaining cruising speeds on California's I-5 Grapevine mountain section to within a micron of set point. Consistently maintains high 40's mpg in urban settings, lower 50's at posted legal speeds, including Utah 80mph section of I-80. Smooth riding with the typical firm VW suspension. A very roomy and comfortable cabin, front and back.
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It's a good car, but I don't plan on keeping it.
ne10, 05/14/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
My feelings about the Jetta TDI/Premium are mixed. I love the styling, the fuel economy is unbeatable for an ICE, and the low end torque makes it zippy and fun. But VW had to go and kill a lot of the love by leaving the DSG unrefined, not polishing out creaks and rattles, and cheaping out in areas like the MFD and the touch screen software. The car feels like it was well designed in Germany, then dressed down by a bureaucrat on computer and exported to America. That being said, the styling, fuel economy, and options are still far better than the Civic and the Elantra. Is it worth the extra $3000 on the sticker? Maybe. I'd say it's more of a solid buy as a used or preowned car.
Way OVER engineered
tbsx, 11/05/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
I dont understand the great reviews considering so many characteristic problems youll see. Should the engine stall while in motion the key must cycle fully off to restart the auto. This LOCKS the steering while in motion. With clutch depressed the engine wont rev above 2500 rpms. I have to pop the clutch several times when on a hill or stall engine. The traction control system engaged breaks on left side of car (I never touched the breaks) sending the car sideways. Lights come on when I dont want; they go off when I dont. Doors lock, unlock automatic.
Worth every penny
asj2012, 06/22/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Jetta TDI for almost 2 months and have 3k miles on it - and I have only good things to say about it. Since fuel efficiency was my goal, I decided to buy the TDI in a 6-speed manual transmission. (Note: I also preferred the manual over the automatic because the automatic felt like I was driving a golf cart). At first I was nervous about getting the manual because I had owned the Nissan Altima Coupe manual and it was horrible to drive that I traded it in after 1.5 years for an xterra. The manual transmission in this car is a breeze to drive. The clutch isn't super tight and the gears are easy to master. The interior has lots of upgrades and accommodations. Fun, classy car!!
My first VW and it's awesome!
mnsparks13, 10/20/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought my '12 Jetta TDI recently, so it's a bit too soon to comment on reliability although, I expect it to be reliable. I bought my car as a certified used car with only 26,000 miles on it. The first second I saw it, I fell in love with it. It is red and has a nice 2 tone interior. The seats are the leathertte seats. The dash design is very nice, not offensive or overly styled, just right. I have the navigation system and the Fender sound system, which I highly recommend. The Fender sound system is amazing! The car is pretty much loaded. I highly recommend this car. Don't believe the bad things some of the car magazines say about this car, this car is solid and awesome!
Awesome commuter car!!
Happy Camper, 09/15/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car for commuting. 150 miles a day, 30 miles back roads and 120 miles Interstate. I do not drive this car gently, 75/85mph depending on the traffic flow on the interstate. Summer 42-45MPG, Winter 39-42MPG. I do run winter tires on the car in the winter and summer tires in the summer. I have seen 50MPG keeping the speed below 70mph, and I have seen 60MPG on country roads doing less then 60mph. I have the 6 speed manual transmission, Fender stereo with navigation. Now the car has 100,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have changed the Oil, oil/air filters and tires, that is it. Now it's time for new rear brakes and a new battery, that's it. For $25,000 I think it has been a awesome car!!
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From Best to Worst
bobgoblin, 03/04/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
9 of 28 people found this review helpful
I traded my 2001 Passat in for a 2012 Jetta TDI "Premium" in January. While the Passat was honestly the best car I have owned, the Jetta is the worst. The Jetta stalls all the time. It was shipped with a 5-speed gearshift knob, even though it is a 6-speed transmission. The car was supposed to have lumbar support but doesn't . VW said they will correct it since it is not specifically listed on the window sticker. The windshield cracked when i hit a pothole at 2,000 miles and VW is refusing to fix that. I can go on, but won't. After driving VW for 11 years, this Jetta will my last VW purchase.
After 45000 Miles and 2 years
1969dart, 12/04/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
I've had this car just over two years and other than the cost of maintenance being high im very happy with this car, this car has been completely trouble free, i get 40 to 42 miles per Gal driving 68 to 72 and about 38 at 75 to 80, i pull my motor cycle trailor from Ohio to Az the past two years with a total trailor weight of about 2000 pounds and i get about 23 to 25 miles to the Gal at 70 miles per Hr, could be a little bigger in the back seat area but other than that i love this little car, i think it thinks its a Diesel truck
TDI Purchased for Gas Mileage
jclaeys, 04/29/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
6 of 35 people found this review helpful
We sold our TDI Jetta with just 2K on it. We could longer deal with the poor execution of the diesel to Jetta experience. Having driven gas powered Mercedes, it was difficult to get used to the difference in the "lack of Luxury". First, it is a stretch to say this car is "clean". You will notice the stench of diesel not only at fillup but when you park it in your garage for the first couple weeks. And don't be surprised if you can smell it in your home also. The vibration at idle and rough start from stop will take getting used to, we did'nt. Buy this if all you are looking for is excellent gas mileage, it's there..avg. 33-46 mpg! Otherwise, choose wisely. It'll cost you in trade in.
6 months on and still have build quality issues
bobgoblin, 08/26/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
4 of 25 people found this review helpful
If you're not driving on a newly paved road the ride is appalling thanks to the old-timey torsion beam rear axel. Mine was even worse thanks to VW not installing the rear shocks properly. VW claimed that's just how the car road and refused to even look at it. I had to take it to my body shop guy who found the problem. The windsheild cracked at 500 miles when I hit a pothole & I had to get my lawyer involved to fix that since VW initially refused. Constant stalling problem which took VW a month to track down: stuck fuel pressure release valve. Is a 6-speed transmission that came with a 5-speed gearshift: it took a month to convince someone at VW why that was incorrect. etc.
So far, so good.
s4guy2000, 03/29/2014
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just acquired a 2012 Jetta TDI Premium. We have a 2013 Jetta Sportwagen with all of the options and have put about 9000 trouble free miles on it, so I bought the 2012 sedan as a certified used VW. It has around 50k miles on it and I drive 74 miles round trip everyday. So far the car has been really nice, the tires are terrible and I will be changing these out in a month or two, but I am still getting around 53.8 mpg when I just kind of cruise. I averaged 44.8 mpg on the first tank with faster driving. I like the DSG it feels a little clunky if you are used to traditional manuals, especially when it downshifts when you are slowing down, but it is pretty smooth while upshifting.
No DEF tank
Dan J, 01/17/2023
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Engine light came on DEF filter .Took to dealer .Wanted 4000.00 to fix .Took to mechanic there is no DEF tank .DEF filter clogged from Carbon not having DEF Fluid .
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