Recall 11V196 affects 71,043 2011 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles for a fuse layout that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 71,043 2011 Jetta vehicles because a blown fuse can disconnect the converter box from power, shutting off systems tied to engine management, lighting, and wipers. If that happens while driving, the engine, headlights, or wipers can stop without warning and raise crash risk; Volkswagen dealers will complete the repair free of charge once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The electrical wiring and fuse layout on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta controls how power reaches several vehicle systems. A fuse is a small protective link that opens when a circuit overloads. In this recall, the converter box, an electrical control point that feeds key vehicle applications, shares protection with the signal horn and anti-theft alarm system.
On affected Jettas, the problem is the way those circuits are grouped behind the same fuse. If that fuse blows, the converter box loses its power supply instead of only disabling the horn or alarm. Once the converter box is disconnected, systems tied to it shut off. The engine management system, exterior lighting, and wipers are listed in the recall as applications that lose power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue starts when the fuse opens, so an owner would notice the result rather than an early symptom, such as loss of engine management, lights, or wiper operation.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | wiring |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 71,043 |
Not every 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A wiring problem can stall the engine while driving or shut off the headlights or wipers unexpectedly, increasing crash risk without warning. If your 2011 Jetta acts this way, pull over safely and arrange service rather than continuing the trip. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask whether the free wiring and fuse repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V196 when you call so the dealer can find the correct campaign.
- Bring the owner notice if Volkswagen mailed one. Owner letters were mailed on April 21, 2011.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the engine stalls, headlights turn off, or wipers stop working, pull over safely and call the dealer.
What happens at the repair
Volkswagen will notify owners once repair kits are available. Once the repair opens, a Volkswagen technician separates the wiring for the signal horn and theft protection horn from the converter box power supply, then routes those wires to separate fuses. That change keeps the converter box from sharing the same fuse path as those horn circuits. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 29, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 21, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V196?
Recall 11V196 covers 71,043 2011 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles with an electrical wiring and fuse layout defect. If the shared fuse blows, power to the converter box is cut, and systems tied to engine management, lighting, and wipers can shut off. Volkswagen dealers repair the wiring and fuses for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Jetta is included in recall 11V196. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for the wiring and fuse repair. Reference recall number 11V196 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will separate the horn and anti-theft horn wiring from the converter box power supply and route the wires to separate fuses free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta before the repair?
This recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects systems needed while driving. If the fuse blows, the engine can stall, or the headlights or wipers can turn off unexpectedly. Check your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Jetta used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Volkswagen never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Jetta is included, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer with recall number 11V196.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V196000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V196 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V196000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →