2012 Volkswagen Jetta — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Jetta workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2012 listings: Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen.
Compared with the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 38 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 5-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 47 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 39 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 196 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,000 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 8 configurations for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta across 3 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 32 mpg (US), or 30 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/29) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/34) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/32) | 205 | $3,050 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 198 | $3,000 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/33) | 212 | $3,150 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/39) | 196 | $3,000 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (24/31) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/33) | 212 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Running Costs: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,000 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Service brakes (1), Unspecified (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 20E064000, reported 23 September 2020. Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Unspecified — campaign 19V679000, reported 25 September 2019. Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Electrical system — campaign 19V615000, reported 22 August 2019. Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 15V483000, reported 4 August 2015. Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Showing the 4 most recent of 8 campaigns.
Owners have filed 527 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (144), Unspecified (111), Engine (88). Complaints include 24 reported crashes, 7 reported fires, 17 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 159 complaints across the 17 Volkswagen Jetta model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 144 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (88 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Fuel system (52 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Engine cooling (2 recall campaigns) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta's 38 mpg is 5 mpg above that make average. Its 196 g/km CO₂ figure is 17 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 17 Volkswagen Jetta model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 13th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Volkswagen Jetta year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta: 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,000 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Service brakes (1), Unspecified (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
Among the 527 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (144 complaints), Unspecified (111 complaints), Engine (88 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.