Experiencing car troubles can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they seem to appear out of nowhere. One Jetta 2012 owner recently shared their concerning experience, highlighting potential issues that other drivers might encounter, and it raises questions about the reliability and performance, even the expected horsepower (HP), of this model year.
The owner recounted a drive of 250 miles in cold weather, around 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The following morning, despite a successful start, by afternoon, with temperatures rising to 45 degrees, the car began exhibiting worrying symptoms. Upon starting the engine, a very rough idle was immediately apparent. Attempts to increase throttle were met with resistance, barely reaching 1300 RPM. Adding to the concern, large plumes of white smoke or vapor billowed from the exhaust pipe as the car was slowly driven.
While the issue seemed to diminish somewhat with driving, the owner wisely took precautions, driving 60 miles to the dealership at low RPMs, fearing a serious engine problem, possibly related to water intake. After a lengthy 2.5-hour wait at the dealership, the mechanics decided to keep the Jetta overnight for further investigation.
The owner suspected intercooler icing, a known issue in some Volkswagen models. However, they were informed that the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing this problem supposedly didn’t extend to the 2012 Jetta model year, covering only a portion of the 2011 production. The dealership mechanic suggested an alternative cause: a faulty glow plug potentially causing the rough idle during startup.
Regardless of the exact cause, the owner’s frustration is palpable. This incident marked the third time the car had been in the shop within just two months of ownership, prompting thoughts of selling the vehicle despite its highway driving comfort. Interestingly, fuel economy also suffered on the initial 250-mile drive, dropping to 40.8 mpg from a usual 47 mpg at similar speeds. Could this decreased mileage also be linked to the same underlying issue affecting engine performance and potentially even the car’s horsepower delivery?
This real-world account serves as a valuable insight for prospective and current Jetta 2012 owners. It underscores the importance of being vigilant about unusual engine behavior and seeking prompt professional diagnosis. While the Jetta 2012 is often praised for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, experiences like this highlight that, like any vehicle, they can be susceptible to problems that require attention and potentially impact performance and the overall driving experience.
