TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM · FWD · Diesel DieselMPG 30 / 42Range 435 / 609 mi
2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM Diesel
FWD
14.5 gal55 L
Diesel
30 / 42
435 / 609 mi
TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M · FWD · Diesel DieselMPG 30 / 42Range 435 / 609 mi
2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M Diesel
FWD
14.5 gal55 L
Diesel
30 / 42
435 / 609 mi
TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM · FWD · Diesel DieselMPG 30 / 42Range 435 / 609 mi
2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM Diesel
FWD
14.5 gal55 L
Diesel
30 / 42
435 / 609 mi
TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M · FWD · Diesel DieselMPG 30 / 42Range 435 / 609 mi
2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M Diesel
FWD
14.5 gal55 L
Diesel
30 / 42
435 / 609 mi
No trim matches all of these filters.
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 26 MPG, a full 14.5-gallon tank covers about 377 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
14.5
450
348
3/4
10.9
337
261
1/2
7.3
225
174
1/4
3.6
112
87
1/8
1.8
56
44
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 577 gallons, roughly 40 full tanks.
In real driving: owners who log fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 25.1 MPG in the Jetta (6 drivers), about 364 miles on a full 14.5-gallon tank.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
At 14.5 gallons, the Jetta's largest tank ranks fifth of the seven 2012 sedans compared here. The Hyundai Sonata carries the most (18.5 gal) and the Ford Focus the least (12.4 gal).
Other 2012 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, out of 5 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
Risk and remedy
Risk: Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta holds 14.5 gallons (55 liters) on every trim we list.
How many gallons and liters does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta gas tank hold?
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta tank holds 55 liters, or 14.5 gallons in US gallons.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta tank change with the powertrain?
No. Gas and Diesel versions of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta use the same 14.5 gal tank.
How far can a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta go on a full tank?
About 421–609 miles on the highway and 334–435 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta go on a quarter tank?
About 112 highway miles or 87 in town from the 14.5-gallon tank, which has roughly 3.6 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
How many miles does a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta really get on a tank?
Drivers who log their fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 25.1 MPG in the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (6 drivers), which works out to about 364 miles on a full 14.5-gallon tank.
What gas does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta take?
Regular unleaded, or Diesel fuel, depending on the engine. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 14.5-gallon tank from empty costs $61.91. It ranges from $53.65 in the Gulf Coast to $85.41 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
About 102 pounds for the 14.5-gallon tank. Diesel weighs roughly 7 pounds a gallon.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have a bigger gas tank than the Mazda 3?
No. The 2012 Mazda 3 holds up to 15.9 gallons; the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta holds up to 14.5.
Has the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta: 11V490000 (fuel system, diesel). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).