2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 549 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 19 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 36 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasolineFeb 14, 2024
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Campaign 24V110000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelSep 6, 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection."
Without an audible warning, the driver may be unaware that the key is left in the ignition, which can increase the risk of vehicle theft or a crash.
Dealers will update the instrument cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 3, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90W7.
Campaign 23V619000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchAug 30, 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
Campaign 23V604000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsOct 31, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Campaign 22V815000 on NHTSA.gov
WheelsDo not drive until repairedDec 11, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta GLI, Golf Alltrack, and Golf GTI vehicles. The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.
The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40P1. Note: The affected owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repairs have been made.
Campaign 19V879000 on NHTSA.gov
Other or unspecifiedSep 25, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Campaign 19V679000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, springs, coil springsMar 6, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Campaign 19V188000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalFeb 20, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta vehicles. An incorrect driver frontal airbag may have been installed during a service/repair visit.
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the wrong air bag may not work correctly, increasing the risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag with the correct part, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y7.
Campaign 19V110000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, springs, coil springsDec 19, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
Campaign 18V904000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelNov 26, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Campaign 18V824000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 26, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The passenger side headlight may be incorrectly positioned, reducing the driver's visibility when it is dark. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
A reduction in the driver's visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side headlight, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L1.
Campaign 18V671000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
154 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Oct 6, 2023
The open recall on my vehicle regarding the ignition switch and polyfuse presents a serious safety risk to me and others on the road. The potential for engine stalling and electrical system failure creates a dangerous situation that could lead to accidents and injuries. Therefore, addressing this recall promptly and having the necessary repairs or replacements done is crucial to ensuring the safety of all road users.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 10, 2023
Car engine stalling while driving and failure of the EPS/EPC light comes on When attempted to start the car warning start stop system malfunctioning unable to start at times
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the instrument panel displayed the message "Stop Vehicle”. The contact had approximately 2 minutes to turn off and restart the vehicle before all electrical functions failed, causing the vehicle to stall. If the contact was unable to restart the vehicle in a timely manner, the vehicle had to be towed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who determined that the ignition switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 6, 2023
Starter Ignition failed on my screen as a turned on a street with oncoming traffic. Car shut down and engine stayed on. Has been happening when my car is sitting in the heat.Going to the dealership to get it diagnostic tomorrow.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 6, 2023
Only on days where I leave my car in the direct heat under the sun for a few hours I go to get in and start and it starts up at first and then the dashboard displays "check starter system" soon after all the electrical work in the car shuts down and doesn't turn on again until the car cools down or when the sun goes down. I live in phoenix where it's hot everyday so this issue is happening frequently with my vehicle.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 5, 2023
While driving car ignition shuts off. Gas and breaks still work, but no lights, no speedometer, nothing else, ignition completely off. Has happened on 5 different occasions on days the temperature is 90 degrees. Volkswagen dealership aren't able to fix it.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 5, 2023
Car stalled out while driving, restarted, car said, "check starter system". Restarted again, engine stayed running, no lights at all (brake, headlight or tail light), however the hazards still seemed to work.
Electrical system, Aug 21, 2023
Ignition gets very hot, when I put the key in the ignition, it also gets very hot, car will run for a minute or so and then lose power. The car shut off could be very dangerous if going down the road. Warning to check starter system came on.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Lane departure, Aug 16, 2023
When the vehicle gets hot, above 85 degrees Fahrenheit the electric system including, speedometer and other internal lighting as well brake lights and turn signals completely stop functioning. Windows and locking system is also affected. The engine remains on. But if the car is turned off, it will not turn back on.
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2023
While driving the 5 miles to the store, we got half way there and an error stating "check starter system" and to find a safe place to pull over. The cars engine remained running, allowing us to get to a grocery store parking lot, but all other mechanical instruments died. Screen backed out. Not able to see speed, non use of signal or break lights. After sitting in the parking lot for a few minutes, we tried starting the car up again. It started back up with no issues. We decided to try driving it back home to see if happened again. After about 2 miles of driving, the same error and screen black out happened again. We were able to safely get home, taking back roads to avoid traffic. Extremely unsafe to not have working tail/break lights or even a speedometer. Since my mechanic was already closed for the day, we looked online to see if we could troubleshoot. Finding this is a known issue and many people arrive reporting heat seems to trigger the issue. It was 103 out yesterday. This is my teen son's first car. We have only had it a couple months and this is the first time this had happened. It's also the first time it's been THIS hot (if that is in fact a factor to this issue), since having the car. I can't believe how many complaints there are for this same exact issue, yet VW is not recalling this. This is a huge safety concern. Very disappointing that my kid saved his money for this car and now it is going to have to sit parked, till we can get it addressed, because I will not allow a new driver to be in this vehicle. Dangerous!!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2023
While driving, ignition shuts off. Vehicle relays “ignition off” message. Has only happened on 85+ degree days while car is in the sun. No mechanic has been able to diagnose and fix the issue
Suspension, Electrical system, Lane departure, Aug 8, 2023
The vehicles infotainment or screen often malfunctions creating hazardous conditions. The monitor that is the only way to access certain vehicle setting and systems, intermittently shuts off completely, changes screens or settings, disconnects from cell phone or distorts audio and changes audio volume to inappropriate levels. The suspension during weather changes makes loud creaking noises and during cold months has choppy suspension that makes it difficult to see when going over imprefections or bumps, and during warm months is unreasonably bouncy creating the same issue. The blind spot monitoring seems to not detect a vehicle while it is actually in the blind spot and doesn’t produce the warning light or noise. The blind spot monitoring only detects the other vehicle once it is out of the blind spot and visible from the driver’s peripheral and continues to display until they have fully passed. It’s ridiculous this model year wasn’t fully recalled due to its extensive issues that affect almost all dimensions of the 2019 VW Jetta’s basic functionality, safety, and performance.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2023
When vehicle would be in heat of over 80 degrees, car would start, I would start driving, then an alert saying “Check Starter System” would occur and all electrics would shut off. Couldn’t use turn signals or anything. Happened a few times and my car would sometimes even shut off completely if it occurred as I was stopped/at a red light. Took it to a mechanic that said it was the ignition switch/relay that was overheating and causing the problem. So original ignition switch on the car was the problem while under warm weather.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Car shut off while turning left. Display says check starting system. Car restarted
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 27, 2023
On hot days in the summer, when I start driving the car, a notice that states “systems start failure” appears. The air conditioning turns off. The speedometer turns off. The brake lights don’t work, and the turn signals do not work. The car still drives, but due to the brake lights turning off and turn signals not working, I believe this poses a safety risk to myself and others. I believe this to be an ignition switch problem, as many others have stated online that getting a replacement for the ignition switch has solved the problem. The problem has been reproduced by a service center. The problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 27, 2023
My VW Jetta 2019 car just stopped twice with “Check Starter System” error and failed to turn on right in the middle of the road which might have lead to some serious accident. Once on a light the steering and brakes both got locked and all the electrics (dash, radio etc) shut off and so had to somehow safely get on the side of the road and had to use the handbrake abruptly to stop the car which was a difficult situation. Tried turning on the engine again but it kept on giving me “CHECK IGNITION” switch and “STARTER SYSTEM” errors and all the electrical parts turned off including the engine. It could have been a fatal accident and calls for serious service negligence on VW part. I see so many complaints in different forums for the same ignition switch and electrical failure on 2019 VW Jetta models but never a recall from VW to fix the issue. That’s a big lapse in safety issue and Volkswagen should be sued for neglecting such life threatening damages which might lead to severe consequences like a fatal accident if car stops with no proper warning beforehand.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 26, 2023
While driving the Please “check starter system” error and “ignition switch error” popped up and the dashboard died , AC died, no brake lights, no speedometer but the car kept running. There is no check engine light. I live in Texas where temperature is 105+ which could be the reason. This only happens if my car is sitting in the sun for hours, verses me driving it in the morning and then throughout the day. This is dangerous because I was on a busy highway, and should be a recall.
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2023
The ignition switch for my 2019 Jetta randomly went out, while driving the vehicle in the middle of summer, temperature on dash read 111, I'm assuming this caused the ac and radio to go out, as well as the speedometer and other tracking system's on the dashboard to display as if the car was not on when the engine was still running. I have read online in several places that this is a common issue for the 2019 Jetta's and at this point the ignition switch failure should be treated as a recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 24, 2023
My car started fine, but turned off in the middle of my drive. I live in Las Vegas, NV so the extreme heat and a faulty car is very dangerous. There has been many issues with the ignition switch on the 2019 Jettas. Unfortunately the switch is on backorder.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2023
Driving at 30 mph in 100 degree heat, a/c shut off, and a "check the starter system" warning appeared on my display. The temperature gauge flattened to cold as well.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2023
The ignition switch for my 2019 Jetta randomly went out, while driving the vehicle in the middle of summer, this caused the AC and radio to go out, as well as the spedometer and other tracking system on the dashboard to display as if the car was not on when the engine was still running. I have read online in several places that this is a common issue for the 2019 Jettas and at this point the ignition switch failure should be treated as a recall. Volkswagon service initially diagnosed as faulty battery which did not resolve the issue and the same thing happened 7 days and $300 later. I was able to find the issue with a quick google search.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 17, 2023
Ignition system (available for inspection upon request) malfunctioned, which disallowed the engine from starting. After multiple attempts, the engine started and I was able to drive and indicate turns, but there was no dashboard display such as speed, gas level, etc. Since the first incident, this has happened 3 times. At one point while driving with no screen display, I forgot to turn off the option for the engine to stop when the car has come to a complete stop. When I stopped at a light, the engine stopped and I was unable to get it to start again for several minutes, causing me to block traffic. There was no warning prior to the failure, just beeping and a screen notification while it was failing. The problem has not been replicated/confirmed, and the vehicle has not been inspected since the issue began to happen. Each time this failure happens, it is during a hot day after the car has been parked in direct sunlight.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jul 17, 2023
Hot day (~107f), car started fine but after a mile of driving ALL ELECTRICAL systems appeared to STOP with the following error: "Starter System Faulty. Please Service Vehicle." The engine kept going, and the car was driven home (with no signals, speedo, air conditioning, lights etc.) If this had happened in a more demanding situation (e.g. weather, night or traffic) there could have been an accident. There are numerous threads online about this happening to 2019 Jettas in hot weather, and the ignition switch being blamed. I recreated the issue in the heat of the day, but the car worked fine later on when the day cooled down.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2023
Car shut off but still running while driving. Check the starter system came on. Did it twice. Not sure because of heat but dash board and a/c shuts off but car still running.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2023
When it's really hot outside my car while just shut off while driving. Then I get a "Please check the starter system" message. The radio,ac, and eveything electrical turns off as well. This is the second time it has happened in a month.