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, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Jul 14, 2023
As I was driving the vehicle the car just randomly shut off. It turned off the air conditioning and wiper blades as it was raining. It said to check starter system or ignition system or something like that. I recently had the software update recall done at the dealer also had a new battery installed by the dealer between two days. Also said something about checking the key battery. It has happened on two separate occasions this week alone.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 13, 2023
Left my work parking lot and my jetta said there was an ignition problem and “starter system failure”. Then all electronics systems went dark but the engine kept running, until I came to a stoplight and stopped. I pulled over and turned it off. Then restarted. This is VERY DANGEROUS
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2023
My 19 year old was driving down the road and all electrical systems in the car shut in the car and told her to check starter system.
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2023
Car turns off with a message relaying on the screen “please check starter system”
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 2, 2023
A minute after starting my car sitting in a hot parking lot, the entire car and engine shut off. A message popped up saying “please check starter system”. I looked this up and seems to be an extremely common issues with 2019 Jettas, and everyone has had issues with getting it fixed. Mechanics have said there’s “no issue” with the car because it won’t shut off every time. Some even had their cars shut off on the highway. My car has about 25,000 miles and is in great shape. I’m terrified to drive it for safety reasons, and I don’t have money to take it in anywhere. I’m so disappointed there has not been a recall on this common, extremely dangerous issue. There were no prior warning lights or signs.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 2, 2023
When interior gets hot, check starter system message displays and all gauges, air conditioning system, infotainment system and all associated systems become inoperable. This becomes especially dangerous as it will happen while driving.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2023
When interior gets hot, check starter system message displays and all gauges, AIR conditioning system, infotainment system and all associated systems become inoperable. This becomes especially dangerous as it will happen while driving.
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2023
Starter System Faulty. Please service vehicle. Warning shows on screen when high temperature outside. Car will not start/turn on if the weather is hot outside. I researched the issue and multiple 2019 Jetta users have the same issue when weather is hot outside.
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2023
Driving down the highway and received a “starter system failure” message. All electronics in the car shutoff. Engine continued to run normally.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Lane departure, Jun 17, 2023
I purchased the vehicle on 6/10/3023 and that evening I noticed a dashboard error message that the Rear View camera was unavailable. Due to my work schedule I was unable to get back to the dealership until Monday, 6/12/2023. On Monday I asked [XXX], my sales representative, and [XXX], a sales manager, what it meant and how to fix it. They offered Wes, a repair technician, to come look. [XXX] left rapidly and never returned, so I left for work. On 6/15/2023 I had the car inspected by my mechanic for an assessment and he stated that I needed a new electrical body harness for the repair. This part costs over $5K, plus labor; total estimate $12,742.14. My safety is at risk because this electrical issue not only renders (this list is not exhaustive): the back-up camera useless, but also the seat belt sensor, side mirror lights, and the front proximity sensors work only intermittently. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2023
When the car sits in direct sunlight and the interior temperature raises above 100F, the car will start and all is well for a minute or so and then the ignition fails. Dash says check starter system and all gauges, clusters, infotainment system, interior and exterior lights turn off. The car thinks that it is off electronically but it still runs, shifts, and drives. Attached photo was taken after I left home, traveling on highway at ~55mph.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
Driving my car in 85+ degree weather and an alert came on that said “check starter system,” “find a safe place to park,” “ignition shutting off.” My car shut off on the highway. A quick google search found that hundreds of people with 2019 jettas were having this exact same problem. This issue has now happened twice with my car, both when temperatures exceeded 85 degrees.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power; however, the engine remained running. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the “STOP Safely” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 22, 2023
The Car lost all electrical components, gauges, turn signals, and possibly break lights while in operation. If I had been unlucky, I could have been rear-ended or ended up in an accident if my brake lights were not working and I could not tell how fast I was going. First, the car dinged and said "Please check starter system" while I was downshifting while coming to a stop. The engine remained running, but I lost all gauges, dashboard lights, cabin controls, and turn signals.
Electrical system, May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the check starting system warning light illuminated. The contact stated he had experienced the failure a total of four times within two months. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and continued to experience the failure in warmer weather. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,400.
Electrical system, May 16, 2023
While driving my vehicle to a town 20 minutes away, as I was exiting the highway my vehicle turned off completely. Gave a “Ignition switched off, Please stop safely” message and shortly after popped up a “Please check starter system” message. This was on a fairly hot day. I was able to pull over, let it cool off and drive back home. I called the Vorderman Volkswagen in Fort Wayne Indiana and they told me the issue was my battery, paid $500 for a new battery. 3 weeks later on May 12th as I’m driving home from work, my vehicle turns off again and gives the same messages. At this point I’m very irritated because I explained to the dealership what I believe it is because MULTIPLE others have had the same issue and they ignored me. I’ve tried to explain to them this second time that it has something to do with the ignition switch but they keep telling me “nothing is wrong” they want to give my vehicle back unfixed and I feel very unsafe driving something that turns off while I’m driving it and doesn’t work unless it’s cooler outside.
Electrical system, Engine, May 11, 2023
THE CAR WILL JUST SHUT DOWN. IF THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE SUN IT WILL JUST RANDOMLY NOT START. SINCE THE TEMPATURES OUTSIDE HAVE GOTTEN WARMER IT HAS NOW DONE 3 TIMES: THE CAR WILL START FINE AS I AM DRIVING THE ELECTRICAL PANELS AND EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF BUT THE GAS STILL WORKS AND THE CAR SAYS CHECK STARTER SYSTEM. MY 16 YEAR OLDS DRIVE THIS CAR. THE INSTRUMENT PANELS ALL TURN OFF. THE CAR HAS ALSO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE WHILE IN MOTION THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOESNT SHOW AND BECAUSE IT IS RANDOM MY MECHANIC CANNOT FIND THE MAIN PROBLEM AND PARTS RELATED TO THIS ARE SOLD OUT WITH VW DUE TO IF YOU LOOK EVERYONE IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE PLEASE. MY CAR HAS SERVICE RECORDS JUST 50,000 MILES AND ITS BEEN AN ON GOING ISSUE FOR AWHILE. WE CANT TRADE IT IN FOR FINANCIAL REASONS BUT HAVE TO DRIVE IT. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE OUR KIDS DRIVING OUR HYUNDAI AND WE DRIVE THIS JETTA CAUSE I WOULD RATHER IT SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH HE OR I DRIVING THAN THEM. PLEASE THIS JETTA WILL KILL THE DRIVERS, PASSENGERS AND WHOEVER CRASHES INTO IT WHEN IT KEEP SHUTTING OFF. IT HAS BEEN AT THE SHOP FOR A WEEK AT A TIME AT TIMES TRYING TO FIX THIS
Electrical system, May 4, 2023
When my car gets hot from the sun it turns off my whole electrical system in the car including my radio and speedometer
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 24, 2023, crash
The vehicle steering has been off and alignment when driving. My gas gauge has been off constantly, since I've owned the vehicle. I documented this many times and reported this to the dealership under warranty and Volkswagen care.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2023
Vehicle parked under the sun, temperature reaching 85 degree, hotter inside the cabin. Vehicle started with no issues but "Check starter system" warning comes up and all the electrical component shut off its power, including all the gauge in the dashboard and radio. Headlight is not working as well after few min. Car drives (manual transmission) with no issues. When the car is placed under the shade/cools down, shows no problems. Some of owners reported the faulty ignition switch, part number 5Q1-905-865-A. Google search of "2019 Jetta check starter system" results in multiple complaints. The part in question is in national back order, suggesting the issue is more wide spread.
Electrical system, Mar 27, 2023
The car has an active grill shutter vulnerability where it could be damaged easily by snow and or rain while driving the vehicle It malfunctions, and according to internet traffic, it seems to malfunction often. To repair/replace this small motor THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER/GRILL assembly needs to be removed. It is not an easily repaired item outside of the dealership. And the cost to replace including parts and labor is about $1300 estimate for a simple shutter motor. This is not fair to the owners of these VW vehicles.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2023
While driving, the following warning will appear “Starter system faulty! Service vehicle.” The instrument panel will then shut down entirely, and brake lights, headlights, and blinkers will not work. This can happen anywhere—on the highway traveling at 70 mph at night, for example. When the vehicle is pulled over and turned off, it will restart as normal—but while driving it might shut down again. There are numerous complaints on the internet, in VW forums and elsewhere, and the dealers do not seem to know how to correct the problem because it doesn’t happen all of the time. It is unpredictable. This creates an extraordinarily dangerous situation, and the vehicles should be recalled and VW should correct the issue immediately.
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the failure electrical, child safety start, and stop defect, and other electrical features failed to function as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the ECM software was updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the vehicle needed a battery replacement. The battery was replaced but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 13,805.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 30, 2022
I was driving on a active snowing highway at 7pm when an alert appeared on the dashboard to “check starter system” and “pull vehicle over…”. During this time im on the highway going about 6mph and everything electrical turned off including my headlights and windshield wipers turned off. I was able to activate my hazards and pull off the highway but due to the snow and everything electrical cutting off my windows fogged up and almost caused me to crash into a semi-truck. I have googled this issue and it seems to be very common for this specific vehicle.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 19, 2022
I bought the car October 1 2022 around October 15th it shut off without and warning while crossing over a intersection on November 19th I was on i95 north and it shut off again with no warning I got to the side of the highway and it started I got about a mile up the highway and it shut off a 3rd time this time it said error stop/start