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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 549

Of the 2019 reports, 19 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 36 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train162 reports · 30% of complaints
Owner complaints549Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship11 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train162
  2. Electrical system154
  3. Engine147
  4. Other or unspecified95
  5. Service brakes29
  6. Exterior lighting26
  7. Fuel/propulsion system25
  8. Structure23

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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 Audi’s 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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: service brakes

29 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Suspension, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 8, 2019

    IVE HAD THE CAR ABOUT TWO OR THREE WEEKS. THE KEY STRUGGLES TO TURN WHEN IN THE IGNITION, EVEN WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. SOMETIMES IT TURNS ON JUST FINE AND SOMETIMES THE KEY ABSOLUTELY REFUSES TO TURN WHEN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. ITS AS IF IM PUTTING THE WRONG KEY IN THERE BUT I ONLY HAVE ONE VW SO THIS IS FOR SURE THE RIGHT KEY. THE CAR SQUEAKS EXTREMELY LOUD. ITS A REALLY LOUD SCREECHING SOUND AND IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I REVERSE. BOTH THINGS ONLY HAPPEN EVERY ONE OUT OF 10 TIMES OR SO.

  2. Service brakes, Engine, Oct 1, 2019

    MY 2019 JETTA BEGAN EXPERIENCING BREAKING PROBLEMS IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. AFTER INITIAL START AND DRIVE AT IDLE, THE BREAKING PEDAL PRESSURE WAS ERRATIC AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SLAM TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS CONDITION ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR AT IDLE, AND I WAS TOLD AT BRINGING IT INTO SERVICE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. HOWEVER, THE CONDITION CONTINUES TO EXIST AND BEGINNING IN JUNE, I BEGAN HAVING MULTIPLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS FOR A EVAP LEAK. NOW AT THE 7 REPAIRS AND HAVING MULTIPLE PARTS REPLACED, THE SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE AIR INTAKE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE AIR INTAKE AND VACUUM SYSTEMS HAVE A DIRECT CORRELATION WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE. HOWEVER, I RETURNED THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE READINESS MONITORS FOR THE EVAP WERE NOT SET, INDICATING THAT A POTENTIAL ISSUES STILL EXIST. ALTHOUGH THE CAUSE MAY NOT BE WITH AIR INTAKE, A VACUUM/PRESSURE ISSUE DOES EXITS CAUSING EFFECTS ON THE OTHER SYSTEMS. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING DUE TO THE FACT THAT I HAD INJURED MY LEG IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND THE EXCESSIVE PRESSURE AT BREAKING CAUSED ME AGGRAVATE THE PREVIOUS INJURY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I WAS TOLD BE THE DEALER SERVICE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY.

  3. Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 22, 2019

    WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT OR ABOUT 20 MPH, MY PARK BRAKE COMES ON AND MY VW COMES TO A DEAD STOP AND ALMOST ALWAYS GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. CARS BEHIND ME GET MAD AND START HONKING. IT'S HAPPEN TO 3 TIMES NOW AND ONCE TO THE MECHANIC THAT STATED IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. I AM A PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER OF 40 YEARS AND CAN HANDLE THE UNEXPECTED FOR THE MOST PART BUT MY WIFE WHOM COMMUTES 60 MILES DAILY ON A CRAZY FREEWAY TO WORK HAS BEEN FOR FORTUNATE THAT IT'S NOT HAPPEN TO HER YET. I FINALLY COULDN'T KEEP IT TO MYSELF ANYMORE AND AFTER TELLING HER MY EXPERIENCES, SHE REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE TILL TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE CAR BRAND WITH ONLY 10 MILES ON IT (2019VW) WITH A REBUILT TITLE WITH NO MFG WARR. BUT I PURCHASED AFTER MARKET WARRANTY 7YR. 100,000 FOR $4,000.)...I CONTACTED THE CAR DEALER AND MY WARRANTY AND BOTH SAID I BOUGHT CAR AS IS AND BASICALLY SHOW CONCERN THAT WE COULD GET OUR SELF'S KILLED OR OTHERS. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE VW CAR DEALER FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS NOW AND I'VE HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR MY WIFE THIS WHOLE TIME. VW CALLS ME EVERY 2 WEEK AND TELL ME 2 MORE WEEKS ON THE PART (ELECTRICAL MODULE IN GEAR SHIFTER). I AM FACING A SEVERAL DOLLAR BILL AT SHOP AND A COUPLE THOUSAND DOLLARS WITH CAR RENTAL. THAT KEEPS CHARGING MY CREDIT CARD. I AM PAYING FOR A BRAND NEW DEAD VW. AND VERY VERY DID APPOINTED IN THE WHOLE SYSTEM! .

  4. Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 28, 2019

    THE CAR SHUT OFF, I LOST CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING AND THE BREAKS FAILED TO STOP AFTER THE COMPUTER SHUT THE CAR OFF. NOW THEY CALM THE SHIFTER IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS REPLACED AFTER THERE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC CODES FAILED TO DETECT THE PROBLEM THE FIRST 2 TIMES AND A TEST DRIVE WOULD HAVE TOLD THEM THEIR WAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO A TEST DRIVE AND RELIED AND FAULTY COMPUTER INPUT. THIS SERIOUS MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY INJURY OR DEATH OR INJURY AND DEATH TO ANOTHER PARTY. THE DEFECTIVE SHIFTER HAS CAUSED INJURY TO MY RIGHT KNEE AND TENDONS. I WAS IN PARK, A PERSON ENTERED THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF ROLLED DOWN THE HILL UNTIL IT STOPPED BY ROLLING IN REVERSE UP A HILL BEHIND ME. THE PERSON REFUSED TO BE IN MY CAR AS THE DANGER WAS OBVIOUS TO HER. THE ONLY REASON THE CAR STOPPED WAS BECAUSE OF THE HILL. I LOST CONTROL OF THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING AS THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF. ANY CHILD OR ELDERLY PERSON BEHIND ME WOULD HAVE SUFFER SERIOUS INJURY. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM IS REFUSING TO WRITE ANY OF THIS INFORMATION DOWN.