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: other or unspecified
95 reports, newest first. Show all
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
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2023
Unknown
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
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2023
My 2019 Volkwagen Jetta Sunroof shattered, while I was driving on the highway. It sounded like a shotgun sound, when it happened. I've only owned this car for 2 years. Also, I only drive 60 miles per hour, never any higher. Thank you, [XXX] Downers Grove, IL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2023
Door lock actuator is breaking and it’s a hit or miss on locking the door.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2023
“Please check starter system “ error popped up and the dashboard died , AC died but the car kept running saying please drive to safety
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.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2023
Engine started and running but no lights on dashboard ac and signals not working even windows not rolling Message displayed as check starter system
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2023
The windshield cracked while car was sitting in my driveway. At 8:30am it was fine. At 3pm there was a very large crack. No mark from rock, pebble or object of any kind is present. Car is available for inspection. Safety put at risk should the crack cause a weakened windshield to fall out of frame. No inspections have been performed yet.
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2023
As I was driving on the highway 101 in Bay Area California, suddenly the sunroof glass exploded and the fragments were deposited on the under cover. No weather related issues at the time. Did not feel any debris hitting the car either. Seems like a manufacturing defect. Vehicle still under warranty.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2023
Moonroof exploded leavin shards of glass all over, no rocks hit car no bumps no explanation, I was just driving on a flat surface around 30 MPH, I heard a loud explosion and glass was everywhere including my arms and face. I nearly caused an accident with the sudden explosion.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2022
Unknown. I took my car in for recall repairs and they repaired all but the one listed on this site which seems kind of important
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2022
Like MANY people have experienced, I was driving on the highway when the sunroof glass suddenly exploded. It was terrifying and the startled reaction could easily have caused a serious highway speed crash. There was no obvious reason for the failure of the glass but having shattered glass fall in my lap was scary.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2022
The heating/air conditioner has failed twice within one year preventing defrost during incliment weather especially rain and frost.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2022
I stopped at a red light and when it turned green the car wouldn't move and the RPM's were hung. I was almost rear ended and stuck in an intersection due to this failure. After getting the car to go about 5 MPH without being able to switch gears I was able to pull over to a safer location. I had the car towed to my dealer but they deemed it was a wear and tear issue and blamed bad driving style and cost $3,130 to replace the clutch and flywheel. There were no signs of wear on the clutch and no vehicle indications from the control panel. In addition, the car was brought in for a tire rotation and complementary VW multi-point inspection with no issues cited just a week before this failure.
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2022
I have a 2019 Jetta R line Series, last year in the winter time the casing for the driver side mirror melted. I went 2 times to Volkswagen, and to other body and paint shops and no one has seen anything like this before? Finally I had to file a claim for Vandalism. I had to pay $750 to the body shop and it was repaired. All Summer, Spring, and Fall, it was fine. Well It happened again on the same side and almost exactly 1 year later from the first one. Took it Volkswagen after speaking Customer Service as an elevated evaluation. I was there for 2 hours, the conclusion again is that "It's an OUTSIDE INFLUENCE" I have done a lot of research and found that other makes and models have had this happen as well. All the other car makers gave the stock answer "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE"! How does this happen twice to the same car. I am on Disability, and hardly drive. Right now I only have 8 thousand miles on the car. I go to the supermarket park in handicap and come home and park in handicap. There is something wrong with this car and I'm afraid that something may catch on fire. The only other thing I can think of is that it has something to do with the main heater and defroster for the whole car. It got very cold here and I had to use both the heated and defroster. Now it has almost completely melted. -- [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2021
While driving our 2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line on East on I-40 we heard a loud explosion (like a gunshot) and glass rained down on the interior of our car from the sunroof. We pulled off the interstate at Exit 242, to call the Arkansas State Troopers. They arrived, checked the interior of the car for any object that could possibly have caused the damage and found nothing. They filed an incident report on our behalf D-08121-422 or D-08/21-422. Report will be ready in eight days.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2021
Once I parked my 2019 VW Jetta, the dashboard had "YELLOW" triangle image. The error message displayed states: ONLY EXIT VEHICLE IN "P" POSITION. PLEASE SERVICE VEHICLE. I purchased this vehicle from Avis Rentals and Sales in 9/2020. I haven't had an issues with the vehicle and it didn't come with a service warranty. I entered my VIN and it states no recalls; however, I've checked and at some point there was a recall but it looks like my VIN was not entered.