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
549 reports, newest first.
Power train, Feb 28, 2023
Vehicle has auto hold feature which activates on an incline. UNABLE TO TURN OFF. when driving a manual transmission car, this is causing premature clutch wear. Brake will be engaged for 3 seconds even when gas pedal is depressed. people unaware of this feature can let go of gas pedal and brake causing a roll back into another vehicle or object.
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.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 5, 2023, crash
I was in a head on collision where the other person crossed the line and two empty lanes to hit me head on. This WAS in may 2021. Not one single warning was used by forward collision sensors. No emergency braking was applied. My airbags were not deployed and this man hit me doing at least 35 miles an hour and also I was forward moving even though I was applying my brakes. The car was totaled. Yet not a single warning sound or light or indicator once went off. I also paid extra for the Volkswagen carnet services. Never once did they come over the speaker to ask if I was ok. To tell me I had been in an accident or ask if I needed them to send help. In essence these services failed me completely. I do not understand why I was not included in any of the airbag recalls or settlement information I have heard about. All of the Extra features and functions I paid all the extra money to have - every single one failed me when I needed it. This vehicle left me without the protections it promised.
Air bags, Wheels, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 18, 2023, crash
https://www.hometownsource.com/classifieds/press_news/community/announcements/legal/notice_of_sales/2019-volkswagon-jetta-burdas-towing/pdfdisplayad_0e7d0609-179e-5fd0-9b71-1f5cd42e9757.html
Tires, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the sensor was reset; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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.
Engine, Dec 16, 2022, fire
Vehicle caught fire while putting car in reverse. Car exploded from engine, no check engine light. I could have died, the fire almost burned down a building. The fire department was called and the front of the car was melted. My arm was injured and I had to get a new cast for my broken wrist. Car was towed by city officials as a hazard.
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
Visibility/wiper, Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the windshield wipers independently activated without any waring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer stated that no failure was found; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 20,000.
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.
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
Power train, Nov 3, 2022
2019 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CONSUMER IS ALSO SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE ON VEHICLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 21, 2022
I AM A AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN AT AVIS BUDGET. I ORDERED A NEW FUEL TANK FOR THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR CAR. I GOT TOLD BY THE DEALER , TO INSTALL THE NEW TANK "WITHOUT HEATSHIELD" WHERE THE EXHAUST WRAPPES AROUND THE PLASTIC TANK. THE VIN I REPORTED=WE SEND TO THE DEALER FOR SAME REPAIR. I TOOK PICTURE, SEALER DID NOT INSTALL "A HEATSHIELD" TO PROTECT TANK FROM EXHAUST HEAT. ON A 2021 MODEL "VW IS USING THIS NEW TANK" BUT WITH HEATSHIELD." I AM FORCED NOW, TO INSTALL THE NEW TANK WITHOUT HEATSHIELD ! I DONT WANT TO BE RESPOSIBLE, IF THE CAR KILLS SOMEONE. SAME DEALER PERFORMED PRIOR REPAIRS, WHERE ONE CAR COUGHT FIRE, BECAUSE DEALER DID NOT INSTALL A HEAT WRAPP ON A REPLACED OIL CONTROL FLOW VALVE, IN BACK OF ENGINE. PLEASE ADVISE !!!
Power train, Oct 14, 2022
I have had to replace two manual transmission clutches. The first was at 19,261 miles. The second was at 50,358 miles. Both times the engine excessively revved up while driving without shifting and there was a putrid and foul smell of burning rubber along with smoke. VW repair shop isn't taking ownership of a defective transmission, defective clutch, or defective material. I had to have the vehicle towed both times because the vehicle was not safe to drive.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 3, 2022
As I was driving, all gauges went black. The vehicle continued to run until I came to a complete stop then the engine stopped. It would start for a few minutes. When it did it would shut down when I put it in gear. After letting it cool down, it started and I was able to get home. It still happens. Sometimes the lights will work when it happens other time they won't. I got it diagnosed and the could find any thing wrong. The check starter system warning comes on as well as ignition switch warning. It seems to happen during hot days.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2022
When going fast real quick the car start to smell like something is burning. My right light isn’t working right
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2022
While driving yesterday afternoon, the electrical system shut down thrice. Everytime i had to restart the car. When it shuts off it pops up a notification that says “Please check the starter system”. Reddit has many complaints regarding the 2019 Jetta Shutoff problem while driving. https://www.reddit.com/r/jetta/comments/p5pmti/2019_jetta_shut_off_while_driving/
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal, with the ignition switch warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the gear shifter would intermittently fail to move out of park(P) and the windows would fail to operate as needed. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Seat belts, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact while driving at 40 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would not accelerate. After a couple of minutes, the vehicle eventually responded and increased in speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was not able to be determined. On a separate occasion, the contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, a sudden stop was made, and the front passenger seatbelt failed to retract and secure the passenger in their seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the seat belt failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2022
On my recent drive on the 2019 Jetta, I was traveling at a speed of 10-15 miles when all of a sudden the dashboard went blank, including the turn signals, side, and front warning indicators. Though the car continued to be in motion, it was very disturbing to drive without visibility to the dashboard. I had to stop the car in a strip mall and then restart the car at which point the dashboard came on again. This was the second time this happened while the car was in operation. Let me know if other car owners have reported similar issues. I think this is a big Safety issue and will get drivers into accidents.
Air bags, Jul 22, 2022, crash
I was in a collision in my 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Upon impact the airbags deployed, however the airbag that deployed from the steering wheel gave me a severe laceration/burn on my forearm in the shape of the Volkswagen emblem. This is problematic, as the function of airbags is to keep you safe, not to provide additional injury.
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, Engine, Jun 26, 2022
Had a 2019 Jetta 1.4 Turbo and kept hearing the same grinding noise over and over that everyone says. I couldn’t determine if it was coming from the transmission or torque converter or something else. I took it to the VW dealership twice and both times they claimed they couldn’t hear anything and kept my car all day long without calling me or anything. They also said it was normal. I know quite a bit about cars and that’s not normal. It’s kinda like the dealership didn’t want to help. They kept saying it’s still under warranty, so we are documenting it. Ok, I get that, but that’s not helping me at all. They are not worried about it because it’s not their car. Got to the point I finally got fed up with it and sold it. I traded a perfectly good car in to have a newer one only to have problems. It’s gone now of course, but I will never get my other perfectly good car back. Not pleased with Volkswagen and will never buy another one.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2022
Car misreads gas, such as I can be driving and the gas meter will continue to rise. This will happen if/when the car is turned off for various periods of time. On occasion it might correct itself. Usually is will jump drastically. For example, my average is 440 per gallon. If I drive around town, it might go up to 550 in that drive. I can park, turn off, and restart, and the gas mileage might be the same or it might lower. During one drive it will jump from 550 to 320, or whatever.