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

549 reports, newest first.

  1. Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2024

    refueling problems - early stopping of gas station fuel nozzles - then the fuel would spillback on me during the refueling at the gas station 4/10/2023 - early stopping of gas station fuel nozzles - remove and replace leak detection pump - evaporative emissions system and leak detection pump 7/27/2023 - continued early stopping then fuel spillback (very dangerous situation) during refueling - remove and replace gas tank - problems have not returned

  2. Power train, Feb 22, 2024

    My son, [XXX] , bought a 2019 Jetta on [XXX] from Westside VW in St. Louis Park, MN. It was marked as a Certified vehicle. On [XXX] the clutch started slipping. Later that day it gave out completely, and had to be towed to Westside. After service looked, they said that the clutch was burned out, and that this is a “wear and tear” item like tires so that he was on the hook for the entire cost of repairs, $3,433.16. When we pushed harder, they indicated that the clutch had actually been replaced just before [XXX] bought the car, when it had 43,111 miles. It failed at 52,829 miles. He has been driving manual transmission vehicles for around 15 years. I first handed down a 2000 Passat 5-speed that I bought new, and he drove that until it fell apart with around 150,000 miles and the original transmission. Later he bought a 2015 Toyota Corolla with a manual transmission, and drove that for over 80,000 miles until it was totaled in 2023. The point is that he is an experienced driver of manual transmissions. Westside claimed that he caused the clutch to wear out in less than six months and 9,718 miles. Clearly there is a problem with the vehicle if it needs two completely-new clutches in that period of time and low mileage. We are very disappointed and dissatisfied with both Volkswagen quality and Westside VW for not standing by their product. [XXX] is terrified that, despite his most cautious driving, the clutch will again fail in six months or so. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  3. Electrical system, Feb 5, 2024

    Starter system faulty message. Car shuts off when it gets warm. Shut down while driving on interstate.

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Feb 1, 2024

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 30–40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The instrument cluster was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

  5. Electrical system, Jan 23, 2024

    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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  6. Electrical system, Engine, Jan 22, 2024

    when getting into the car the ignition switch failed to start 8 times. This happens every time I enter the vehicle where I live which is a cold climate. The recall is suspected only to affect the car in hotter climates but my car has been affected in the cold. It stalled while I was driving as well and I was able to turn the car back on. On the screen, it said failed transmission. This recall has been mailed to me 5 months ago and is still not yet fixed. I have been paying for my car on time monthly and am struggling to drive my car to the ignition switch failing. The car stalling did not hurt me and luckily no one was behind me. volkswagen has recognized the issue and sent out a recall in the mail but It's taking so long to fix and was not supposed to stall like this. the warning light was that there was failed transmission. my car has been inspected by Fitzgerald and they are unable to do anything about it because there is no remedy for the issue at the moment.

  7. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2024

    Manufacture hasn’t come up with repairs my car turns off complete while driving. I haven’t been able to drive it because I’m scared of being or cause an accident please help

  8. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2024

    There has been a recall out on my vehicle for the past 6 months. Previous to this recall being announced by Volkswagen I had issues with my vehicle starting, the dealership determined it was the ignition switch and replaced it out of my pocket. Since this recall being out I have noticed the same issue starting to come back. I have been in person to my local dealership and spoken to many managers as well as waited HOURS trying to contact VW Corporate. I have exhausted all ends and ultimately VW has put me into a position where my vehicle is no a reliable car to drive on day to day life having responsibilities. They have stated that I can have the current issue fixed (the recall) but it will be replaced with the same part and come out of my pocket as well as saying that I will run into this issue again until VW Corporate has come out with a solution and so far it has taken 6 months. I have waited patiently, as we all know, as time goes on the issue is progressing. My local dealership keeps trying to get me to trade in my vehicle but I should not have to take more money out of my pocket when this is a RECALL to begin with.

  9. Electrical system, Jan 12, 2024

    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 not yet available. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  10. Electrical system, Jan 8, 2024

    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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  11. Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2023

    I had been having issues with car turning off while I was driving, at times leaving me stuck at a red light or stop sign. I’d get a warning on my car that said “Please check the starter system”. At times, my car wouldn’t start at all. This issue had been happening since around March 2023 and it’s the end of July 2023, my car stopped turning on completely. I have not been able to use my car. A recall was issued for the problems I had been having in September 2023. I haven’t been able to use my car in almost 6 months

  12. Seat belts, Dec 28, 2023

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the front driver’s and front passenger’s side seat belts failed to remain buckled while driving with the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was not covered under warranty or recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.

  13. Electrical system, Dec 20, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  14. Electrical system, Engine, Dec 15, 2023

    Whenever the outside temperature reached 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, all computer systems and electrical functions would shut off. If I was driving at the time, the engine would continue to run, but I wouldn't be able to use even the most basic functions -- blinkers, hazard lights, radio, air conditioning -- and all the gauges on the dashboard -- speedometer, gas gauge, etc. -- would stop working, creating a dangerous driving experience. If the car was already parked, or I came to a stop, the ignition would flutter and then shut off as soon as it was put into gear. And only start working again after the car had cooled down, oftentimes by having to dump cold water on the vehicle, or by parking it in the shade for an extended period of time.

  15. Visibility/wiper, Nov 20, 2023

    I was driving the vehicle late at night, absolutely no traffic in the area. I love in South Dakota so it was cold. I turned on the rear defrost and after only a minute of having it on, the entire back windshield burst out of the car. No rocks, no traffic no people. There was a loud bang and the entire window blew out of the vehicle

  16. Engine, Nov 17, 2023

    I have already submitted a complaint but today I am submitting another one because I see the vw 2019 jetta recall for ignition switch does not yet have a remedy and today I experienced my engine stalled and the engine light is currently on. This recall increases the risk of crashing which can cause harm and poses a threat to overall safety. A solution needs to be made as I have work and school and overall errands and now am worried about driving a vehicle with a life threatening recall

  17. Electrical system, Nov 9, 2023

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The low battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 18,000.

  18. Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 9, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and she became aware that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred the following day. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the "front assist systems" needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred with several unknown warning lights illuminated; however, the contact was able to stop the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was driven back to the same dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the tire pressure warning light becoming illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined the driver’s and passenger’s side front lower control arms were defective. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  19. Electrical system, Nov 8, 2023

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle, after which an error start and stop message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  20. Electrical system, Nov 6, 2023

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel independently powered off and the engine was still running. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the ignition system failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.

  21. Electrical system, Nov 6, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  22. Electrical system, Engine, Nov 6, 2023

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed and stalled. The voltage 1200 message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who tested the battery and informed the contact that the battery failed to register. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the battery was replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 88,822.

  23. Electrical system, Nov 3, 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  24. Engine, Nov 2, 2023

    Starter System Faulty light came on. I believe there's an issue with the VW Jetta's starter system and A/C actuator.

  25. Electrical system, Nov 1, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.