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. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 1, 2023

    The purge valve and hose assembly for the EVAP system has failed and is leaking gas fumes into the cabin.

  2. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2023

    The recall was in August 2023. I was told the part was not in yet. I recently tried again. Still no part in and it’s going on November 2023. I have gotten the run around, my calls go unanswered, no one available to talk to. No one knows what’s going on with this recall from the dealer service supervisor to VW recall to VW customer service.

  3. Electrical system, Oct 23, 2023

    Both times the shut down occurred it was over 80 degrees in the car at least. At least a week ago and then yesterday October 22nd. The car would start like normal but a few seconds later it would say "Please check the starter system" and then all the electricals would go out no ac, nothing on the dash, all the speedometers down to 0, but the car would still be running. But if you were to cut the car off you would just get the starter system message and it wont turn back on. The first time I took it to a mechanic and they couldn't find anything wrong, the next day I took it to VW and they also couldn't find anything in their inspection. I see the recall #23v604 and it sounds pretty similar to what's happening.

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Oct 23, 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds the main computer screen displayed a warning advising the driver to pull to the side of the road due to the vehicle ready seize. The message also stated, "Check the starter". The main computer screen went completely black, and the vehicle stalled as a follow up. The vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle would start but cut off almost immediately. The vehicle started after approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who was unable to find the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to find the cause as well. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  5. Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2023

    Unknown, there has been no remedy for this recall for more than a month

  6. Electrical system, Oct 6, 2023

    The open recall on my vehicle regarding the ignition switch and polyfuse presents a serious safety risk to me and others on the road. The potential for engine stalling and electrical system failure creates a dangerous situation that could lead to accidents and injuries. Therefore, addressing this recall promptly and having the necessary repairs or replacements done is crucial to ensuring the safety of all road users.

  7. Structure, Oct 3, 2023

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the upper left corners on both the driver and passenger side doors of the vehicle would bend outward upon opening the doors. While the contact's husband was stepping down from a curb to enter the passenger side of the vehicle, the door's sharp corner pierced his husband's right eye. The contact was taken to the hospital where he sought medical treatment for the injury. Since the injury, the contact's husband continued to seek treatment from an eye specialist and stated that the injury had left him legally blind. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

  8. Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 26, 2023

    My 2019 VW Jetta runs well, but recently there are two safety incidents cause my deep safety concerns. 1)9/20/2023 around 12:15 pm, I parked my VW Jetta in front of Wells Fargo. When I put shifter in reverse, tried to backwards out of the parking lot, suddenly the car lost control and kept rolling forward, there was a deep ditch in front of my car, but the car kept rolling forward. I was very scared. I drove the Jetta to nearby VW Princeton and asked a technician to check the Jetta and find out the system defects, but the technician scanned the Jetta and couldn't find any problems, then suggested to schedule an in depth diagnostics into the Jetta to address my incident. 2) 9/26/2023, around 9:00 pm, I was entering a gate, entered the code, suddenly my car couldn't go forward or backwards, the engine stopped working, the car screen then showed: "Please manually start the engine." After I turn off and then turn back the key again, the engine started. I have texted the Service Advisor at VW Princeton about the new insident today. I would like to report the above two incidents to NHTSA for investigation. Thank you!

  9. Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2023

    On hot days, has happened multiple times. At parking lot, car did not turn on first two attempts, finally when on, then electrical shuts off. Starter system faulty message service vehicle. Stuck key in and out, several attempts: Got car to turn on. Moved it to shade as electrical shut off. Once cooled turn back on. Other instance, while driving on highway the dasboard, gauges, electronics info system shut off. AC and Engine remained on. No turn signals availability. Happened during day time; I assume brake lights not working either. Pulled over, called dealer, said it's safety feature Temp Sensor when its hot outside car will shut off. Issue for months now. Prior to this P Position message yellow triangle exclamation point. Shifter moved bach and forth along with turning key ignition several time ( cooler weather period). May or may not be related. Service engine soon pops up. The Car always has oil changes, antifreeze, and filters up to date. Car has new battery. Alternator is working properly. No indication its the starter. Still having issue. I had car towed to VW dealership as I read about recall. Misunderstanding, they will not work on it as recall is not active. Key Ignition Switch: no solution status. I had car towed because the associate at VW stated it would be worked on and recall set for October 2023 to be honored. The solution is not to have car remain in shade, or wait for recall to be active. VW must be awareof issue: temp senor, ignition key switch/system and possible shifter. Not safe to at all. Cars can hit you during this event with no brakes, sometimes shuuting off or be left stranded.

  10. 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

  11. Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2023

    Unknown

  12. Electrical system, Sep 7, 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds the instrument panel displayed the message "Stop Vehicle”. The contact had approximately 2 minutes to turn off and restart the vehicle before all electrical functions failed, causing the vehicle to stall. If the contact was unable to restart the vehicle in a timely manner, the vehicle had to be towed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who determined that the ignition switch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  13. Electrical system, Engine, Sep 6, 2023

    Starter Ignition failed on my screen as a turned on a street with oncoming traffic. Car shut down and engine stayed on. Has been happening when my car is sitting in the heat.Going to the dealership to get it diagnostic tomorrow.

  14. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 6, 2023

    Only on days where I leave my car in the direct heat under the sun for a few hours I go to get in and start and it starts up at first and then the dashboard displays "check starter system" soon after all the electrical work in the car shuts down and doesn't turn on again until the car cools down or when the sun goes down. I live in phoenix where it's hot everyday so this issue is happening frequently with my vehicle.

  15. Tires, Sep 5, 2023

    205/60 R 16 I was driving on the Loop 101 South in Scottsdale, Arizona going highway speeds when I heard my passenger side rear tire explode. There were no preceding warning lights or tire pressure warnings before it happened. I pulled over and say that the sidewall blew out on both sides. There were no puncture marks on the tire that would have caused the blowout except for the sidewall failing.

  16. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 5, 2023

    While driving car ignition shuts off. Gas and breaks still work, but no lights, no speedometer, nothing else, ignition completely off. Has happened on 5 different occasions on days the temperature is 90 degrees. Volkswagen dealership aren't able to fix it.

  17. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 5, 2023

    Car stalled out while driving, restarted, car said, "check starter system". Restarted again, engine stayed running, no lights at all (brake, headlight or tail light), however the hazards still seemed to work.

  18. Electrical system, Aug 21, 2023

    Ignition gets very hot, when I put the key in the ignition, it also gets very hot, car will run for a minute or so and then lose power. The car shut off could be very dangerous if going down the road. Warning to check starter system came on.

  19. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Lane departure, Aug 16, 2023

    When the vehicle gets hot, above 85 degrees Fahrenheit the electric system including, speedometer and other internal lighting as well brake lights and turn signals completely stop functioning. Windows and locking system is also affected. The engine remains on. But if the car is turned off, it will not turn back on.

  20. Electrical system, Aug 15, 2023

    While driving the 5 miles to the store, we got half way there and an error stating "check starter system" and to find a safe place to pull over. The cars engine remained running, allowing us to get to a grocery store parking lot, but all other mechanical instruments died. Screen backed out. Not able to see speed, non use of signal or break lights. After sitting in the parking lot for a few minutes, we tried starting the car up again. It started back up with no issues. We decided to try driving it back home to see if happened again. After about 2 miles of driving, the same error and screen black out happened again. We were able to safely get home, taking back roads to avoid traffic. Extremely unsafe to not have working tail/break lights or even a speedometer. Since my mechanic was already closed for the day, we looked online to see if we could troubleshoot. Finding this is a known issue and many people arrive reporting heat seems to trigger the issue. It was 103 out yesterday. This is my teen son's first car. We have only had it a couple months and this is the first time this had happened. It's also the first time it's been THIS hot (if that is in fact a factor to this issue), since having the car. I can't believe how many complaints there are for this same exact issue, yet VW is not recalling this. This is a huge safety concern. Very disappointing that my kid saved his money for this car and now it is going to have to sit parked, till we can get it addressed, because I will not allow a new driver to be in this vehicle. Dangerous!!

  21. 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

  22. Suspension, Electrical system, Lane departure, Aug 8, 2023

    The vehicles infotainment or screen often malfunctions creating hazardous conditions. The monitor that is the only way to access certain vehicle setting and systems, intermittently shuts off completely, changes screens or settings, disconnects from cell phone or distorts audio and changes audio volume to inappropriate levels. The suspension during weather changes makes loud creaking noises and during cold months has choppy suspension that makes it difficult to see when going over imprefections or bumps, and during warm months is unreasonably bouncy creating the same issue. The blind spot monitoring seems to not detect a vehicle while it is actually in the blind spot and doesn’t produce the warning light or noise. The blind spot monitoring only detects the other vehicle once it is out of the blind spot and visible from the driver’s peripheral and continues to display until they have fully passed. It’s ridiculous this model year wasn’t fully recalled due to its extensive issues that affect almost all dimensions of the 2019 VW Jetta’s basic functionality, safety, and performance.

  23. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 8, 2023

    When the 8-speed automatic transmission attempts to shift from 3rd to 4th gear it will slip into neutral causing the engine to redline at maximum RPM. The accelerator pedal does not function and poses a serious safety issue. The vehicle will unexpectedly stall when the auto start stop is used and intermittently requires you to shift into park and restart the engine. The transmission also has difficulty shifting into reverse and puts the vehicle in neutral until it slams into gear.

  24. 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)

  25. Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2023

    Door lock actuator is breaking and it’s a hit or miss on locking the door.