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, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds or slowing for traffic signals at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle would jolt as the transmission automatically downshifted. The contact stated that the vehicle would also jolt into gear and hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate. The contact stated that the transmission in emergency mode warning light recently illuminated during a transmission hard shift failure. The contact stated that almost one year ago the check engine warning light illuminated while the transmission was shifting roughly. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure and the jolting of the transmission while shifting, with the vehicle shaking abnormally. The contact had taken the vehicle to an auto parts vendor who ran a diagnostic test and retrieved the following codes: P0562 (Power Train - System Voltage Low); P0733 (Gear 3 Incorrect Ration); P072B00 (Stuck In Reverse). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
Car shut off while turning left. Display says check starting system. Car restarted
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 27, 2023
On hot days in the summer, when I start driving the car, a notice that states “systems start failure” appears. The air conditioning turns off. The speedometer turns off. The brake lights don’t work, and the turn signals do not work. The car still drives, but due to the brake lights turning off and turn signals not working, I believe this poses a safety risk to myself and others. I believe this to be an ignition switch problem, as many others have stated online that getting a replacement for the ignition switch has solved the problem. The problem has been reproduced by a service center. The problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 27, 2023
My VW Jetta 2019 car just stopped twice with “Check Starter System” error and failed to turn on right in the middle of the road which might have lead to some serious accident. Once on a light the steering and brakes both got locked and all the electrics (dash, radio etc) shut off and so had to somehow safely get on the side of the road and had to use the handbrake abruptly to stop the car which was a difficult situation. Tried turning on the engine again but it kept on giving me “CHECK IGNITION” switch and “STARTER SYSTEM” errors and all the electrical parts turned off including the engine. It could have been a fatal accident and calls for serious service negligence on VW part. I see so many complaints in different forums for the same ignition switch and electrical failure on 2019 VW Jetta models but never a recall from VW to fix the issue. That’s a big lapse in safety issue and Volkswagen should be sued for neglecting such life threatening damages which might lead to severe consequences like a fatal accident if car stops with no proper warning beforehand.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 26, 2023
While driving the Please “check starter system” error and “ignition switch error” popped up and the dashboard died , AC died, no brake lights, no speedometer but the car kept running. There is no check engine light. I live in Texas where temperature is 105+ which could be the reason. This only happens if my car is sitting in the sun for hours, verses me driving it in the morning and then throughout the day. This is dangerous because I was on a busy highway, and should be a recall.
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2023
The ignition switch for my 2019 Jetta randomly went out, while driving the vehicle in the middle of summer, temperature on dash read 111, I'm assuming this caused the ac and radio to go out, as well as the speedometer and other tracking system's 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 Jetta's and at this point the ignition switch failure should be treated as a recall.
Exterior lighting, Jul 25, 2023
Passenger side daytime running light LED has gone dim. This reduces the visibility of the vehicle in daytime conditions. The dealer has confirmed that the light is bad but the manufacturer says since there is no active recall for it, it is not covered.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 24, 2023
My car started fine, but turned off in the middle of my drive. I live in Las Vegas, NV so the extreme heat and a faulty car is very dangerous. There has been many issues with the ignition switch on the 2019 Jettas. Unfortunately the switch is on backorder.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 17, 2023
Ignition system (available for inspection upon request) malfunctioned, which disallowed the engine from starting. After multiple attempts, the engine started and I was able to drive and indicate turns, but there was no dashboard display such as speed, gas level, etc. Since the first incident, this has happened 3 times. At one point while driving with no screen display, I forgot to turn off the option for the engine to stop when the car has come to a complete stop. When I stopped at a light, the engine stopped and I was unable to get it to start again for several minutes, causing me to block traffic. There was no warning prior to the failure, just beeping and a screen notification while it was failing. The problem has not been replicated/confirmed, and the vehicle has not been inspected since the issue began to happen. Each time this failure happens, it is during a hot day after the car has been parked in direct sunlight.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jul 17, 2023
Hot day (~107f), car started fine but after a mile of driving ALL ELECTRICAL systems appeared to STOP with the following error: "Starter System Faulty. Please Service Vehicle." The engine kept going, and the car was driven home (with no signals, speedo, air conditioning, lights etc.) If this had happened in a more demanding situation (e.g. weather, night or traffic) there could have been an accident. There are numerous threads online about this happening to 2019 Jettas in hot weather, and the ignition switch being blamed. I recreated the issue in the heat of the day, but the car worked fine later on when the day cooled down.
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Jul 14, 2023
As I was driving the vehicle the car just randomly shut off. It turned off the air conditioning and wiper blades as it was raining. It said to check starter system or ignition system or something like that. I recently had the software update recall done at the dealer also had a new battery installed by the dealer between two days. Also said something about checking the key battery. It has happened on two separate occasions this week alone.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 13, 2023
Left my work parking lot and my jetta said there was an ignition problem and “starter system failure”. Then all electronics systems went dark but the engine kept running, until I came to a stoplight and stopped. I pulled over and turned it off. Then restarted. This is VERY DANGEROUS
Power train, Jul 12, 2023
Vehicle at 40,000 miles needs a clutch repair. I have owned a standard vehicle my whole life and never had this issue. Looking online there are tons of reports of others having the same issue and Volkswagen not saying there is an issue.
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
Power train, Structure, Engine, Jul 12, 2023
Jan 2023-check engine light for oil came on-just had oil change November 21, 2022 and only went 3000 miles. No oil in engine so it was topped off at a local Volkswagon Satellite and inspected for leaks no leaks found. Mid Feb 2023 had to put 2 quarts oil in car and high pitch noise/humming coming from car when driving. Mar 2023 went to VW dealership and explained noise and oil. They said noise was bad wheel bearings and it was ok to drive until backorder came in to replace. Was told the oil consumption is normal for VW despite us telling them it’s not normal consumption and they told us to read the owners manual. They couldn’t find leak, they topped it off and sent us on our way. April,May 2023 humming noise louder and a creaky, clanking, cricket chirp noise began and gear shifting became delayed. Made an appoint with VW dealership for June 2023 for wheel bearings to be replaced and told them about oil (we had to put 2 quarts in June)and new noise, and shifting. Wheel bearings are replaced, noise continued and they replaced front axle, different noise continued and now they are replacing transmission. They said they were going to prep car for oil consumption test but DO NOT have my car back from the shop to drive it to determine the cause. Called sales to get quote on extended warranty as mine is about to expire in about 8000 miles. I was “told it is not an inexpensive car to warranty and was quoted $5749.00 for a 4 yr 60k warranty (it’s in an email I have) My worry is “what else is going to break or even possibly hurt or kill my daughter”. This was her graduation present to get her through college and on her feet with a job. She attended undergrad out of state and now attending her graduate school out of state. 97% of her miles 62-64k are highway miles. She has kept up with all service requirements for her vehicle and has never been in an accident (carfax). All her records are in her car and can upload once we get her car back. Car is at Sheehey VW
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2023
My 19 year old was driving down the road and all electrical systems in the car shut in the car and told her to check starter system.
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2023
Car turns off with a message relaying on the screen “please check starter system”
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 2, 2023
A minute after starting my car sitting in a hot parking lot, the entire car and engine shut off. A message popped up saying “please check starter system”. I looked this up and seems to be an extremely common issues with 2019 Jettas, and everyone has had issues with getting it fixed. Mechanics have said there’s “no issue” with the car because it won’t shut off every time. Some even had their cars shut off on the highway. My car has about 25,000 miles and is in great shape. I’m terrified to drive it for safety reasons, and I don’t have money to take it in anywhere. I’m so disappointed there has not been a recall on this common, extremely dangerous issue. There were no prior warning lights or signs.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 2, 2023
When interior gets hot, check starter system message displays and all gauges, air conditioning system, infotainment system and all associated systems become inoperable. This becomes especially dangerous as it will happen while driving.