2019 Volkswagen Jetta
The Verdict
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has 536 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (165 complaints) and transmission (127 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 23/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Jetta, consider the 2025 model year which has 96% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 96% fewer complaints
View the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta dashboard →
Klunk Score: Check Engine
More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 10
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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, ...
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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, 2...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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. ...
Risk
Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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'...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 ...
Risk
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 cust...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the wrong air bag may not work correctly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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 s...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 ...
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 1-800-893-5...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 prema...
Risk
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.
Remedy
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...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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, reducin...
Risk
A reduction in the driver's visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 1-800-89...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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 t...
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 1-800-893-52...
Reported Jun 9, 2023
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 ca...
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 c...
Reported Nov 12, 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 frac...
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 1-800-893-52...
Reported Jun 3, 2019
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 138 | 34 | 107 | 151 | 32 |
| 2001 | 161 | 65 | 253 | 146 | 56 |
| 2002 | 178 | 44 | 264 | 131 | 94 |
| 2003 | 144 | 20 | 173 | 74 | 51 |
| 2004 | 55 | 10 | 58 | 79 | 31 |
| 2005 | 29 | 11 | 56 | 79 | 73 |
| 2006 | 80 | 27 | 150 | 105 | 216 |
| 2007 | 35 | 42 | 64 | 32 | 28 |
| 2008 | 36 | 21 | 57 | 30 | 45 |
| 2009 | 82 | 203 | 98 | 413 | 107 |
| 2010 | 97 | 57 | 222 | 422 | 77 |
| 2011 | 125 | 26 | 205 | 249 | 33 |
| 2012 | 144 | 33 | 145 | 159 | 33 |
| 2013 | 123 | 15 | 125 | 145 | 104 |
| 2014 | 76 | 15 | 99 | 138 | 52 |
| 2015 | 59 | 15 | 47 | 55 | 17 |
| 2016 | 30 | 18 | 32 | 69 | 11 |
| 2017 | 37 | 12 | 38 | 61 | 10 |
| 2018 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
| 2019 | 109 | 20 | 115 | 165 | 127 |
| 2020 | 16 | 4 | 10 | 17 | 4 |
| 2021 | 17 | 22 | 11 | 13 | 2 |
| 2022 | 11 | 11 | 6 | 13 | 0 |
| 2023 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 1 |
| 2024 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 12 | 2 |
| 2025 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Compare Against
See how the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
DRIVING ON WESTLAKE DRIVE IN WIMAUMA FL PREPARING TO TURN LEFT TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PUT FOOT ON CLUTCH PUT CAR IN 2ND GEAR WITH FOOT ABOVE BRAKE TO MASH DOWN, PCOULD WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN HIT ELECTRIC POLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAR WAS IN SHOP PRIOR TO ACCIDDENT AT BOB BOAST VOLKSWAGEN IN BRADENTON FL.
The electrical system went out while I was driving and gave me the error ""Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle". I was able to pull over without an incident and it has not come up again since I've turned the vehicle back on, but I am concerned about this happening again and further impacting the safety of myself and other if it were to impact other systems. This seems to be a common problem with the 2019 Jetta and was a recall for many vehicles but for some reason my vehicle was not included in the recall and my dealership does not want to cover the cost.
There was an intersection, I hit a car head on and no airbags went off
The vehicle is a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta (VIN [XXX]). The primary malfunction appears to involve the vehicle's electrical and starting system. The vehicle intermittently displays a "Starter System Faulty" warning message and has shut off unexpectedly while driving, particularly during periods of hot weather. The exact failed component has not been definitively identified, but the symptoms are consistent with an ignition switch or electrical system defect. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle can lose power and stall while in motion. The unexpected shutdown places the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk of a crash, especially when driving at higher speeds or in traffic. The problem has occurred multiple times and has persisted despite repair attempts. More than $1,000 has been spent on repairs related to this issue, but the problem has not been resolved. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by service technicians; however, the underlying cause has not been successfully corrected. The vehicle has not been involved in a crash as a result of the defect, but the recurring stalling and loss of power present an ongoing safety concern. Volkswagen has been contacted regarding the issue, but assistance has not resolved the problem. Prior to the vehicle shutting off, warning messages including "Starter System Faulty" appeared on the dashboard. The issue is more likely to occur during hot weather conditions. These warning messages began appearing before the stalling events and continue to occur despite repair efforts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased a set of 4 Kumho tires on my vehicle on 9-24-24 when the vehicle had approximately 62,710 miles. On [XXX] with approximately 78,922 miles on the vehicle, I was informed that all the tires were cracked, they showed me in between the tread and they said they needed replacement. The tires had significantly less mileage than the advertised treadwear warranty. I maintained the vehicle according to manufacturer recommendations and had regular tire rotations and inspections performed. I am concerned that the tires experienced premature wear, which could affect vehicle safety and require replacement much sooner than expected. I contacted the tire manufacturer regarding the warranty, but my concerns have not been satisfactorily resolved-to date I have not heard from them, I emailed them on. 6-1-26 as well as the Volkswagen dealership in North Attleboro were the work was done. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the tire wear may indicate a product defect or issue affecting consumers. Tire size 205/60/R 16/92H They were the Solus TA – 31 tire I have original receipts if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When the outside temperature is hot the car starts and within a minute or two gives a ‘start system faulty’ warning and the dash and all electronics shut off. The engine continues to run for a period before also shutting down. This happened a number of time and seems to be a known issue with Jetta’s but mine isn’t part of the recall. Totally unsafe.
I have had my vehicle for 2 years. Every summer or when temperatures are high, my car shuts off while driving. I get the “starter system faulty. Please service vehicle” message on the dashboard. I’ve called VW about the previous recall and they’ve said my vehicle is not car of it. I have a traditional key and these issues have happened more than a handful of times especially recently where I’ll drive and my car shuts off completely.
I've had a creaking noise in my back suspension since I bought the vehicle. Took it back to the dealership for inspection year after year and they said that my Springs were fine and they were not included in the recall. I come to find out that back coil springs or fractured and I've been driving on them for a while now because I guess everyone that has inspected my car has missed it at the dealership? My VIN number was not included in the recall for these coil springs but I have fractured Springs at 50,000 miles? Something doesn't seem right. Somebody missed something on the assembly line or with my VIN number according to this recall. This is a safety issue. And I've been driving down the highway with this crack fractured coil springs without even knowing. And the dealership keeps saying it's fine. VW just completely dismisses me because I wasn't included in a recall. I don't think this is right and it's a safety issue and they need to extend a recall to other VIN numbers for 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. I was always told everything is fine. But it's not.
While driving in hot environments the entire electrical interface would turn off. Some times the engine would stall as well. Nothing electrical works in the car and the motor would cut off while driving.
Steering column lock went out while driving causing the steering to be lose and as soon as vehicle stopped it shut off and wouldn’t restart.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after driving and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body, the wiring harness, and all fluids needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after driving 5 miles, the vehicle started jerking and the message "Transmission Error - Please Pull Over Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer, where the contact was informed that the seal was installed incorrectly, and the seal and the valve needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred the same day. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Error Start/Stop" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was exposed to high-temperatures, the instrument panel failed to function properly, rendering the speedometer and turn signals inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
During high temperatures, the electronics in my car will shut off after a few minutes of driving. I will receive 2 possible messages on the display. Sometimes it says, “Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle,” or “Starter system faulty, please service vehicle.”
It will not take fuel. I try very slowly to put fuel in it and it keeps shutting off at the pump. I took it to the VW Dealership and they said it was a stuck valve in the tank. That I would need a new gas tank and wanted to charge me $2000 to fix it. I took it to another place and they said it was a venting problem. They put a camera down in the tank and pushed the stick valve open and it wasn’t stuck as much as it had pressure built up in the tank from not getting holding the valve shut. I’m not sure what to do. I don’t know if it’s a stuck valve or a venting problem.
While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The engine lost power and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then displayed a malfunction related to the transmission, with the park (“P”) indicator blinking, and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The failure appears to be related to an electrical or ignition system issue, possibly the ignition switch. This created a significant safety risk as the vehicle lost power while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. Prior to the failure, the only warning observed was a check engine light. No other warning messages were present before the incident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic/contractor. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This issue appears consistent with known ignition switch/electrical failures reported in similar vehicles
The vehicle is sluggish while driving as if trying to pick up speed as if it is not shifting into the next gear. The other day while making a hard left turn, the vehicle stalled and when picking up speed continued to stall and struggled to gain power. When looking under the hood when it was safe to stop, there was smoke. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud explosion, and the sunroof exploded. There was no impact that would have caused the sunroof to shatter. The contact sustained ear injuries, and medical attention was needed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was inspected. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
I was driving when I heard a loud "bang" over my head. I was terrified and swerved because I was startled. This put me at risk of hitting a vehicle in the lane next to me and injuring myself or others. There were no warning lights or anything to indicate what happened and no cars within 100 feet of me in the front. When I got to my destination I looked to find any visible damage to my car but nothing seemed to stick out at first. Eventually I saw spidering of the glass panel between my factory windshield and sunroof without any point of impact. I took my vehicle to the dealer and they inspected it and tried to gaslight me that it was from impact. There is no impact point. There is separation/lifting of the panel at the seems. I was told they would not replace it since their corporate stated that the claim was "denied since it was due to impact" based off of some dealer photos that were submitted for their review. When I spoke to the service person on the phone he indicated he had heard of this happening before but when I was in person the manager tried to gaslight me that it was due to impact and not spontaneous even though there are tons of documented cases of this happening.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the sunroof glass panel had shattered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure was not identified, and the vehicle was left for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,888.
VIN: [XXX] Previous Report: XXX.. This a report of a continuing problem with my vehicle. The engine randomly shuts down endangering both myself and my passengers who are often my [XXX] and [XXX] grandchildren . No warning lamps. the car both stumbles and stops while driving and at stop signs and traffic lights. I repeatedly have taken it to my dealer (Elgin IL VW) they have been unable to determine the fault and fix it. This has been going on since June 2026 and progressively worsened. The most recent incident was on the afternoon of 19 June 2026. The “fixes’ so far have included bith replacing the fuel taknk fuel pump and today a part of the fuel feed system. It’s still at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
536 total