VehicleVerdict

2019 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 782 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Jetta year — the 2019 model ranks #7 of 47 Jetta years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 60 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (161), electrical system (156), and engine (146), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

782

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

2

Investigations

41

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

60

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Jetta years?

See all Jetta years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission16121%
Electrical System15620%
Engine14619%
Other9312%
Brakes304%
Fuel System294%
Lighting263%
Visibility & Wipers233%
Body & Structure223%
Driver Assistance213%
Airbags162%
Speed Control162%
Suspension132%
Steering122%
Tires & Wheels91%
Seat Belts61%
Seats20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V110000Fuel SystemFebruary 14, 2024 · 261,257 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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, 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.

23V619000Electrical SystemSeptember 6, 2023 · 8 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90W7.

23V604000Electrical SystemAugust 30, 2023 · 62,538 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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's number for this recall is 28H7.

22V815000Tires & WheelsOctober 31, 2022 · 296,044 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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 Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

19V879000Tires & WheelsDecember 11, 2019 · 8 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 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.

19V679000OtherSeptember 25, 2019 · 113 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

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.

19V188000SuspensionMarch 6, 2019 · 56,173 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.

19V110000AirbagsFebruary 20, 2019 · 4 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y7.

18V904000SuspensionDecember 19, 2018 · 6,322 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.

18V824000Electrical SystemNovember 26, 2018 · 73,549 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.

18V671000LightingSeptember 26, 2018 · 28 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

2019 JETTA S. BEGAN STALLING AFTER 6 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW WITH 62 MILES. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER 09/27/2019 AND THEY STATED IT WAS FINE NO ISSUES COULD BE FOUND. ON 05/18/2020 THE CAR STALLED AGAIN IT HAD 15452 MILES ON IT. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY KEPT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 30, 2020 · crash

The vehicle steering has been off and alignment when driving. My gas gauge has been off constantly, since I've owned the vehicle. I documented this many times and reported this to the dealership under warranty and Volkswagen care.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 4, 2022 · crash

On Jun 4, while driving on southwards on HW17 the steering became unresponsive. Eventually, the car, with four passengers, hit the curb. The vehicle is yet to be inspected by dealership, VW representative or repair shop person. I plan to take the car to repair shop, when they open on Monday, Jun 6.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 4, 2022 · crash

TRUNK LID DOES NOT STAY OPEN UNLESS IT IS PUSHED UP ALL THE WAY, MULTIPLE PASSENGERS WHEN USING THE TRUNK IN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WERE HIT BY THE TRUNK LID. WHEN TRAVELING LOW SPEED ON CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE SPEED WILL BE LOWERED WHEN GETTING CLOSE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ITS LANE BUT IF THE IMMEDIATE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 4, 2018 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 13, 2026 · crash

2019 Volkswagen Jetta — common questions

Is the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 782 complaints put the 2019 model at #7 of 47 Jetta years. It is one of the Jetta years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Jetta problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (161 complaints), electrical system (156 complaints), engine (146 complaints).

Does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volkswagen Jetta years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jetta years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2002, 2011, 2001, 2006, 2019, 2013, 2012, 2000, 2003, 2014, 1999, 2005, 1995. The cleanest record among Jetta years belongs to 1983.

How safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.