Home · 2019 Volkswagen Jetta · Complaints

What 537 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (537)Crash / fire / injury (34)Transmission & drivetrain (161)Electrical system (149)Engine (144)Brakes (29)Fuel system (29)Lights (26)Visibility & wipers (23)Body & structure (22)Airbags (16)Speed control (16)

144 of 537 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 2 of 6

Apr 16, 2024BrakesEngine

The car is making a weird sound when I break. It sounds like liquid is moving around and another sound. The central caution off in my car and the airbags too

NHTSA ODI 11583416

Mar 18, 2024Engine

Exhaust cam phaser cover bolt backed out. It hit the engine casing which caused the exhaust cam phaser to misfunction.disfunction. The car has not been checked by a dealer but is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11578161

Feb 1, 2024Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11569330

Jan 22, 2024Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11566961

Dec 15, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11560262

Nov 17, 2023Engine

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

NHTSA ODI 11555703

Nov 6, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11553743

Nov 2, 2023Engine

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

NHTSA ODI 11553313

Nov 1, 2023EngineFuel system

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

NHTSA ODI 11553007

Oct 23, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11551365

Sep 26, 2023SuspensionBrakesEngine

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!

NHTSA ODI 11546730

Sep 10, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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

NHTSA ODI 11543681

Sep 6, 2023Electrical systemLightsEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11542930

Sep 6, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11543016

Sep 5, 2023Electrical systemLightsEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11542673

Aug 8, 2023Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11537311

Jul 28, 2023Electrical systemEngine

Car shut off while turning left. Display says check starting system. Car restarted

NHTSA ODI 11534961

Jul 27, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11534707

Jul 26, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11534699

Jul 24, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11534165

Jul 14, 2023Electrical systemEngineVisibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11532302

Jul 13, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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

NHTSA ODI 11532119

Jul 12, 2023Transmission & drivetrainBody & structureEngine

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

NHTSA ODI 11531816

Jul 2, 2023Electrical systemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11530013

Jul 2, 2023Electrical systemLightsEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11530043

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Working with the data? Download all 537 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 11, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2019 Volkswagen Jetta verdict →