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)

34 of 537 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Jun 27, 2026BrakesLane DepartureCrash

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.

NHTSA ODI 11746925

Jun 25, 2026AirbagsBody & structureBrakesCrash1 injury

There was an intersection, I hit a car head on and no airbags went off

NHTSA ODI 11746389

Mar 13, 2026Visibility & wipers1 injury

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.

NHTSA ODI 11724122

Apr 16, 2025Electrical systemAirbagsDriver assistanceCrash4 injuries

While traveling on [XXX] in Van Buren, Arkansas, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident. The impact caused significant front-end damage and resulted in physical injuries. The vehicle’s dashboard/electrical system indicated AIRBAG:ERROR, and the police report reflects that airbag deployed yet we have photo evidence that the airbag did not deploy. However, photo evidence clearly shows that no airbags deployed for any occupants. The airbags remained completely intact following the crash. The vehicle is a certified pre-owned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta that was still under warranty at the time. This raises serious safety concerns regarding the accuracy of the airbag deployment system and the failure of the airbags to function during a serious collision. The vehicle is being held for preservation at the co-part yard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11655105

Apr 14, 2025Visibility & wipersCrash

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH on a rainy day, the windows were foggy and the contact was not able to view the roadway. The contact attempted to veer to the left when the vehicle slid until it impacted a concrete barrier. The driver's front side and the front and back bumper were impacted, and the tire was torn. No warning lights illuminated. The contact called 911, and a police officer was dispatched to prevent other vehicles from hitting the contact. The police officer helped the contact push the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and an alignment was performed, the axle was repaired, a new windshield was placed, and a tire was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle continued to experience failures with the windshield, and the fuel pump was also experiencing a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure, and a report was submitted. The failure mileage was 17,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654455

Mar 18, 2024Transmission & drivetrainCrash2 injuries

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle in a handicapped parking space, the vehicle failed to stop despite the contact's foot firmly depressed on the brake pedal. As the vehicle continued to move forward with the contact's foot depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle drove over the parking barrier, knocked over the handicapped post, and entered the sidewalk. The vehicle eventually decelerated and the contact managed to shift the vehicle into reverse(R) and regain control of the vehicle. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. Despite the property damage and emotional distress suffered by both the contact and the passenger, no injuries were reported and no immediate medical attention was needed. A police report was not filed and the air bags did not deploy as a result of the failure. The incident was reported to the store manager. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back home without incident. The manufacturer nor the dealer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577941

Feb 29, 2024AirbagsCrash1 injury

1. Was rear ended on [XXX]. The air bag in my vw jetta 2019 did not deploy. The car is currently at the Ritchey Automotive 5320 I-55 North in Jackson, MS... It is available for inspection upon request. 2. No. 3. No. The car was sent to the collision center for rear bumper repair and cosmetics. 4. No. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11574620

Oct 3, 2023Body & structure1 injury

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.

NHTSA ODI 11547980

Apr 24, 2023SteeringElectrical systemEngineCrash

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.

NHTSA ODI 11518599

Feb 5, 2023AirbagsDriver assistanceCrash1 injury

I was in a head on collision where the other person crossed the line and two empty lanes to hit me head on. This WAS in may 2021. Not one single warning was used by forward collision sensors. No emergency braking was applied. My airbags were not deployed and this man hit me doing at least 35 miles an hour and also I was forward moving even though I was applying my brakes. The car was totaled. Yet not a single warning sound or light or indicator once went off. I also paid extra for the Volkswagen carnet services. Never once did they come over the speaker to ask if I was ok. To tell me I had been in an accident or ask if I needed them to send help. In essence these services failed me completely. I do not understand why I was not included in any of the airbag recalls or settlement information I have heard about. All of the Extra features and functions I paid all the extra money to have - every single one failed me when I needed it. This vehicle left me without the protections it promised.

NHTSA ODI 11505669

Jan 18, 2023AirbagsWheelsDriver assistanceCrash

https://www.hometownsource.com/classifieds/press_news/community/announcements/legal/notice_of_sales/2019-volkswagon-jetta-burdas-towing/pdfdisplayad_0e7d0609-179e-5fd0-9b71-1f5cd42e9757.html

NHTSA ODI 11502305

Jan 9, 202310 injuries

Moonroof exploded leavin shards of glass all over, no rocks hit car no bumps no explanation, I was just driving on a flat surface around 30 MPH, I heard a loud explosion and glass was everywhere including my arms and face. I nearly caused an accident with the sudden explosion.

NHTSA ODI 11500746

Dec 16, 2022EngineFire1 injury

Vehicle caught fire while putting car in reverse. Car exploded from engine, no check engine light. I could have died, the fire almost burned down a building. The fire department was called and the front of the car was melted. My arm was injured and I had to get a new cast for my broken wrist. Car was towed by city officials as a hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11497676

Jul 22, 2022AirbagsCrash

I was in a collision in my 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Upon impact the airbags deployed, however the airbag that deployed from the steering wheel gave me a severe laceration/burn on my forearm in the shape of the Volkswagen emblem. This is problematic, as the function of airbags is to keep you safe, not to provide additional injury.

NHTSA ODI 11475318

Jun 4, 2022SteeringEngineCrash

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. The car Engine Malfunction Light had turned on.

NHTSA ODI 11467553

May 2, 2022BrakesCrash1 injury

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that when depressing the brake pedal the vehicle would lunge forward. While driving approximately 40 mph and suddenly depressing the brake pedal the vehicle lurched forward and crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, the driver sustained an injured left hand. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463071

Nov 6, 2020Visibility & wipersFire

INTERMITTENT SMOKE SMELL COMING FROM THE LF DOOR. (10 DAYS AGO DEALER SAID OPERATING PER DESIGN AND INTENT WHEN COMPARED TO SIMILAR OR LIKE VEHICLE.) WINDOW SEAL HAS COME COME OFF 4 TIMES. LAST NIGHT CAR HAD BEEN PARKED AROUND 5AM AND WHEN I WENT OUT TO THE CAR AROUND 5:30PM THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH HAD MELTED DESTROYING THE SWITCH AND THE LF DOOR PANEL.

NHTSA ODI 11373415

Oct 5, 2020Body & structure1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE'S AN EXPOSED METAL PIPE ABOVE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THAT CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BURN HIS FEET MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VILLAGE VOLKSWAGEN OF CHATTANOOGA, 6001 INTERNATIONAL DR, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT'S THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.

NHTSA ODI 11362807

Aug 29, 2020SteeringSuspensionEngineCrash

I JUST PURCHASED A 2019 JETTA R LINE AND SINCE DAY ONE I HAVE A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSFER CASE OR THE TRANSMISSION. IT'S ALWAYS THERE AT AROUND 50KM/PER HOUR FOR ABOUT 2 SEC. LIKE MANY OTHERS SAID IT DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT FOR ME. I HOPE VW WILL TAKE ACTION AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. ON TOP OF THAT I LOST ALL MY RADIO PRESETS AND THE SCREEN HAS STARTED TO FREEZE. I ALSO NOTICE A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE REAR SUSPENSION OVER NORMAL BUMP

NHTSA ODI 11351944

Aug 27, 2020SteeringElectronic Stability Control (esc)BrakesCrash1 injury

I SUSPECT THAT MY 2019 VW JETTA COMPUTER SYSTEM/CAR WAS HACKED/DRIVEN REMOTELY ON 12/3/2019 THAT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT (PHOTOS ATTACHED) THAT LED TO MY CAR BEING A TOTAL LOSS. I SUSTAINED INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE LOCAL ER FROM THE ACCIDENT. THIS CASE IS STILL INVOLVED IN COURT PROCEEDINGS AS OF TODAY. I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY CAR SPEED ACCELERATED WITHOUT ME BEING ON THE GAS AND MY BREAKS WERE NOT WORKING. WITHOUT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL I DROVE OFF TO THE RIGHT HITTING A PARKED CAR. THE POLICE REPORT INDICATED THAT AFTER IMPACT WITH PARKED CAR #1, I ROLLED BACK 55 FEET AND HIT ANOTHER PARKED CAR ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET. I DID NOT THINK ANY OF THIS WAS POSSIBLE UNTIL I WAS READING ABOUT CAR HACKING AND CARS BEING DRIVEN REMOTELY. I ALSO DID NOT THINK THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE WITH THE 'IMPACT SAFETY FEATURES' ON A VW JETTA, I COULD POSSIBLY ROLL BACKWARD AFTER THE IMPACT OF PARKED CAR #1? I AM LOOKING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE INVESTIGATED. I AM ALSO SENDING INFORMATION TO THE FBI INTERNET CRIME COMPLAINT CENTER.

NHTSA ODI 11351636

Aug 5, 2020Transmission & drivetrainEngineCrash1 injury

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 THE CAR UNTIL 07/25/2020 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED IT WAS FIXED. ON 07/30/2020 THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, AND THIS TIME THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A CENTER MEDIAN WITH LARGE BOULDERS IN IT. IF THEY WERE NOT THERE I WOULD HAVE CONTINUED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH WHEN THE IMPACT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE THE CARS ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME OF IMPACT.

NHTSA ODI 11343433

Jun 22, 2020SuspensionEngineFuel systemFire

I HAVE A 2019 VW JETTA GLI BOUGHT NEW FROM VW DEALER. WHEN YOU FIRST START THE CAR IN THE MORNING OR AFTER ITS BEEN SITTING, BASICALLY COLD, IT IDLES VERY ROUGH. THE WHOLE CAR VIBRATES AND SHAKES. AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP THIS GOES AWAY. THE RIDE OF THE CAR FEELS LIKE THERE IS NO SUSPENSION. YOU FEEL EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD. I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN MOTION SICK FROM A VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAR GIVES ME MOTION SICKNESS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. I HAVE HAD OTHERS DRIVE THE CAR AND REPORT THE SAY THING. I HAVE HAD PASSENGERS IN THE CAR AND THEY CAN'T BELIEVE HOW HARD THE RIDE IS. I HAVE TRIED ALL THE MODES ECO, NORMAL, SPORT AND THEY ALL HAVE A HORRIBLE RIDE QUALITY. THE WORST THING IS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME AFTER WORK AND WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE A/C STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. AFTER COMING OFF THE RED LIGHT I STARTED SMELLING FUEL COMING FROM THE A/C SYSTEM. THE A/C SYSTEM WAS ON MAX A/C WITH THE RECIRC ON, SO WAS NOT ON FRESH AIR. PULLED OVER, OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I DROPPED THE HOOD AND THE FIRE BALL SHOT OUT THE SIDE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT BEHIND THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE. THE SIDE AND UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND IS BURNT UP. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THEY SAID TO DRIVE IT IN AND THEY WILL TAKE A LOOK AT IT. DRIVE IT IN???? AFTER IT WAS ON FIRE??? *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329999

Apr 10, 2020WheelsBrakesCrash

REAR DIRVERSIDE ROTOR SHEERED OFF CAUSING WHEEL TO LOCK-UP AND VEHICLE TO SPIN-OUT RESULTING IN IMPACT WITH CURB

NHTSA ODI 11320782

Feb 11, 2020Body & structure1 injury

THE PASSENGER SIDE INDOOR, DOOR HANDLE IS A STICKER AND NOT AN ACTUAL CHROME HANDLE. THE STICKER HAS PEELED OFF THE BOTTOM, CREATING SHARP EDGES. I HAVE CUT MY FINGERS WHEN OPENING THE DOOR TWICE NOW. THE HANDLES ALL SHOULD BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI 11308621

Jan 31, 2020AirbagsSeat beltsCrash1 injury

VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ON A BUSY DAY BETWEEN 5:00 PM TO 6:00 PM ON A THURSDAY. ALL THE AIR-BAGS IN THE CAR DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR-BAG STAYED INFLATED FOR A LONG TIME, AND THE RIGHT SIDE AIR-BAG ALSO DID NOT DEFLATE. INFLATED AIR-BAG HELD THE DRIVER SO TIGHT, AND THE DRIVER COULD NOT EXIT OUT OF THE ACCIDENT CAR. SIMULTANEOUSLY SEAT ALSO HELD THE DRIVER SO TIGHT. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A SIGNIFICANT INJURY FRACTURING HIS STERNUM. THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 40 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER DOWNLOADED THE ELECTRONIC DATA RECORD FROM THE CAR AND NEVER SHARED IT WITH THE DRIVER DESPITE THE WRITTEN REQUEST. DRIVER FEELS BRAKE MAY HAVE FAILED. DRIVER HAS TO SLIDE OUT OF THE CAR AS THE SIDE AIR BAG STAYED INFLATED. PICTURE ATTACHED SHOWS AIR-BAG STAYING INFLATED EVEN AFTER 10-25 MINS AND STARTED TO GO DOWN SLOWLY.

NHTSA ODI 11306408

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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 →