What 537 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

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.

NHTSA ODI 11746654

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)

NHTSA ODI 11742778

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.

NHTSA ODI 11738615

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.

NHTSA ODI 11738331

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.

NHTSA ODI 11736731

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.

NHTSA ODI 11735241

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.

NHTSA ODI 11734842

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.

NHTSA ODI 11734914

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.”

NHTSA ODI 11732350

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

NHTSA ODI 11727716

Subject: Request for Recall Consideration – Ignition Switch Failure in Volkswagen Jetta I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue I experienced with my vehicle and to request that it be considered for inclusion in the existing recall related to ignition switch failures. On [XXX] while driving my Volkswagen Jetta, the vehicle suddenly experienced an ignition switch failure. This caused the engine to shut down abruptly, along with the loss of all dashboard power and controls, while the vehicle was in motion. An error message clearly indicated "Ignition Switch Failed." I immediately contacted Camelback Volkswagen and reported the incident. I was advised to bring the vehicle in for inspection. I brought the car to the dealership on September 8, 2025, and after inspection, they confirmed that the ignition switch was malfunctioning. The faulty part was subsequently replaced, and I paid for the repair out of pocket. During my visit, I mentioned the known recall for ignition switch failures affecting the same model vehicles. However, I was informed that my Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is not currently included in the recall. Despite this, the issue I experienced matches the recall description both in nature and severity. Given the serious safety implications of an ignition switch failure while the vehicle is in motion, I respectfully request the following: Re-evaluate the recall scope to include vehicles like mine. Investigate whether other vehicles with the same ignition switch part number or serial are affected. Consider reimbursing the amount paid toward the repair charges, as this issue aligns with an existing known recall. I believe this is a legitimate safety concern that warrants immediate attention and formal investigation. Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached the service report along with the paid receipt for your review and records. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11687195

My car began flashing a bunch of warning lights, including the passenger air bag and the blind spot warning and locks working on the inside. I took my car to the dealer and had them diagnose it. Turns out it needs to parts that are connected; one part they have, another they have tried to order from corporate. This part has been on back order for 8 months.

NHTSA ODI 11681052

I was driving my car on a 100 degree day and and after about a block, a warning popped up on the little screen behind the steering wheel that said "Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle". I feel like the engine may have shut off, but I'm not sure as I just rolled to the side of the road and turned off my car as fast as a could. I waited a few minutes and turned it on, drove about a block, and it said, "Starter system faulty, please service vehicle". I once again turned it off, waited a few minutes. I googled on my phone instances of this and people saying they were still able to drive that car, so I turned it back on and started to drive it the two blocks back to my house, the "Starter system faulty" message popped up again and suddenly all of the electrical in the car shut off (the engine was still running). My radio, speedometer, everything was just off. I made it home, got on my computer and found an article about a recall that match my car's make, model, year, and key rather than button ignition. It described my exact experience. I looked up my car to see if it had a recall and it didn't. I called the dealership and they were no help, so I called the Volkswagen of America customer care line. They told me my VIN didn't qualify "probably" because it wasn't within the "manufacturing dates". I'm having a hard time understanding that since everything else lines up. Additionally, I just purchased this vehicle used from a VW dealership less than two months ago. The dealer plates are still on the car. According to them, the car was in great condition...

NHTSA ODI 11680499

When outside temperatures get too hot, the electronics on my car completely shut off. I turn the key and within 1 minute, the electronics shut off and the display reads a message stating "Starter system faulty. Please service vehicle". This is a hazard, as the brake lights shut off as well. This only happens when outside temperatures are hot. Furthermore, my car matches the year, model and even the specific ignition style as a current recall. However, the recall is VIN specific and my VIN is somehow not part of the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11679771

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in extremely hot weather, the message "Starter System Fault - Please Service Vehicle" and another message “Pull Over and Exit Vehicle” were displayed. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence nearby; however, the electrical system became inoperable. The failure recurred and progressively became worse. While attempting to make a turn from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart within two minutes. The message "Starter System Fault - Please Service Vehicle" was displayed. The weather was hot and the contact's [XXX] son was also occupying the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the A/C was inoperable, and the doors were locked. The failure was a recurring failure while the weather was extremely hot. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11676181

Car shuts off after a few miles in the middle of the road. I live in Arizona. Mechanic stated the ignition switch is failing. Warning sign pops up- “starter system faulty please shut down vehicle” - electronics die immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11669251

I was driving my car when all of a sudden a message came up my dashboard saying “starter system faulty please service vehicle followed by ignition switch off safely stop vehicle “message . My screen , AC and everything turned black and had to merge to the curb and a car almost hit me. This has happened more than three times and it is not okay. There is currently a recall on the 2019 jettas with this specific problem but my VIN doesn’t fall in that even though it’s giving me the same exact problem. My safety is in danger and my car is showing exactly the same problem and message as the recall going on so it needs to be recalled so Volkswagen can fix the issue that is going on with my car.

NHTSA ODI 11667783

Open recall under NHTSA Campaign ID 23V604000. When the interior of the car is too hot the ignition switch will fail causing the electrical system to shut down. My vehicle does not fall in the recall manufacturer range but it has the exact same issues.

NHTSA ODI 11665929

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the starter failure message displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11664872

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights on the instrument cluster started blinking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the brake pedal was difficult to depress, and the steering wheel was also difficult to turn. The contact stated that the Sheriff's Department towed the vehicle to an impound lot. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the recall was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11663046

As reported by many other drivers on this website and all over the internet that 2019 having ignition switch problem in 2019 Volkswagen jettas. I started having the same problem aswell. This has happened several time already and now I am scared to drive this car on the highways. It is clearly mentioned that 2019 and 2020 ignition systems are faulty than why vw is not helping people who have those year cars. This is the big safety concern and I believe it should not be overlooked. I tried searching with my plates and vin but it’s says 0 recalls. Every thing shuts off inside (ac, infotainment screen, all the dash lights, wiper blades, speedometer, rpm meter, everything) I hope NHTSA will take this problem seriously as not hundreds but thousands of vehicles are affected with this problem so far. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11658850

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly turned off. During the failure the message "Ignition Switch Failure" was displayed. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658500

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

The ignition switch failed. Although VW had a recall for 2019 and 2020 Jettas for just this reason, the car was not included in the recall. When driving, the car warns starter system faulty and to pull over as the car will shut off. This happened on two separate occasions but was not diagnosed when first taken to the dealership 6 months ago. This time it was diagnosed but not covered by VW. I cannot get any information on how many other 2019 Jettas that were not recalled have had this problem. Any data regarding this would be appreciated. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11650871

It was a hot day and I went to start my 2019 Jetta, it sent me a warning code to safely stop the vehicle and then all electrical shut off but the engine then proceeded to stall in place and not want to start back up. I got it to restart and the parking break locked up. I turned it off again and restarted it and managed to get the parking break off after several attempts. I had to have it towed as it was clearly not safe to drive. As soon as the temperature dropped the car was completely fine no electrical errors making me think this is similar to other Volkswagen vehicle issues. There is no recall in place but this is extremely unsafe for me to drive and I just purchased the vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11650917