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)

29 of 537 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Mar 30, 2026Fuel system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11728131

Feb 19, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

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)

NHTSA ODI 11719261

Sep 24, 2025Fuel system

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and being refueled, fuel was pouring out onto the ground. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed that the fuel tank, charcoal canister, and the EVAP purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11689551

Jul 10, 2025EngineFuel system

My 2019 Volkswagen Jetta cannot be refueled — gas nozzle clicks off instantly or overflows. The check engine light came on, and VW Corporate confirmed code P00FE, indicating a failure of the EVAP system vent valve. This is a sealed emissions component integrated with the fuel tank. Dealership initially claimed there were “no codes,” but a video shows their technician confirming the EVAP code, disconnecting the EVAP system, and concluding the tank must be replaced. However, since the valve is a powered solenoid, unplugging the system wouldn't allow it to open — this invalidates their test and diagnosis. VW has denied warranty coverage even though the issue clearly falls under the 8-year/80,000-mile federal emissions warranty as defined by the EPA and VW’s own documentation. I also discovered they misrepresented an active recall (#28H7) and falsely told me I had none. VW Customer Care told me about the recall and informed the dealership. VW Customer Care informed me 7/9/25 that the recall had been repaired. Carfax yesterday and your system today show that it still has not been repaired. This is a safety hazard. I cannot refuel reliably, and the dealership is denying coverage while refusing to provide written documentation or a breakdown of findings. My car is disabled and stranded at the dealership since July 24, 2025 and they will barely communicate.

NHTSA ODI 11672502

Feb 17, 2025Fuel system

fuel actuator failed not allowing gas door to open on a 12 degree night traveling on a highway going home which is a common problem with these vehicles. luckily, we drive slow and had enough fuel to get home . i think this qualifies as a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11643244

Nov 28, 2024Fuel system

I had a recall on a fuel pump in the previous years. After that, if I was trying with about half a tank of gas and let’s say speeding up to get on the highway, the car EPC light would come on and say can’t go over 4000 rpm . Then my car would speed would be so slow. I told the dealership about this before. Heard nothing. It is dangerous because I can’t speed up going onto the highway. Now this it happens when the gas is a lil more than half a tank. My car will slow down when speeding up . Almost feels like a jerk back and sounds like it. Sounds like something is gonna break and drop out of my car. I try to keep my gas up to avoid this but mostly I can’t. Ever since the pump got repair and covered by warranty/recall.. this is what happens. I slowly have to accelerate and speed up my car . Now I have a canister purge leak from a hose crack and I have read recalls but it doesn’t have my affected. I believe all of this goes together and the dealership should be paying for this. Also, the EPC light does turn off once I stop somewhere and turn the car off and I turn it back on without even refueling the tank

NHTSA ODI 11627879

Nov 6, 2024Fuel system

I was driving and the and the stop start error came on, smelled gasoline and the EPC and check engine lights came on. I kept driving because we were on the freeway and couldn’t quite stop there but my car automatically turned off. The lights stayed on. I was able to turn it off after a few tries and get it to the mechanic (with it turning off a couple times on the way there). After diagnosis, they stated that it is the fuel injectors that need to be replaced because the gasoline and oil are mixing and thinning out the oil as well as potentially cause a fire. Due to that, i now need to replace the spark plugs and replace the oil as well as all 4 fuel injectors. I checked with volkswagon and they stated my car is not on a recall list but I did see there was a recall previously for the fuel injectors. Even if my car is not on the list, this is literally hazardous. The mechanic sent me a video of the oil mixed with gas firing up.

NHTSA ODI 11623889

Sep 4, 2024Fuel system

Car with 37540 miles check engine light came on, per the dealership the Evap purge valve and the fuel line needs to be replaced. It looks like there is an open recall “ Emissions Recall Code: 20CQ” for the same car but for some reason it excludes my car.

NHTSA ODI 11612628

Aug 12, 2024Fuel system

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that fuel was leaking underneath the vehicle from the fuel tank. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 138,021.

NHTSA ODI 11607974

Jun 21, 2024Electrical systemFuel system

The first time stalling while I was driving the car was stalling in the middle of the road. The second time drove to work park the car when I went to start the car it wouldn't start.

NHTSA ODI 11595683

Apr 26, 2024Fuel system

Check engine light is on. When it’s checked it says a fuel emissions leak. Code is cleared and then turns back on a month later.

NHTSA ODI 11585481

Apr 25, 2024Fuel system

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact smelled a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11585277

Apr 17, 2024Fuel system

-It is not pumping gas correctly, it started out as while I pump gas it will stop frequently. I brought it to the mechanic and they replaced the evap system canister & now (while pumping) it stops even more frequently than before. Now I can only pump about 3/4 full & when I get to "full" it overflows. -I believe it is a safety concern because it is the fuel tank system. -It is available for inspection. -The problem hasn't been reproduced, it has been confirmed that 2019 VW Jetta GLI, 2019 VW Golf Sportwagen's, as well as some Audi's have been recalled for this problem. Has been confirmed that this is how it starts out. -No, there were not any indicators or symptoms prior to the problem beginning. It first started at the end of January of 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11583688

Feb 27, 2024Fuel system

refueling problems - early stopping of gas station fuel nozzles - then the fuel would spillback on me during the refueling at the gas station 4/10/2023 - early stopping of gas station fuel nozzles - remove and replace leak detection pump - evaporative emissions system and leak detection pump 7/27/2023 - continued early stopping then fuel spillback (very dangerous situation) during refueling - remove and replace gas tank - problems have not returned

NHTSA ODI 11574152

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

May 17, 2023Fuel system

There is a confirmed evap recall for my year and model, recall number 20CQ. When I check against my vin, it says my vehicle has zero recalls however I have the exact symptoms and issues as described in the recall. The recall is for a faulty evap purge valve and I don't think it is coincidence that my vehicle has a check engine light on for a Very small evap leak. I've had it checked my multiple mechanics and no one can identify what the issue is and we've tried multiple troubleshooting steps. At this point the most logical issue is the purge valve. I believe there are more affected cars with the same make and model than the recall is projecting.

NHTSA ODI 11522558

Oct 21, 2022Fuel system

I AM A AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN AT AVIS BUDGET. I ORDERED A NEW FUEL TANK FOR THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR CAR. I GOT TOLD BY THE DEALER , TO INSTALL THE NEW TANK "WITHOUT HEATSHIELD" WHERE THE EXHAUST WRAPPES AROUND THE PLASTIC TANK. THE VIN I REPORTED=WE SEND TO THE DEALER FOR SAME REPAIR. I TOOK PICTURE, SEALER DID NOT INSTALL "A HEATSHIELD" TO PROTECT TANK FROM EXHAUST HEAT. ON A 2021 MODEL "VW IS USING THIS NEW TANK" BUT WITH HEATSHIELD." I AM FORCED NOW, TO INSTALL THE NEW TANK WITHOUT HEATSHIELD ! I DONT WANT TO BE RESPOSIBLE, IF THE CAR KILLS SOMEONE. SAME DEALER PERFORMED PRIOR REPAIRS, WHERE ONE CAR COUGHT FIRE, BECAUSE DEALER DID NOT INSTALL A HEAT WRAPP ON A REPLACED OIL CONTROL FLOW VALVE, IN BACK OF ENGINE. PLEASE ADVISE !!!

NHTSA ODI 11490293

Sep 16, 2022LightsEngineFuel system

When going fast real quick the car start to smell like something is burning. My right light isn’t working right

NHTSA ODI 11484816

Jun 21, 2022Fuel system

Car misreads gas, such as I can be driving and the gas meter will continue to rise. This will happen if/when the car is turned off for various periods of time. On occasion it might correct itself. Usually is will jump drastically. For example, my average is 440 per gallon. If I drive around town, it might go up to 550 in that drive. I can park, turn off, and restart, and the gas mileage might be the same or it might lower. During one drive it will jump from 550 to 320, or whatever.

NHTSA ODI 11470191

Feb 13, 2022Fuel system

Metal on metal sound at low speeds, whirring grinding noise. Then when it gets a little gas it lurches forward like a maniac and the sound goes away til speeds drop again. If the Jetta starts leaking fluids like others complain of then maybe VW will have to acknowledge that this cars transmission and turbo systems are truly messed up. Someone is going to get hurt.

NHTSA ODI 11451773

Nov 13, 2020EngineFuel system

MY CAR IS BURNING OIL AND RUNNING VERY WELL BEFORE THE 10K RECOMMENDED INTERVALS. MY CAR IS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD AND EVERY MONTH I HAVE TO ADD A HALF A QUART OF OIL SO I DONT FORGET TO CHECK AND RUN OUT OF OIL AND GET THE OIL LIGHT. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE BURNING OIL. VW SAYS ITS NORMAL TO RUN LOW AFTER 1000 MILES...?? HOW IS THIS ACCEPTABLE? LUCKILY I CHANGE MY OIL MORE FREQUENTLY THAN EVERY 10K MILES AND NOTICED IT WAS 2 QUARTS LOW.

NHTSA ODI 11374519

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

Jun 16, 2020Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

I CURRENTLY DRIVE A 2019 VW JETTA GLI 6MT. MUCH LIKE OTHER CONCERNS REPORTED, MY VEHICLE HAS ENGINE CUTTING, MASSIVE ENGINE POWER LOSS DURING THE SUMMER RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ALMOST STALLING, AND ROUGH IDLE. I COMPLETED THE MANDATORY RECALL BACK IN DECEMBER PER VW'S RECOMMENDATION THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX EXACTLY THE CONCERNS I HAVE. THEY DO NOT. VOLKSWAGEN ADMITS THAT MY VEHICLE HAS WHAT IS REFERRED TO AS ENGINE TIMING RETARDATION. THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE VEHICLE'S POWER LOSS, BUT SAYS THAT RUNNING ANYTHING LESS THAN PREMIUM IN THE CAR CAN CAUSE THIS (EVEN THOUGH THEY ADVERTISE THE VEHICLE AS BEING ELIGIBLE FOR REGULAR FUEL). VOLKSWAGEN HAS OPENLY ADMITTED THAT THEY ARE HAPPY TO SELL A VEHICLE WITH ENGINE TIMING ISSUES, BORDERLINE STALLING, HEAT SOAK ISSUES, AND FALSE ADVERTISING PERTAINING TO THE FUEL THE CAR TAKES. IN VOLKSWAGEN'S OWN WORDS, 'THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING TO SPEC.' I WILL BE DEMANDING A BUYBACK. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329100

Apr 26, 2020SteeringElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel system

I WAS OUT TODAY AT A STORE AND MY EPC LIGHT CAME ON. I COULDN'T START MY CAR

NHTSA ODI 11322327

Nov 3, 2019Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

2019 VW JETTA GTI AUTOBAHN MANUAL TRANSMISSION STALLS OR LOSES ENGINE POWER RANDOMLY. FOR ME, IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN 5TH OR 6TH GEAR WHEN TAKING MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS AND COASTING, THE CAR WILL CHOKE AND FEELS AS THOUGH FUEL IS CUTOFF AND THE ENGINE CANNOT GENERATE POWER. THIS IS TEMPORARY, AND SHIFTING AGAIN AND GIVING A LITTLE GAS EVENTUALLY THINGS GO BACK TO NORMAL. HOWEVER, I'M CONCERNED SOMETHING IS MALFUNCTIONING AND MORE IMPORTANTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS AS IT'S SUDDEN AND EXPECTED.

NHTSA ODI 11277744

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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 →