Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2020 to Dec 2020
The most reported issue is power train problems (108 complaints). 17 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (11)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V679000
Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V671000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Risk: A reduction in the driver's visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V904000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V824000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V110000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the wrong air bag may not work correctly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V188000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V879000
Component: WHEELS
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 22V815000
Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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."
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
NHTSA Campaign: 23V604000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
Risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 23V619000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 24V110000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 523)
Engine →4 issues
Your car feels sluggish and hesitant to accelerate, as if it's not shifting gears properly. Recently, while making a hard left turn, your engine stalled, and when you tried to speed up again, it continued stalling and struggling to gain power. When you checked under the hood after safely stopping, you noticed smoke coming from the engine area. This could indicate a transmission issue, ignition problem, or engine overheating that needs professional diagnosis.
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MY Jetta is only 6 years old and has only 27,350 mileage when this issue happened. Low oil light came and took it to a Local Shop where they put it on a lift and saw oil all over the bottom of the car. The technician told me this car is not safe and you need to have it towed to VW and see what is happening.
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Miles on car 79,000 December 1, 2025 Car started to slow down while driving on bay bridge, San Francisco speed went suddenly from 55 miles an hour to 30 miles and hour Lights went off EPC and RPM maximum was showing on dashboard. Car suddenly started running at 25 to 35 miles an hour while driving on the highway.
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Exhaust camshaft actuator oil cap bolts loosen and fall out and could cause engine failure. Volkswagen has issued a service bulletin for this problem but not a recall.
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Visibility →2 issues
Your sunroof suddenly exploded with a loud bang while you were driving at 30 mph, even though there was no impact or collision. You were injured in your ears from the explosion and needed medical attention. The sunroof completely shattered without any clear reason for the failure. Repairing this will likely require sunroof replacement and inspection of the sunroof assembly for manufacturing defects.
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The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the sunroof glass panel had shattered.
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Structure →2 issues
Powered sunroof exploded while driving. Contacted Volkswagen and explained the issue to no avail. Also contacted local glass repair business that said they have replaced 3 sunroofs on the same vehicle for the same issue
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I was driving when I heard a loud "bang" over my head. I was terrified and swerved because I was startled. This put me at risk of hitting a vehicle in the lane next to me and injuring myself or others.
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
While I was driving on the highway, the EPC light came on and the car began to lose power. It went into "limp" mode and lost all oil. I had it diagnosed at VW Carlock North Nashville.
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The panoramic sunroof randomly shattered while driving. Nothing hit it, and it wasnt opened or cracked.
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Power Train,electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your car suddenly shut off while you were driving without any warning, causing the engine to lose power and multiple dashboard warning lights to turn on. After the shutdown, your car got stuck in park and wouldn't shift out, with the park indicator blinking. An independent mechanic confirmed the problem appears to be related to the ignition switch or electrical system. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and replacing the faulty ignition switch or related electrical components.
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Engine,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Initial call out for oil change and investigation of oil consumption and knocking from engine. Upon examination in person the timing cover was found to be heavily leaking and had pools of oil around the valleys that surround it.
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Power Train →1 issue
There is a recall for certain VW models because the key may be removed when the vehicle is not in Park position. There is an issue with the micro switch mechanism, resulting in an error code. There is a wide recall for many models, except the 2019 Jetta.
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your car won't accept fuel at the pump — it keeps shutting off when you try to refuel slowly. Two repair shops gave different diagnoses: one said you need a new gas tank ($2000), while another found a pressure buildup issue in the tank that's preventing the fuel door valve from closing properly. The repair will likely involve either replacing the fuel tank assembly or diagnosing and fixing the tank venting system to release built-up pressure.
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Power Train,vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost automotive power intermittently, and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated.
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Power Train,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
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 .
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Fuel System, Gasoline →1 issue
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.
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Electrical System →1 issue
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.
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
When engaging the gas pedal, it broke off during travel, requiring a need to pull over. Gas pedal is entirely plastic and contains no metal parts.
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Steering →1 issue
On the dashboard there’s an message saying “Error: Steering Lock” and it won’t let me turn on the car.
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