2019 Volkswagen Jetta: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 519 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and engine. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 519
- Recalls
- 11
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 17
- 34 injuries
One recall on this model year told owners to stop driving until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2019 Volkswagen Jetta: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Jetta is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 34 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 28 mpg |
- The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Jetta that averages well under the EPA 28 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Transmission grinding noise
100–9,500 miles
Premature clutch failure
6,000–52,829 miles
Warped rotors, worn pads
24,107–30,000 miles
Heat-related electrical shutdown
25,000–46,000 miles
Loose camshaft bolts
46,000–95,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1572 crashes
The automatic transmission often makes a grinding or whirring noise at roughly 20 to 40 mph. Many owners hear it from new, and some also notice weak acceleration. Dealers often call the noise normal. On manual cars, clutches burn out with slipping, high revs, a burning smell and loss of drive. These failures are reported anywhere from about 6,000 to 52,829 miles, sometimes twice on the same car. Other complaints cover oil disappearing with no visible leak, a transmission fluid leak, and stalling. Two crash reports involve stalling and brakes that would not stop the car.
Electrical1261 crash
In hot weather, a "Check starter system" or "Starter system faulty" message appears. Then the dash, gauges, turn signals and brake lights go dark, and in some cases the engine shuts off while driving. Restarting usually works, sometimes only after several tries. Reports cluster between about 25,000 and 46,000 miles. Mechanics often cannot reproduce the fault, and owners describe parts on back order. Other complaints cover the electronic parking brake engaging in traffic and passenger airbag warnings. One crash report says the dash showed an airbag error and no airbags deployed.
Engine59No crashes
Manual GLI cars stall when slowing down or stopped with the clutch pedal pressed, often within the first few hundred miles. Drivers end up stuck in intersections and traffic. A second pattern is oil consumption: low-oil warnings and quarts missing between changes with no visible leak, which dealers call normal. On the 1.4 TSI engine, camshaft bolts work loose, causing rattles, oil leaks and metal debris. Coolant loss, sludge and a fuel smell from an evap fault also come up. One report describes an engine fire that caused an injury.
Body and structure18No crashes
Panoramic sunroof glass breaks while driving with no sign of impact. Dealers sometimes refuse warranty coverage and blame road debris. The trunk lid drops onto people's heads unless it is pushed past its stop. Several injury reports involve sharp or hot parts: upper door corners that bend outward, a peeling interior door handle trim with sharp edges, and an exposed metal pipe above the accelerator that burned a driver's feet. Mirror caps fly off at highway speed, and leaky cowl or door seals let the inside of the windows ice over.
Brakes121 crash
Front rotors warp and pads wear out early. Owners report grinding, squealing and shaking at about 24,107 to 30,000 miles, and dealers treat it as wear and tear. Other reports describe the car braking hard on its own: automatic emergency braking set off by metal road plates, brakes locking in reverse, and an electronic parking brake that sticks after the car sits. One crash report describes the car lurching forward under braking at 78,000 miles. Stiff, noisy brakes after parking also come up.
Airbags115 crashes
In some reported collisions the airbags did not deploy. In others they went off when owners felt they should not have, such as after a curb strike. The most frequent problem is a passenger airbag warning that comes and goes, sometimes turning the passenger airbag off with someone in the seat. Dealers often cannot reproduce it. Five complaints involve crashes, including one where a bag stayed inflated and pinned the driver, and another where a deploying bag burned the driver's forearm.
Steering114 crashes
An "Error: Steering Lock" message keeps the car from starting, and owners report paying thousands to fix it. Power steering can also cut out without warning. One report says a red warning came on with no yellow warning first, and others say steering was lost when the engine shut off. Several reports link steering trouble to stalling and warning lights while driving, and one owner describes a long wait for a repair part. Four of the complaints are crash-related.
Suspension111 crash
Few of these reports describe one clear suspension fault. The most specific is a rear coil spring that broke with a loud bang at about 50 mph. Others describe a harsh or bouncy ride, creaking when the weather changes, knocking from the rear over bumps, and a rattle at 30 to 40 mph. Many of these filings also mention transmission grinding, stalling or screen problems. One complaint is crash-related and one is fire-related.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Jetta owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
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.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
When the car sits in direct sunlight and the interior temperature raises above 100F, the car will start and all is well for a minute or so and then the ignition fails. Dash says check starter system and all gauges, clusters, infotainment system, interior and exterior lights turn off. The car thinks that it is off electronically but it still runs, shifts, and drives. Attached photo was taken after I left home, traveling on highway at ~55mph.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
Car started making a weird noise after service. It sounded like a tractor trailer idling next to me. Brought the car up to the dealership and determined it was due to a faulty engine. Luckily I didn’t avoid the sound since there was metal shavings in my oil pan which could have caused a complete engine failure. Car only had 27K miles on at the time.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2022
We were driving on highway 90 from Del Rio to San Antonio Texas when our sunroof exploded without any signs. No signs of impact or anything just exploded. Dealership declined any warranty coverage as they stated that something could have hit the sunroof weeks prior to the incident. There are no signs of impact on the sunroof and you can see the broken bits bending outward on the glass and not inward.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2021
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
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
How the 2019 compares with other Jetta years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Jetta years we cover, about 15.1 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission1572
- Electrical1266
- Engine594
- Body and structure180
- Brakes127
- Airbags112
Where the 2019 fits in the Jetta's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the second model year of the Jetta's seventh generation (2018–2023).
Volkswagen updated the Jetta for 2022, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2022 (not on a 2019)
- Updated engine options and technology features
Recalls to confirm (11)
Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
19V879000Wheels and tiresDo not driveDec 2019
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.
24V110000Fuel systemFeb 2024
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.
23V619000ElectricalSep 2023
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.
23V604000ElectricalAug 2023
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.
22V815000Wheels and tiresOct 2022
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.
19V679000OtherSep 2019
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.
19V188000SuspensionMar 2019
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.
19V110000AirbagsFeb 2019
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.
18V904000SuspensionDec 2018
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.
18V824000ElectricalNov 2018
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.
18V671000Exterior lightsSep 2018
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.
Also looking at these instead of a Jetta?
Cars shoppers compare with the Volkswagen Jetta, with their own 2019 checklists.
2019 owner complaints, side by side
- Audi Q310
- Mazda 326
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- Kia Forte140
- Volkswagen Golf162
- Subaru Impreza185
- 2019 Volkswagen Jetta519
