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2019 Volkswagen Jetta Problems & Owner Complaints

542 NHTSA owner complaints
19 crash 3 fire 36 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~67.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 1 of 13 Volkswagen Jetta years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, cited in 162 of 542 filed complaints (30%).

Electrical System is next (152 complaints, 28%), followed by Engine (146), Service Brakes (29), Exterior Lighting (26).

Across all complaints, 19 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 36 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 1 crash, 12 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 542.

Power Train 162 3 crash 5 injury

“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 lig…”
NHTSA complaint #11577941, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11343433, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SINCE DAY ONE CAR IS SHAKING LIKE A BOAT, WHEN I DRIVE IT ON A HIGHWAY MAKING IT NOT STABLE. BRAKES SQUEAK AND I SEE SIGNS ON THE BRAKE DISK.I AM WITH THE ORIGINAL BRAKES. CAR IS SHUTTING DOWN WHEN I PARK. WHEN I SWITCH AGAIN TO DRIVE, IT IS COMPLETELY OFF FROM ITSELF, KEY IS INSIDE AND I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND THEN START THE CAR AGAIN. AIR CONDITION IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY VW SAID THEY HAVE BETTER 8 ZONES AIR CONDITION. I HAD OIL LAMP AROUND 5000-6000 MILES THEY SAID THAT THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE PROBLEMS TILL 10 000 MILES. I HAVE PROBLEMS ACCELERATING, I AM LOOSING POWER. I HAVE GRINDI…”
NHTSA complaint #11288963, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 152 2 crash 6 injury

“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 r…”
NHTSA complaint #11655105, 2022 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“WHEN GRABBING THINGS FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW, PUSHING YOUR BODY AGAINST THE DOOR WITH KEYS IN A POCKET MAY COST THE VEHICLE TO THINK THAT YOU ARE PUSHING ON THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON AND HENCE CLOSING THE WINDOWS WHEN YOU ARE RETRIEVING THINGS INSIDE AND THE WINDOWS TAKE TOO LONG OF A TIME TO SENSE THAT SOMETHING IS BLOCKING THE WINDOWS AND HURT WHOEVER IS RETRIEVING ITEMS.”
NHTSA complaint #11279327, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE CAR SHUT OFF, I LOST CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING AND THE BREAKS FAILED TO STOP AFTER THE COMPUTER SHUT THE CAR OFF. NOW THEY CALM THE SHIFTER IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS REPLACED AFTER THERE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC CODES FAILED TO DETECT THE PROBLEM THE FIRST 2 TIMES AND A TEST DRIVE WOULD HAVE TOLD THEM THEIR WAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO A TEST DRIVE AND RELIED AND FAULTY COMPUTER INPUT. THIS SERIOUS MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY INJURY OR DEATH OR INJURY AND DEATH TO ANOTHER PARTY. THE DEFECTIVE SHIFTER HAS CAUSED INJURY TO MY RIGHT KNEE AND TENDONS. I WAS IN PARK, A PER…”
NHTSA complaint #11183080, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 146 4 crash 2 fire 4 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 complaint #11497676, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11343433, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY 2019 JETTA BEGAN EXPERIENCING BREAKING PROBLEMS IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. AFTER INITIAL START AND DRIVE AT IDLE, THE BREAKING PEDAL PRESSURE WAS ERRATIC AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SLAM TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS CONDITION ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR AT IDLE, AND I WAS TOLD AT BRINGING IT INTO SERVICE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. HOWEVER, THE CONDITION CONTINUES TO EXIST AND BEGINNING IN JUNE, I BEGAN HAVING MULTIPLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS FOR A EVAP LEAK. NOW AT THE 7 REPAIRS AND HAVING MULTIPLE PARTS REPLACED, THE SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE AIR INTAKE NE…”
NHTSA complaint #11265502, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 95 1 crash 12 injury

“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 complaint #11500746, 2023 · 10 injury(ies)

“WHEN GRABBING THINGS FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW, PUSHING YOUR BODY AGAINST THE DOOR WITH KEYS IN A POCKET MAY COST THE VEHICLE TO THINK THAT YOU ARE PUSHING ON THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON AND HENCE CLOSING THE WINDOWS WHEN YOU ARE RETRIEVING THINGS INSIDE AND THE WINDOWS TAKE TOO LONG OF A TIME TO SENSE THAT SOMETHING IS BLOCKING THE WINDOWS AND HURT WHOEVER IS RETRIEVING ITEMS.”
NHTSA complaint #11279327, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“REAR TRUNK LID DOES NOT REMAIN OPEN RESULTING IN THE LID CRASHING DOWN ON MY HEAD WHEN I'M PUTTING STUFF IN THE TRUNK OR TAKING STUFF OUT OF THE TRUNK.”
NHTSA complaint #11118125, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 29 6 crash 6 injury

“There was an intersection, I hit a car head on and no airbags went off”
NHTSA complaint #11746389, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11463071, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11351636, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 26 1 injury

“THE TAIL LIGHTS OF MY NEW 2019 VW JETTA, ARE A HAZARD FOR ANYONE WASHING THE VEHICLE. THEY ARE VERY SHARP AT THE BOTTOM EDGE AND YOU CAN CUT YOUR SELF. AS A MATTER OF FACT THAT HAPPENED TO THE SALES AGENT THAT I NEGOTIATED WITH ON DECEMBER 27TH AT VW GUNTHER ON DELRAY BEACH FLORIDA. HE WENT TO HELP WITH THE CLEANING OF THE CAR FOR THE DELIVERY, AND CAME BACK BLEEDING WITH A BANDAGE IN HIS FINGER. NOW I AM AFRAID TO CLEAN THAT AREA AND I TOLD EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY TO BE CAREFUL. I THINK VW SHOULD CORRECT THIS ISSUE ASAP”
NHTSA complaint #11170403, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 t…”
NHTSA complaint #11680499, 2025

“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 sc…”
NHTSA complaint #11658850, 2025

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Fuel/Propulsion System 25 1 fire

“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 TRIE…”
NHTSA complaint #11329999, 2020 · fire

“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 complaint #11728131, 2026

“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 include…”
NHTSA complaint #11719261, 2026

Structure 22 1 crash 6 injury

“There was an intersection, I hit a car head on and no airbags went off”
NHTSA complaint #11746389, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11547980, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11362807, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

Air Bags 16 7 crash 8 injury

“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 r…”
NHTSA complaint #11655105, 2022 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“There was an intersection, I hit a car head on and no airbags went off”
NHTSA complaint #11746389, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11574620, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 16 1 crash

“TRUNK LID DOES NOT STAY OPEN UNLESS IT IS PUSHED UP ALL THE WAY, MULTIPLE PASSENGERS WHEN USING THE TRUNK IN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WERE HIT BY THE TRUNK LID. WHEN TRAVELING LOW SPEED ON CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE SPEED WILL BE LOWERED WHEN GETTING CLOSE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ITS LANE BUT IF THE IMMEDIATE CAR SWITCH LANE AT THE SAME TIME ANOTHER VEHICLE GET INTO YOUR LANE, THE FORWARD COLLISION SYSTEM HAS A DELAY IN DETECTING IS THERE VEHICLE THERE OR MAY NOT IDENTIFY THE VEHICLE JOINING YOUR LANE AS A VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND MAY SUDDENLY INCREASE SPEED AS NO VEHICLE WAS DETECTED AND RESULT IN A R…”
NHTSA complaint #11141116, 2018 · crash

“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. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11719231, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11709036, 2026

Visibility/Wiper 16 1 fire

“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 complaint #11373415, 2020 · fire

“Crack started in lower right of windshield out of nowhere and spread across most of windshield”
NHTSA complaint #11687056, 2025

“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 sc…”
NHTSA complaint #11658850, 2025

Suspension 13 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“SINCE DAY ONE CAR IS SHAKING LIKE A BOAT, WHEN I DRIVE IT ON A HIGHWAY MAKING IT NOT STABLE. BRAKES SQUEAK AND I SEE SIGNS ON THE BRAKE DISK.I AM WITH THE ORIGINAL BRAKES. CAR IS SHUTTING DOWN WHEN I PARK. WHEN I SWITCH AGAIN TO DRIVE, IT IS COMPLETELY OFF FROM ITSELF, KEY IS INSIDE AND I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND THEN START THE CAR AGAIN. AIR CONDITION IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY VW SAID THEY HAVE BETTER 8 ZONES AIR CONDITION. I HAD OIL LAMP AROUND 5000-6000 MILES THEY SAID THAT THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE PROBLEMS TILL 10 000 MILES. I HAVE PROBLEMS ACCELERATING, I AM LOOSING POWER. I HAVE GRINDI…”
NHTSA complaint #11288963, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 TRIE…”
NHTSA complaint #11329999, 2020 · fire

“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 complaint #11351944, 2020 · crash

Forward Collision Avoidance 12 3 crash 5 injury

“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 r…”
NHTSA complaint #11655105, 2022 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“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 be…”
NHTSA complaint #11505669, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11502305, 2021 · crash

Steering 12 4 crash 2 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11351636, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE CAR SHUT OFF, I LOST CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING AND THE BREAKS FAILED TO STOP AFTER THE COMPUTER SHUT THE CAR OFF. NOW THEY CALM THE SHIFTER IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS REPLACED AFTER THERE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC CODES FAILED TO DETECT THE PROBLEM THE FIRST 2 TIMES AND A TEST DRIVE WOULD HAVE TOLD THEM THEIR WAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO A TEST DRIVE AND RELIED AND FAULTY COMPUTER INPUT. THIS SERIOUS MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY INJURY OR DEATH OR INJURY AND DEATH TO ANOTHER PARTY. THE DEFECTIVE SHIFTER HAS CAUSED INJURY TO MY RIGHT KNEE AND TENDONS. I WAS IN PARK, A PER…”
NHTSA complaint #11183080, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11518599, 2022 · crash

Lane Departure 8 1 crash

“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 complaint #11746925, 2026 · crash

“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 complaint #11681052, 2025

“When accelerating from 1st gear to 2nd gear, the gear gets stuck.. Rpms spike high and the car won't go any faster until it gets unstuck. This has caused issues while in traffic, nearly getting ran over by cars behind me. I can't accelerate as normal when pulling onto a road, there's the risk that the transmission gets stuck and I can't move forward. This car is only 5 years old.”
NHTSA complaint #11610946, 2024

Visibility 7 1 crash 1 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 complaint #11724122, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11654455, 2024 · crash

“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. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure was not identified, and the vehicle was left for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,888.”
NHTSA complaint #11720998, 2026

Seat Belts 6 1 crash 1 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 DES…”
NHTSA complaint #11306408, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the front driver’s and front passenger’s side seat belts failed to remain buckled while driving with the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was not covered under warranty or recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11562351, 2023

“I purchased the vehicle on 6/10/3023 and that evening I noticed a dashboard error message that the Rear View camera was unavailable. Due to my work schedule I was unable to get back to the dealership until Monday, 6/12/2023. On Monday I asked [XXX], my sales representative, and [XXX], a sales manager, what it meant and how to fix it. They offered Wes, a repair technician, to come look. [XXX] left rapidly and never returned, so I left for work. On 6/15/2023 I had the car inspected by my mechanic for an assessment and he stated that I needed a new electrical body harness for the repair. This par…”
NHTSA complaint #11527475, 2023

Wheels 6 2 crash

“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 complaint #11502305, 2021 · crash

“REAR DIRVERSIDE ROTOR SHEERED OFF CAUSING WHEEL TO LOCK-UP AND VEHICLE TO SPIN-OUT RESULTING IN IMPACT WITH CURB”
NHTSA complaint #11320782, 2020 · crash

“At approximately 44,000 miles TPMS light illuminated however all tire PSI were normal and not low. I reset TPMS light however it came back on around 20 miles later. I kept resetting TPMS light however it would keep coming on even though tire PSI were set. At around 46000 miles car was taken into dealer. Dealer reset light and at around 20 miles light keeps coming back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11519096, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5 1 crash 1 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11351636, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS OUT TODAY AT A STORE AND MY EPC LIGHT CAME ON. I COULDN'T START MY CAR”
NHTSA complaint #11322327, 2020

“THE SAME DAY I DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE DEALER'S LOT, IT SHUT-OFF ON ME THREE TIMES; ONCE ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AND TWICE AT A STOP LIGHT. THE FIRST TIME AT THE STOP LIGHT, I WAS WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. THE SECOND WAS COMING TO A STOP. FURTHER, I WAS UNAWARE THE VEHICLE HAD SHUT-OFF UNTIL I TOOK MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE AND PLACED IT ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT SHUT-OFF A FOURTH TIME THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FOUR WAY INTERSECTION. EACH TIME, THE INFO CENTER IN THE DASHBOARD STATED, "PLACE THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK AND MANUALLY START THE VEHICLE."”
NHTSA complaint #11253355, 2019

Fuel System 4

“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 approxi…”
NHTSA complaint #11689551, 2025

“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 13…”
NHTSA complaint #11607974, 2024

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11585277, 2023

Tires 3

“205/60 R 16 I was driving on the Loop 101 South in Scottsdale, Arizona going highway speeds when I heard my passenger side rear tire explode. There were no preceding warning lights or tire pressure warnings before it happened. I pulled over and say that the sidewall blew out on both sides. There were no puncture marks on the tire that would have caused the blowout except for the sidewall failing.”
NHTSA complaint #11542727, 2023

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the sensor was reset; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11501421, 2020

“I purchased a set of 4 Kumho tires on my vehicle on 9-24-24 when the vehicle had approximately 62,710 miles. On [XXX] with approximately 78,922 miles on the vehicle, I was informed that all the tires were cracked, they showed me in between the tread and they said they needed replacement. The tires had significantly less mileage than the advertised treadwear warranty. I maintained the vehicle according to manufacturer recommendations and had regular tire rotations and inspections performed. I am concerned that the tires experienced premature wear, which could affect vehicle safety and require r…”
NHTSA complaint #11741853, 2002

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the failure electrical, child safety start, and stop defect, and other electrical features failed to function as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the ECM software was updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the vehicle needed a battery replacement. The battery was replaced but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 13,805.”
NHTSA complaint #11507478, 2021

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the turbo was making an abnormal loud mechanical grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken three times to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. Additionally, the contact was informed that the wastegate turbo had a lot of play and the wind was causing the abnormal sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 600.”
NHTSA complaint #11422895, 2020

Seats 2

“REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT CAME UNBUCKLED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AFTER HITTING THE BREAKS TO STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. MY DAUGHTER WENT FLYING INTO THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, NOW THE BUCKLE WILL NOT KEEP A LATCH.”
NHTSA complaint #11355133, 2020

“BRAKES ARE MAKING A PULSATING SOUND FROM WHEN IT WAS AT 20000 MILES , HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE CAR FROM DAY 3 OF OWNING IT . VOLKSWAGEN REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK SAYING THATS NOT A VALID COMPLAINT.. ENGINE MAKES A RUMBLING OR A GRINDING SOUND WHEN IT IS AT 35-40MPH ! CAR LOOSES TIRE PRESSURE EVERY WEEK. WHEN GOING THROUGHT EVEN A MINOR POTHOLE IT FEELS AS IF THE STRUTS WERE RAMMED ON THE ROAD !! INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING ! DRIVES ALMOST LIKE A BULL ! FEELS LIKE ITS JUST DRAGGING ITSELF .... AWFUL TO THE CORE ! SEAT FRAME HAS BEEN CHANGED ONCE BEFORE IN 3 MONTHS 2DAYS OF OWNING MY CAR AND IT HA…”
NHTSA complaint #11232591, 2019

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Driver Door Sensor" was displayed, and the electronic parking brake erroneously activated. During the failure, all the doors were closed and secured. The contact stated that late,r while driving approximately 10 MPH, the parking brake erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the driver’s side door electrical wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufactur…”
NHTSA complaint #11651238, 2025

Parking Brake 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Driver Door Sensor" was displayed, and the electronic parking brake erroneously activated. During the failure, all the doors were closed and secured. The contact stated that late,r while driving approximately 10 MPH, the parking brake erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the driver’s side door electrical wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufactur…”
NHTSA complaint #11651238, 2025

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta draws about 67.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 1 of 13 among the Volkswagen Jetta model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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