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2019 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has 745 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

3.4/ 10

Based on 745 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

156 20.9%

ENGINE

138 18.5%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

135 18.1%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

92 12.3%

SERVICE BRAKES

27 3.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 20.9% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 43 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has 745 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta are POWER TRAIN (156), ENGINE (138), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (135).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 374 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Jetta complaints2020 Jetta complaints2017 Jetta complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 18 of 18 systems

POWER TRAIN

94 Reports38% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE 2019 JETTAS (AUTOMATIC). WHEN DRIVING IN LOW RPM'S, THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THIS AREA. THIS AFFECTS DRIVE-ABILITY, AS YOU NEED TO DRIVE MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO ELIMINATE THE SOUND. THERE ALSO ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS. THESE ISSUES ARE ON BRAND-NEW MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE.

8/15/2018

THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE 2019 JETTAS (AUTOMATIC). WHEN DRIVING IN LOW RPM'S BETWEEN 25-30MPH, THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE CAR. THIS AFFECTS HOW YOU MUST DRIVE. AS SOMEONE ELSE STATED YOU MUST DRIVE MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO ELIMINATE THE SOUND. THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS OF THIS WITH OTHER JETTA OWNERS IN MY AREA. THIS HAPPENS CONSTANT. IT IS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT. I HAVE REPORT THIS TO MY DEALERSHIP AS WELL.

10/25/2018

92 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

55 Reports22% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2019 VW JETTA'S GRINDING/RATTLING NOISE FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT'S DAMAGING THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AND WORSE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT CAUSES ACCELERATED HEATING AND FAILURE RATE FOR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.

1/25/2019

CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AFTER 6 WEEKS OF DRIVING AND APPROX 1,200 MILES NOTICED LEAKING OIL IN THE GARAGE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. TRANSMISSION SEAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT COULD TAKE 2-3 DAYS DEPENDING ON THE AVAILABILITY OF THE PARTS.

1/28/2019

53 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

32 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

8/6/2018

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 REAR-END COLLISION.

10/17/2018

30 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION HARNESS SYSTEM WAS DAMAGED BY VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE'S CONTRACTED TOW COMPANY.

12/19/2018

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 PERSON ENTERED THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF ROLLED DOWN THE HILL UNTIL IT STOPPED BY ROLLING IN REVERSE UP A HILL BEHIND ME. THE PERSON REFUSED TO BE IN MY CAR AS THE DANGER WAS OBVIOUS TO HER. THE ONLY REASON THE CAR STOPPED WAS BECAUSE OF THE HILL. I LOST CONTROL OF THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING AS THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF. ANY CHILD OR ELDERLY PERSON BEHIND ME WOULD HAVE SUFFER SERIOUS INJURY. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM IS REFUSING TO WRITE ANY OF THIS INFORMATION DOWN.

2/28/2019

12 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

GLASS PANEL AT LEADING EDGE OF ROOF SHATTERED WHILE PARKED. LATERAL "CRACK" FROM SIDE TO SIDE APPEARS TO BE THE RESULT OF TORSIONAL LOADING. GLASS WAS NOT DAMAGED WHEN VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY PARKED.

11/25/2018

TAKATA RECALL- I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE THE HORN ON THE VEHICLE WAS GOING OFF RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. ONCE DIAGNOSED VW DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE FIREWALL OF THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN SEALED, THEREFORE WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS MOLD FOUND IN THE VEHICLE, WHICH NOW THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER TWO WEEKS, AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A COMPLETION DATE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAVE ACTUALLY MADE NO EFFORTS TO CONTACT ME.

1/6/2019

9 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 PERSON ENTERED THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF ROLLED DOWN THE HILL UNTIL IT STOPPED BY ROLLING IN REVERSE UP A HILL BEHIND ME. THE PERSON REFUSED TO BE IN MY CAR AS THE DANGER WAS OBVIOUS TO HER. THE ONLY REASON THE CAR STOPPED WAS BECAUSE OF THE HILL. I LOST CONTROL OF THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING AS THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF. ANY CHILD OR ELDERLY PERSON BEHIND ME WOULD HAVE SUFFER SERIOUS INJURY. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM IS REFUSING TO WRITE ANY OF THIS INFORMATION DOWN.

2/28/2019

WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT OR ABOUT 20 MPH, MY PARK BRAKE COMES ON AND MY VW COMES TO A DEAD STOP AND ALMOST ALWAYS GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. CARS BEHIND ME GET MAD AND START HONKING. IT'S HAPPEN TO 3 TIMES NOW AND ONCE TO THE MECHANIC THAT STATED IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. I AM A PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER OF 40 YEARS AND CAN HANDLE THE UNEXPECTED FOR THE MOST PART BUT MY WIFE WHOM COMMUTES 60 MILES DAILY ON A CRAZY FREEWAY TO WORK HAS BEEN FOR FORTUNATE THAT IT'S NOT HAPPEN TO HER YET. I FINALLY COULDN'T KEEP IT TO MYSELF ANYMORE AND AFTER TELLING HER MY EXPERIENCES, SHE REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE TILL TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE CAR BRAND WITH ONLY 10 MILES ON IT (2019VW) WITH A REBUILT TITLE WITH NO MFG WARR. BUT I PURCHASED AFTER MARKET WARRANTY 7YR. 100,000 FOR $4,000.)...I CONTACTED THE CAR DEALER AND MY WARRANTY AND BOTH SAID I BOUGHT CAR AS IS AND BASICALLY SHOW CONCERN THAT WE COULD GET OUR SELF'S KILLED OR OTHERS. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE VW CAR DEALER FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS NOW AND I'VE HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR MY WIFE THIS WHOLE TIME. VW CALLS ME EVERY 2 WEEK AND TELL ME 2 MORE WEEKS ON THE PART (ELECTRICAL MODULE IN GEAR SHIFTER). I AM FACING A SEVERAL DOLLAR BILL AT SHOP AND A COUPLE THOUSAND DOLLARS WITH CAR RENTAL. THAT KEEPS CHARGING MY CREDIT CARD. I AM PAYING FOR A BRAND NEW DEAD VW. AND VERY VERY DID APPOINTED IN THE WHOLE SYSTEM! .

8/22/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION HARNESS SYSTEM WAS DAMAGED BY VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE'S CONTRACTED TOW COMPANY.

12/19/2018

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 BUMPS.

4/3/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON MEDIUM AND HIGH SETTINGS, HITS A PILLAR AND MAKE A LOUD TAPPING METALLIC EVERY WIPE. IT'S A POOR QUALITY SOUND THAT GETS WORSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BECAUSE OF ADDED WIND STRESS TO WIPERS. MY 2005 BEATER NISSAN SENTRA WIPERS OPERATING SOUNDS LIKE A LEXUS COMPARED TO THIS 2019 JETTA SEL. TOLD DEALER, THEY TESTED AND CONFIRMED IT'S A PROBLEM. REPAIRED CAR WITH A "WIPER ARM ADJUSTMENT". I PICK UP CAR AND OF COARSE, WIPERS STILL MAKE THE STUPID NOISE. I WILL TAKE BACK NEXT OIL CHANGE AND PUSH HARDER. IT RUINS THIS CARS REFINEMENT WHEN ITS RAINING, IT'S SO ANNOYING AND VERY NOTICABLE.

12/22/2018

FACTORY WIPERS RESULT IN STREAKING, REPLACED AT LESS THAN 5K MILES. PROBLEM ALLEVIATED. TYPICAL METALLIC GRINDING AT LOW SPEEDS, AS DESCRIBED BY OTHER REPORTS. PASSENGER LED HEADLIGHT RING EXCESSIVELY DIM. MULTIPLE SOURCES REPORT OPEN RECALL FOR THIS, HOWEVER, NO SOURCES INCLUDING DEALER AGREE MY VEHICLE IS INCLUDED. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE POINTED OUT MY FAULTY HEADLIGHT RING. REVIEW OF PHOTOS CONTAINING VEHICLE INDICATE HEADLIGHT ISSUE WAS NOT PRESENT AT PURCHASE. CAN NOT CONFIRM.

3/10/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS TAPPED OR FULLY PRESSED. AS SOON AS THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED THE CAR RESUMES THE PREVIOUS SET SPEED. THIS BEHAVIOR WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH ANY STANDARD VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN CREATES AN UNSAFE SITUATION IF THE CAR IS IN CRUISE, APPROACHING A SLOWER CAR, AND THE SPEED IS DECREASES BY COASTING. UPON RE-ENGAGING, THE CAR SPEEDS UP AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME.

9/20/2018

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 REAR-END COLLISION.

10/17/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CHECK OIL LEVEL LIGHT/WARNING BELL CAME ON. LET THE CAR COOL, WENT OUT TO CHECK THE OIL WITH THE DIPSTICK, WAS VERY LITTLE OIL IN THERE !WENT TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE , CHECKED IT AGAIN, AND THIS TIME THE OIL WAS BACK. CAR WAS OK FOR 2 DAYS THEN LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN.

4/17/2019

VEHICLE IS RANDOMLY STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND THE VEHICLE MUST BE RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR, IF THE CLUTCH IS FULLY PRESSED TO THE FLOOR, OR IF THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING IS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE IS EITHER SLOWING TO A STOP OR HAS COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN THE DRIVEWAY. I AM AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

5/25/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

1/16/2019

FACTORY WIPERS RESULT IN STREAKING, REPLACED AT LESS THAN 5K MILES. PROBLEM ALLEVIATED. TYPICAL METALLIC GRINDING AT LOW SPEEDS, AS DESCRIBED BY OTHER REPORTS. PASSENGER LED HEADLIGHT RING EXCESSIVELY DIM. MULTIPLE SOURCES REPORT OPEN RECALL FOR THIS, HOWEVER, NO SOURCES INCLUDING DEALER AGREE MY VEHICLE IS INCLUDED. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE POINTED OUT MY FAULTY HEADLIGHT RING. REVIEW OF PHOTOS CONTAINING VEHICLE INDICATE HEADLIGHT ISSUE WAS NOT PRESENT AT PURCHASE. CAN NOT CONFIRM.

3/10/2019

2 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR IS DISPLAYING AN ERROR, IR SAYS. 'ERROR:AIRBAG'. IS DISPLAYING THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AS DISABLED. (THE LIGHT IS LOCATED IN THE CENTRAL DASH) AND IT GOES OF IF YOU DRIVE, MY CAR IS A WEEK NEW, AND I'M ABOUT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I GOT PICTURES OF THE MESSAGES IF YOU WANT. THE PROBLEM SHOW WHEN YOU TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH ON, AND THEN WHEN YOU DRIVE FOR A 15 MINUTES IT KEEPING REMINDING THE PROBLEM AND THEN MAGICALLY GOES OFF.

11/12/2018

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY LIGHTS UP. SOMETIMES IMMEDIATELY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, OTHER TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES EVERYTHING WORKS FINE. AT TIMES WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON DURING STARTUP IT STAYS ON FOR QUITE A WHILE (MANY MILES) IT MAY THEN GO OFF OR NOT. ALSO, WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT MOVES ON THE SEAT THE LIGHT MAY OR MAY NOT GO OFF. I TOOK THE CAR TO A VW DEALER WHO COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND TOLD ME "WELL, THE SEABELT WORKS, DOESN'T IT?"

10/3/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION HARNESS SYSTEM WAS DAMAGED BY VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE'S CONTRACTED TOW COMPANY.

12/19/2018

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."

9/5/2019

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE WHEELS FILL WITH SNOW ON THE INSIDE AND WHEN YOU GO TO DRIVE THE CAR IT IS SO UNBALANCED YOU CAN ONLY GO 30-40MPH. FIRST TIME DROVE IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE IT STICKS ON THE BACKSIDE/INSIDE AND HAD TO BE SPRAYED OUT WITH HOT WATER. THAT WORKED FOR AWHILE, NOW TRYING TO DRIVE IT TODAY IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. VERY UNSAFE, DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. MINNESOTA HAS LOTS OF SNOW AND THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO FIND A SELF SERVICE CAR WASH. IT ISN'T THE WHEEL WELLS, IT IS THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN, NOT TO MENTION THE INABILITY TO USE MY CAR. TOO COLD TODAY, CAR WASH NOT OPENED IN BELOW ZERO WEATHER!

3/3/2019

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER ON RECALL 19V188 - REAR AXLE COIL SPRINGS. I WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL VIA THE LOCAL NEWS STATION AND WAS DIRECTED TO THE NHTSA WEBSITE, WHERE I LOOKED UP THE VIN ON MY CAR AND CONFIRMED THE RECALL. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK WITH IF THEY HAD THE PART AND WHEN IT COULD BE REPLACED. 4 DAYS LATER (TODAY) I GET THE CALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. THIS UPSET ME BECAUSE IT IS A SERIOUS REPLACEMENT. I DRIVE 500 MILES TO WORK ON THE INTERSTATE A WEEK! THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR, ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD, WITH A $450 A MONTH PRICE TAG (THE WHOLE PRIORITY FOR LIFE). I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS BROUGHT AND WAS TOLD THAT CARS GET RECALLS ALL THE TIME AND THAT THIS WASN'T A BIG DEAL. THOUGH THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL THEY COULD GET THE PARTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS HIGHWAY RISK AND AWFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE, FROM A MANUFACTURER THAT CLAIMS TO ALWAYS HAVE YOUR BACK!!!!!!! I COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER OFF WITH A USED VEHICLE. I'M GUESSING THE MANUFACTURER IS OK WITH UNSAFE VEHICLES BEING OUT ON THE ROADWAY. IF THESE SPRINGS BREAK AND I GET IN AN ACCIDENT, YOU CAN BE SURE THAT I WILL CONTACT A LAWYER.

4/4/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHEEHY VOLKSWAGEN OF SPRINGFIELD (6601 BACKLICK RD, SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150, (703) 544-2973), BUT AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL FAULTY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE COULD NOT EXCHANGE HIS VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER ONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK IF THE VEHICLE COULD BE EXCHANGED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24.

9/28/2018

STEERING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 PERSON ENTERED THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF ROLLED DOWN THE HILL UNTIL IT STOPPED BY ROLLING IN REVERSE UP A HILL BEHIND ME. THE PERSON REFUSED TO BE IN MY CAR AS THE DANGER WAS OBVIOUS TO HER. THE ONLY REASON THE CAR STOPPED WAS BECAUSE OF THE HILL. I LOST CONTROL OF THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING AS THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF. ANY CHILD OR ELDERLY PERSON BEHIND ME WOULD HAVE SUFFER SERIOUS INJURY. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM IS REFUSING TO WRITE ANY OF THIS INFORMATION DOWN.

2/28/2019

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 HAS STARTED TO SHAKE AGAIN BUT WAS IGNORED BY THE DEALERSHIP! AND ALL THESE THINGS HAPPEN WHEN ON HIGHWAY AND CITY! CAR MAKES VIBRATING SOUNDS BUT IGNORED BY THW DEALERSHIP

7/16/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN MOBILE DEVICE IS PLACED IN PASSENGERS SEAT SEATBELT LIGHT COMES ON AND AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF.

12/18/2019

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?

The most reported complaint category for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is POWER TRAIN, with 156 owner reports. That is about 21% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 374 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta severe?

374 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Jetta: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
745
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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