2019 Volkswagen Jetta
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 162 of 545 complaints (30%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (8) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 31 in 2018 to 545 in 2019.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | vs. 2019 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,900–2,300 | 1,900–2,300 | 1,850–2,250 | 1,850–2,250 | 1,850–2,250 | |
| Combined MPG | 27–33 | 27–33 | 28–34 | 28–34 | 28–34 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 23–28 / 33–40 | 24–28 / 33–40 | 25–30 / 32–40 | 25–30 / 32–40 | 24–30 / 33–41 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 271–335 | 271–326 | 262–321 | 262–319 | 260–319 | |
| Complaints filed | 159 | 31 | 545 | 52 | 67 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 3 | 11 | 6 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 18 | 1 | 19 | 1 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 9 | 0 | 36 | 2 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 162 of 545 NHTSA complaints (30%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA rates it 28–34 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?
EPA estimates $1,850–$2,250 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 30 mpg (high) | 40 mpg (high) | 34 mpg (high) | $1,850 (low) | 262 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 30 mpg (high) | 40 mpg (high) | 34 mpg (high) | $1,850 (low) | 263 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg (low) | 32 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | $2,250 (high) | 321 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AM-S7) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg (low) | 32 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | $2,250 (high) | 315 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 148 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 162 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 153 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Brakes | 34 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 12 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 24 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 20 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 34 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 25 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 46 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 95 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 24V110000 · Feb 15, 2024
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · Campaign 23V619000 · Sep 7, 2023
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · Campaign 23V604000 · Aug 31, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS · Campaign 22V815000 · Oct 31, 2022
Defect: 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."
Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
WHEELS · Campaign 19V879000 · Dec 12, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Campaign 19V679000 · Sep 26, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: 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.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS · Campaign 19V188000 · Mar 12, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 19V110000 · Feb 21, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the wrong air bag may not work correctly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS · Campaign 18V904000 · Jan 30, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · Campaign 18V824000 · Nov 27, 2018
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Show 1 earlier campaign
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 18V671000 · Oct 2, 2018
Defect: 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."
Consequence: A reduction in the driver's visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.