general problems of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta - part 1

While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The engine lost power and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then displayed a malfunction related to the transmission, with the park (“p”) indicator blinking, and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The failure appears to be related to an electrical or ignition system issue, possibly the ignition switch. This created a significant safety risk as the vehicle lost power while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. Prior to the failure, the only warning observed was a check engine light. No other warning messages were present before the incident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic/contractor. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This issue appears consistent with known ignition switch/electrical failures reported in similar vehicles.

The vehicle is sluggish while driving as if trying to pick up speed as if it is not shifting into the next gear. The other day while making a hard left turn, the vehicle stalled and when picking up speed continued to stall and struggled to gain power. When looking under the hood when it was safe to stop, there was smoke. Thank you.

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 included bith replacing the fuel taknk fuel pump and today a part of the fuel feed system. It’s still at the dealership. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Miles on car 79,000 December 1, 2025 car started to slow down while driving on bay bridge, san francisco speed went suddenly from 55 miles an hour to 30 miles and hour lights went off epc and rpm maximum was showing on dashboard. Car suddenly started running at 25 to 35 miles an hour while driving on the highway. I was at risk of getting hit by another vehicle since everyone else was driving at 55 and 65 miles an hour on the highway. I was unable to drive to the mechanic or dealer and requested a towing company to take it to the dealer important facts to add transmission was replaced with only 50 thousand miles (2 years after bought from the dealer) on Feb 2025 car was making noises and showing epc light and rpm maximum. Car taken to dealer and dealer said that evap line was lose and fell from designated connection. Per dealer findings the engine needs to be replaced at 79,000 miles the car was bought in December 2021 with 22,678 miles. In my opinion the car was sold defective and required two major repairs with less than 79,000 miles.

Initial call out for oil change and investigation of oil consumption and knocking from engine. Upon examination in person the timing cover was found to be heavily leaking and had pools of oil around the valleys that surround it. Further examination if taking the cover off revealed metal shavings and debris caked all around the interior of the cover and deep inside the engine and oil in areas where there should not be. Even further investigations revealed that one of the bolts on the cam gear was missing and after researching it was found that this is a common issue/failure found on many of the 1. 4tsi engines but is not widespread enough to form a recall as of yet. Many reports state very similar issues of the cam gear/phaser bolts becoming loose and falling down into the engine causing catastrophic failure and metal shavings/debris/fragments inside the engine. I paid nearly 18k$ just to drive the car about 10k miles and still owe 6300$ on the vehicle. This has completely turned my life upside down. Now I have no job, no way to take car of my elderly mom and barely able to take care of myself now that my engine has almost completed failed, if continued to drive the way it is, it may catch fire/explode. Im going to have a professional try to fix this issue but its going to cost more than I have. Vwoa refused to help in any way since the vehicle is out of warranty. Vehicle is at 62388 in miles. I noticed the engine knocking while in a mcdonald's drive thru I was about 800 miles until oil change was needed. So I took it home to check oil and it was extremely low.

Exhaust camshaft actuator oil cap bolts loosen and fall out and could cause engine failure. Volkswagen has issued a service bulletin for this problem but not a recall.

My Jetta is only 6 years old and has only 27,350 mileage when this issue happened. Low oil light came and took it to a local shop where they put it on a lift and saw oil all over the bottom of the car. The technician told me this car is not safe and you need to have it towed to vw and see what is happening. I had it towed to vw where I purchased the car. The technician removed the upper timing cover and found camshaft sprocket bolts backed out 1 and another one ready to come out, causing oil to leak out all over. When I asked the service manager what caused this, he had no answer. I also asked him have you ever seen this in any of the Jetta. He said he never seen this. I told the service manager that what happened to my car was a safety issue, due to a defect and workmanship from the manufacture or whoever assembled this camshaft. Their is research on it regarding the camshaft . This particular part has to be assembled correctly while assembling these bolts into the camshaft. If did not bring in my car to find out why I was leaking oil and my oil light was working. I could of had a serious problem harming myself and any passengers in my car, due to losing control of my car. My cost for the repair was $2,407. 99 and no one would give me any compensation on my repair.

Started car in the morning to go to work and 20 minutes later heard loud clunking coming from engine bay. Pulled over and got towed. Upper timing cover was removed and found that screws from camshaft phasers had backed out causing issue. Issue was confirmed at german car shop. No prior problems. Mentioned at last service visit that a rattling was coming from the engine bay. Was told that it was normal. Googled issue and found multiple people complaining of same issue. Car has not ever had work done in that area. Seems like a failure of quality control in the factory.

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 that car, so I turned it back on and started to drive it the two blocks back to my house, the "starter system faulty" message popped up again and suddenly all of the electrical in the car shut off (the engine was still running). My radio, speedometer, everything was just off. I made it home, got on my computer and found an article about a recall that match my car's make, model, year, and key rather than button ignition. It described my exact experience. I looked up my car to see if it had a recall and it didn't. I called the dealership and they were no help, so I called the Volkswagen of America customer care line. They told me my VIN didn't qualify "probably" because it wasn't within the "manufacturing dates". I'm having a hard time understanding that since everything else lines up. Additionally, I just purchased this vehicle used from a vw dealership less than two months ago. The dealer plates are still on the car. According to them, the car was in great condition. . .

Engine stalling and cutting off while driving. Unsafe while in heavy traffic.

Faulty started. Per your website, Volkswagen issued a recall for certain 2019 and 2020 Jetta models with traditional ignition keys(not push-button start) due to a faulty ignition switch that can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall, increasing crash risk. This recall, identified as recall 23v-604 by NHTSA. My vehicle needs to be included in this recall.

My 2019 Volkswagen Jetta cannot be refueled — gas nozzle clicks off instantly or overflows. The check engine light came on, and vw corporate confirmed code p00fe, indicating a failure of the evap system vent valve. This is a sealed emissions component integrated with the fuel tank. Dealership initially claimed there were “no codes,” but a video shows their technician confirming the evap code, disconnecting the evap system, and concluding the tank must be replaced. However, since the valve is a powered solenoid, unplugging the system wouldn't allow it to open — this invalidates their test and diagnosis. Vw has denied warranty coverage even though the issue clearly falls under the 8-year/80,000-mile federal emissions warranty as defined by the epa and vw’s own documentation. I also discovered they misrepresented an active recall (#28h7) and falsely told me I had none. Vw customer care told me about the recall and informed the dealership. Vw customer care informed me 7/9/25 that the recall had been repaired. Carfax yesterday and your system today show that it still has not been repaired. This is a safety hazard. I cannot refuel reliably, and the dealership is denying coverage while refusing to provide written documentation or a breakdown of findings. My car is disabled and stranded at the dealership since July 24, 2025 and they will barely communicate.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the starter failure message displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

2 bolts came lose in engine, need timing belt replaced, caused oil leak and other problems yet to be identified. Volkswagen admitted that should never happen but will not take responsibility.

It was a hot day and I went to start my 2019 Jetta, it sent me a warning code to safely stop the vehicle and then all electrical shut off but the engine then proceeded to stall in place and not want to start back up. I got it to restart and the parking break locked up. I turned it off again and restarted it and managed to get the parking break off after several attempts. I had to have it towed as it was clearly not safe to drive. As soon as the temperature dropped the car was completely fine no electrical errors making me think this is similar to other Volkswagen vehicle issues. There is no recall in place but this is extremely unsafe for me to drive and I just purchased the vehicle.

My manual transmission clutch went to the floor without warning and the car suddenly was inoperable. Bay vw in great neck, NY performed a $4,000 repair. . I picked uo the car today and within five miles drive the clutch failed again and the car was inoperable. In December 2022 the same thing happened while driving on [xxx] . I was in the passing lane and lost complete control of the car except for steering. I had an elderly passenger with dementia and it was providential that we weren't in an accident. It's now three breakdowns of the same kind. Obviously, another part is defective causing these operational failures. It's a safety risk and the three two vw repair shops, on three occasions, have not been able to detect it. I am afraid for my safety and that of my passengers. I can provide the repair invoices. Please look into this. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I took my car for ignition switch recall but after one month I have same issue tge car won't start.

I live in florida where it is very hot - one day my car doesn't turn on and I get the notice on my dashboard that says "starter system faulty. Service vehicle". It wont turn on again. I searched the NHTSA website and it seems there is an open recall already, however for some reason my 2019 Jetta is not included, and the dealership refuses to claim it under recall. Nhtsa campaign number: 23v604000 I am submitting this complaint to include this batch of 2019 Jettas also affected.

While driving, the car's electrical system failed and came to a complete stop. Identified as a faulty ignition switch by the dealer's service center. I contacted Volkswagen regarding the issue and provided NHTSA's campaign number of 23v604 for a recall on the 2019 Jetta's for ignition switch failure. Volkswagen took my information but stated the recall did not include my car based on the VIN number. I am reporting it here to see if there are other Jetta owners who have reported the same issue. The case number with Volkswagen is #06375019.

Driving on a highway when all of a sudden my car completely shut off and would not turn back on, had to sit in 110 degree weather with my children. Everything was completely dead and we could not open the trunk to get our jumper cables.

The car is making a weird sound when I break. It sounds like liquid is moving around and another sound. The central caution off in my car and the airbags too.

Vw Jetta should be included in the ignition switch recall. Problem started last year August on a trip out of state. After a day sitting in the hot parking lot on drive back car reported ignition switch failure and all electronics shut off and eventually the car shut off and wouldn't restart until the interior of the car cooled off. Once inside of car cooled down car was drivable again. Contacted dealer they stated they had not serviced another Jetta with this problem yet. They adivised to continue driving and see if problem occurs again. All winter (living in cold climate) it was no problem. In March as things warmed up problem occurred multiple times. Multiple occasions the car shut off in the middle of the road luckily no accidents occurred. Had car serviced at vw dealer, they were able to replicate problem and talked with vw field rep. Who said to change the ignition switch. Since replacing the ignition switch my car has not had any issues anymore. I contacted vw care and asked to add my car to the recall or reimburse my repair cost ($ 320) they refuse and insist that my car does not have the same problem as the recalled 2019/2020 models. I was fortunate that nobody hit me from behind when my car decided to shut off in the middle of a 55 mile an hour road. Since the warning lights won't work when this problem occurs. This is a very serious problem and the remedy was to replace the ignition switch. I have the email conversation between the vw care rep as well as a copy of my repair bill. The last email I received from vw care states that my car is not part of the recall, that they can not add it to the recall and even though it presents with the exact same problem nothing can be done about it. Please let me know if you need any additional information sincerely tanja dunn.

Exhaust cam phaser cover bolt backed out. It hit the engine casing which caused the exhaust cam phaser to misfunction. Disfunction. The car has not been checked by a dealer but is available for inspection.

I purchased 2019 Volkswagen Jetta rline turbo in 2022 with 30 something thousand miles with warranty. The car was and only serviced at Volkswagen dealership since purchased(oil changes, etc. ). My daughter mentioned several times to the service people the coolant was empty and needed to be refilled they checked and said it probably do to the heat and use of ac. So we took car in for an oil change at 60,000-70,000 to a Volkswagen dealership in tampa because oil light came on. They said that the engine oil had sludge all throughout the engine. How no way possible. The car had only been serviced at Volkswagen in brandon were we lived since we purchased it. I couldn’t believe it. They had just serviced our car at brandon location not even a month or so. They couldn’t find the problem is all I was told. I have spent over $3500 in 5 mths trying to have the dealership mechanics give us an answer. I spent $24,000 for this vehicle and doesn’t have 75,000 miles. They said it is a failure within engine! help!!!.

When getting into the car the ignition switch failed to start 8 times. This happens every time I enter the vehicle where I live which is a cold climate. The recall is suspected only to affect the car in hotter climates but my car has been affected in the cold. It stalled while I was driving as well and I was able to turn the car back on. On the screen, it said failed transmission. This recall has been mailed to me 5 months ago and is still not yet fixed. I have been paying for my car on time monthly and am struggling to drive my car to the ignition switch failing. The car stalling did not hurt me and luckily no one was behind me. Volkswagen has recognized the issue and sent out a recall in the mail but it's taking so long to fix and was not supposed to stall like this. The warning light was that there was failed transmission. My car has been inspected by fitzgerald and they are unable to do anything about it because there is no remedy for the issue at the moment.

I have already submitted a complaint but today I am submitting another one because I see the vw 2019 Jetta recall for ignition switch does not yet have a remedy and today I experienced my engine stalled and the engine light is currently on. This recall increases the risk of crashing which can cause harm and poses a threat to overall safety. A solution needs to be made as I have work and school and overall errands and now am worried about driving a vehicle with a life threatening recall.

Starter system faulty light came on. I believe there's an issue with the vw Jetta's starter system and a/c actuator.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 30–40 mph, the vehicle stalled. The instrument cluster was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v604000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

My 2019 vw Jetta runs well, but recently there are two safety incidents cause my deep safety concerns. 1)9/20/2023 around 12:15 pm, I parked my vw Jetta in front of wells fargo. When I put shifter in reverse, tried to backwards out of the parking lot, suddenly the car lost control and kept rolling forward, there was a deep ditch in front of my car, but the car kept rolling forward. I was very scared. I drove the Jetta to nearby vw princeton and asked a technician to check the Jetta and find out the system defects, but the technician scanned the Jetta and couldn't find any problems, then suggested to schedule an in depth diagnostics into the Jetta to address my incident. 2) 9/26/2023, around 9:00 pm, I was entering a gate, entered the code, suddenly my car couldn't go forward or backwards, the engine stopped working, the car screen then showed: "please manually start the engine. " after I turn off and then turn back the key again, the engine started. I have texted the service advisor at vw princeton about the new insident today. I would like to report the above two incidents to NHTSA for investigation. Thank you!.

Car engine stalling while driving and failure of the eps/epc light comes on when attempted to start the car warning start stop system malfunctioning unable to start at times.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v604000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the main computer screen displayed a warning advising the driver to pull to the side of the road due to the vehicle ready seize. The message also stated, "check the starter". The main computer screen went completely black, and the vehicle stalled as a follow up. The vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle would start but cut off almost immediately. The vehicle started after approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who was unable to find the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to find the cause as well. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Car stalled out while driving, restarted, car said, "check starter system". Restarted again, engine stayed running, no lights at all (brake, headlight or tail light), however the hazards still seemed to work.

Starter ignition failed on my screen as a turned on a street with oncoming traffic. Car shut down and engine stayed on. Has been happening when my car is sitting in the heat. Going to the dealership to get it diagnostic tomorrow.

When the 8-speed automatic transmission attempts to shift from 3rd to 4th gear it will slip into neutral causing the engine to redline at maximum rpm. The accelerator pedal does not function and poses a serious safety issue. The vehicle will unexpectedly stall when the auto start stop is used and intermittently requires you to shift into park and restart the engine. The transmission also has difficulty shifting into reverse and puts the vehicle in neutral until it slams into gear.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed and stalled. The voltage 1200 message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who tested the battery and informed the contact that the battery failed to register. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the battery was replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 23v604000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 88,822.