2019 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Complaints

Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle” or “Starter system faulty” Error was shown on a hot day. The vehicle turned off

NHTSA ID

11755224

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

VW 2019 Jetta R-line had rear coil spring failure (cracked) at 55,000mi. VW did have a NTSB recall on 2019 Jettas, however the VIN was not included. At 107,000mi the rear coil spring on the other side failed (cracked). VW dealer indicated replacements are on back-order and they don't know when they will be available. These failed coil springs put the driver/passengers at risk of loss of steering control. The problem was confirmed by dealer. The component was not inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or messages, etc., dealer identified issue during oil change inspection.

NHTSA ID

11754994

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The electronic dashboard does not display critical information like speed, engine RPM, engine warning lights, etc. The electronic dashboard stopped working and remains a black screen with no information about vehicle speed and other important infomation available to the driver. VW has a technical bulletin on this issue. This is a major safety hazard and should be upgraded to a recall. I am afraid to drive the car without knowing the vehicle speed or other missing information normally displayed on the dashboard.

NHTSA ID

11754584

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

The vehicle experiences a sudden engine stall shortly after starting, accompanied by an immediate dashboard error message stating: "Starter system faulty, please service vehicle." An OBD-II diagnostic scan confirms active fault code P253200 (Ignition Switch Run Position Circuit High). This failure mirrors Volkswagen Safety Recall 28H7 / NHTSA Campaign 23V604 exactly, but my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall database. The sudden stalling presents an immediate traffic safety and crash hazard.

NHTSA ID

11751931

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Starter System Failure" was displayed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with ignition failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11751887

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

I bought a VW 2019 Jetta used in 2023 from a Volkswagen dealer in Bayside, Queens with about 20k miles on it. There was a recall on the car for a faulty ignition switch and prior to getting my car inspected recently, it needed to be taken care of to pass inspection as well as an oil sensor contributing to a check engine light. Both were taken care of by VW Platinum Service in Hicksville and the car passed inspection with a mileage now with about 62k miles. Since then, my car on two extremely hot days has shut off on me completely while driving. The first time it happened, they inspected the car again and assured me after several tests there were no issues with the car. I had the car back for about 2 weeks and then this past Friday 7/17, the car shut off on me again and I towed it to the same service center. They keep claiming it has nothing to do with the recall and provide me with service reports that say "no codes found" after their inspection. They want to charge me for additional tests and "mechanical diagnostics" as per the owner of the center. There is ample evidence online that suggests the symptoms I am experiencing with my car are exactly attributed to the recall they claim to have fixed. There was never an issue prior to getting the recall taken care of and the inspection at this service center. They do not care about my safety concerns and I am legitimately afraid to drive the car around. The only reason why I am not injured yet is because it thankfully has died while driving at lower speeds leaving work in a parking lot.

NHTSA ID

11751785

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the RPM was revving high with the vehicle violently jerking and vibrating. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 73,816.

NHTSA ID

11750755

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Mileage

73,816 mi

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11748126

Incident

Jan 3, 2026

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 ID

11746925

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

The electrical system went out while I was driving and gave me the error ""Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle". I was able to pull over without an incident and it has not come up again since I've turned the vehicle back on, but I am concerned about this happening again and further impacting the safety of myself and other if it were to impact other systems. This seems to be a common problem with the 2019 Jetta and was a recall for many vehicles but for some reason my vehicle was not included in the recall and my dealership does not want to cover the cost.

NHTSA ID

11746654

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

There was an intersection, I hit a car head on and no airbags went off

NHTSA ID

11746389

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

The vehicle is a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta (VIN [XXX]). The primary malfunction appears to involve the vehicle's electrical and starting system. The vehicle intermittently displays a "Starter System Faulty" warning message and has shut off unexpectedly while driving, particularly during periods of hot weather. The exact failed component has not been definitively identified, but the symptoms are consistent with an ignition switch or electrical system defect. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle can lose power and stall while in motion. The unexpected shutdown places the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk of a crash, especially when driving at higher speeds or in traffic. The problem has occurred multiple times and has persisted despite repair attempts. More than $1,000 has been spent on repairs related to this issue, but the problem has not been resolved. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by service technicians; however, the underlying cause has not been successfully corrected. The vehicle has not been involved in a crash as a result of the defect, but the recurring stalling and loss of power present an ongoing safety concern. Volkswagen has been contacted regarding the issue, but assistance has not resolved the problem. Prior to the vehicle shutting off, warning messages including "Starter System Faulty" appeared on the dashboard. The issue is more likely to occur during hot weather conditions. These warning messages began appearing before the stalling events and continue to occur despite repair efforts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11742778

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

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 replacement much sooner than expected. I contacted the tire manufacturer regarding the warranty, but my concerns have not been satisfactorily resolved-to date I have not heard from them, I emailed them on. 6-1-26 as well as the Volkswagen dealership in North Attleboro were the work was done. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the tire wear may indicate a product defect or issue affecting consumers. Tire size 205/60/R 16/92H They were the Solus TA – 31 tire I have original receipts if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741853

Incident

Jun 1, 2002

When the outside temperature is hot the car starts and within a minute or two gives a ‘start system faulty’ warning and the dash and all electronics shut off. The engine continues to run for a period before also shutting down. This happened a number of time and seems to be a known issue with Jetta’s but mine isn’t part of the recall. Totally unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11738615

Incident

May 18, 2026

I have had my vehicle for 2 years. Every summer or when temperatures are high, my car shuts off while driving. I get the “starter system faulty. Please service vehicle” message on the dashboard. I’ve called VW about the previous recall and they’ve said my vehicle is not car of it. I have a traditional key and these issues have happened more than a handful of times especially recently where I’ll drive and my car shuts off completely.

NHTSA ID

11738331

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

I've had a creaking noise in my back suspension since I bought the vehicle. Took it back to the dealership for inspection year after year and they said that my Springs were fine and they were not included in the recall. I come to find out that back coil springs or fractured and I've been driving on them for a while now because I guess everyone that has inspected my car has missed it at the dealership? My VIN number was not included in the recall for these coil springs but I have fractured Springs at 50,000 miles? Something doesn't seem right. Somebody missed something on the assembly line or with my VIN number according to this recall. This is a safety issue. And I've been driving down the highway with this crack fractured coil springs without even knowing. And the dealership keeps saying it's fine. VW just completely dismisses me because I wasn't included in a recall. I don't think this is right and it's a safety issue and they need to extend a recall to other VIN numbers for 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. I was always told everything is fine. But it's not.

NHTSA ID

11737385

Incident

May 8, 2026

While driving in hot environments the entire electrical interface would turn off. Some times the engine would stall as well. Nothing electrical works in the car and the motor would cut off while driving.

NHTSA ID

11736731

Incident

May 7, 2026

Steering column lock went out while driving causing the steering to be lose and as soon as vehicle stopped it shut off and wouldn’t restart.

NHTSA ID

11735241

Incident

May 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was exposed to high-temperatures, the instrument panel failed to function properly, rendering the speedometer and turn signals inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11734914

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

Mileage

62,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after driving and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body, the wiring harness, and all fluids needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after driving 5 miles, the vehicle started jerking and the message "Transmission Error - Please Pull Over Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer, where the contact was informed that the seal was installed incorrectly, and the seal and the valve needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred the same day. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Error Start/Stop" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11734842

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

Mileage

45,000 mi

During high temperatures, the electronics in my car will shut off after a few minutes of driving. I will receive 2 possible messages on the display. Sometimes it says, “Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle,” or “Starter system faulty, please service vehicle.”

NHTSA ID

11732350

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

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 ID

11728131

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11727716

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11725395

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

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 ID

11724122

Incident

Feb 24, 2026

Mileage

220,000 mi