2019 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 6, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngine

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

   NHTSA complaint #11755224 · source
2. Filed Jul 21, 2026UTElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11751931 · source
3. Filed Jul 21, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11751785 · source
4. Filed Jun 8, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11742778 · source
5. Filed May 16, 2026NVElectrical SystemEngine

   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 complaint #11738331 · source
6. Filed Mar 28, 2026MIElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11727716 · source
7. Filed Mar 18, 2026NJEngine

   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 complaint #11725395 · source
8. Filed Feb 19, 2026ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11719261 · source
9. Filed Dec 29, 2025CAEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11707428 · source
10. Filed Oct 14, 2025SCDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11693395 · source
11. Filed Oct 1, 2025ILEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11690714 · source
12. Filed Sep 24, 2025NYEngine

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11689580 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology