YearToAvoid

2019 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 162 engine-area complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, 30% of all 548 complaints filed for the year, with a median mileage at failure of 700. No engine-related recall is on file for this model year.

Engine complaints
162
30% of 548
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
700 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe a rough, shaking idle when the engine is cold that smooths out once warmed up.
  • Some drivers report the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, in one case repeatedly despite dealer visits.
  • A grinding or rattling noise near the transfer case or transmission is reported at low speeds, around 50 km/h.
  • Owners report oil leaking from a transmission seal shortly after purchase, at low mileage.
  • One owner reported the engine catching fire while shifting into reverse, with visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
  • Cruise control is reported to malfunction, failing to disengage with the clutch or not holding a set speed downhill.

When 2019 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 20, 2018, latest Aug 6, 2026.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter242018 Q32019 Q32020 Q32021 Q32022 Q42023 Q42024 Q42025 Q4
162 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (24).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Jetta model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2010214 (25%)
  2. 2011133 (22%)
  3. 2012102 (20%)
  4. 2013129 (25%)
  5. 2014119 (31%)
  6. 201548 (25%)
  7. 201654 (34%)
  8. 201740 (25%)
  9. 20182 (6%)
  10. 2019162 (30%)
  11. 202013 (25%)
  12. 20215 (7%)
  13. 202214 (33%)
  14. 202314 (33%)
  15. 202414 (33%)
  16. 20252 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2019 VW Jetta have?
NHTSA lists 162 engine-area complaints for the 2019 Jetta, which is 30% of the 548 total complaints filed for the model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2019 VW Jetta?
No. The data shows no related recalls listed for the engine problem area on the 2019 Jetta.
At what mileage do 2019 Jetta engine problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2019 Jetta is 700 miles, indicating many issues surfaced very early in ownership.
Are engine problems on the 2019 Jetta worse than other years?
The 2019 Jetta's engine complaints make up 30% of its total complaints, higher than the 25% and 6% shares seen in 2017 and 2018, though similar to some earlier model years like 2016 at 34%.
Did any 2019 Jetta engine complaints involve crashes or fires?
Yes. NHTSA records 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 4 injuries tied to engine-area complaints for the 2019 Jetta.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.