YearToAvoid

2019 Volkswagen Jetta Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 162 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, 30% of all 548 complaints for the year — the highest share of any Jetta model year in this dataset. No related recall is listed. Median mileage at failure was 887.5 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
162
30% of 548
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
5
Median mileage
888 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a loud grinding or buzzing noise from the transmission at low RPM, often between 25 and 31 mph and again near 39-41 mph.
  • Some describe the grinding easing off only when accelerating more aggressively, which changes normal driving behavior.
  • Several owners report transmission fluid leaks, in some cases requiring the transmission to be repaired shortly after purchase.
  • Owners describe rough running, delayed acceleration, and jerking after a leak repair, comparing the feel to the car being stuck in neutral before it engages.
  • A heavy, abrupt grind is reported when shifting into reverse, sometimes requiring multiple attempts or a specific clutch sequence to engage the gear.
  • One owner reported the vehicle failed to stop with the brake pedal depressed while parking, causing a crash, though this was logged under Transmission & Powertrain.

When 2019 Volkswagen Jetta transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 15, 2018, latest Jul 16, 2026.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter262018 Q32019 Q32020 Q32022 Q12023 Q12024 Q22025 Q3
162 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q1 (26).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Jetta model year

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

  1. 200584 (34%)
  2. 2006245 (42%)
  3. 200733 (16%)
  4. 200853 (28%)
  5. 2009141 (16%)
  6. 2010111 (13%)
  7. 201154 (9%)
  8. 201246 (9%)
  9. 2013140 (27%)
  10. 201473 (19%)
  11. 201523 (12%)
  12. 201622 (14%)
  13. 201715 (9%)
  14. 20185 (16%)
  15. 2019162 (30%)
  16. 20207 (13%)
  17. 20212 (3%)
  18. 20220 (0%)
  19. 20232 (5%)
  20. 20247 (16%)
  21. 20256 (21%)

Frequently asked questions

What transmission problems does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA complaints describe a grinding or buzzing noise from the transmission at low speeds around 25-31 mph and again near 39-41 mph, transmission fluid leaks, rough running and jerking after leak repairs, and difficulty or heavy grinding when shifting into reverse.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Jetta transmission?
No. The dataset lists no related recalls for the 2019 Jetta's Transmission & Powertrain complaints.
How common are transmission complaints for the 2019 Jetta?
Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 162 of the 548 total complaints filed for the 2019 Jetta, or 30% of all complaints that year — the highest share among the model years listed.
At what mileage do 2019 Jetta transmission problems occur?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2019 Jetta is 887.5 miles, indicating many owners reported issues very early in ownership.
Were there any crashes linked to 2019 Jetta transmission complaints?
NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 5 injuries associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Jetta, with 0 fires reported.

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.