Is the 2019 Volkswagen JETTA reliable?

The 2019 Volkswagen JETTA has 776 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen JETTA?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (161 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (150 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (146 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Volkswagen JETTA?

Yes, there are 11 recall(s): UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS, WHEELS, TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Contact any Volkswagen dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Volkswagen JETTA?

The 2019 Volkswagen JETTA gets 34 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1412. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Volkswagen JETTA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Volkswagen JETTA is approximately $1,511/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2019 Volkswagen JETTA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2019 Volkswagen JETTA has 776 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.1x the segment average of 249. The most common issue is transmission problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: there is an issue with the torque converter in the 2019 jettas (automatic). when driving in low rpm's, there is a loud grinding sound coming from this area. this affects drive-ability, as you need to drive more aggressively to eliminate the sound. there also are multiple reports of transmission flui. There are 11 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 15 crash reports 34 injuries

776

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

3.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

161 complaints

21%

• THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE 2019 JETTAS (AUTOMATIC). WHEN DRIVING IN LOW RPM'S, THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THIS AREA. THIS AFFECTS DRIVE-ABILITY, AS YOU NEED TO DRIVE MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO ELIMINATE THE SOUND. THERE ALSO ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUI
• THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE 2019 JETTAS (AUTOMATIC). WHEN DRIVING IN LOW RPM'S BETWEEN 25-30MPH, THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE CAR. THIS AFFECTS HOW YOU MUST DRIVE. AS SOMEONE ELSE STATED YOU MUST DRIVE MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO ELIMINATE THE SOUND. THERE ARE SEVERAL R
• AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE 2019 JETTA AT THE END OF JUNE, I HAD TO HAVE MY TRANSMISSION LEAK FIXED AND THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED FOR A LARGE LEAK. IT TOOK OVER 2 WKS TO GET THE CAR BACK. THEN FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW, THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ROUGH, NOT ACCELERATING WITHOUT A HUGE DELAY & JERKING. IT'

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE 2019 JETTAS (AUTOMATIC). WHEN DRIVING IN LOW RPM'S, THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THIS AREA. THIS AFFECTS DRIVE-ABILITY, AS YOU NEED TO DRIVE MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO ELIMINATE THE SOUND. THERE ALSO ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUI”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Volkswagen JETTA

Based on 387 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 5K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

326

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 887 mi · 126 reports

0-30K

118

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 700 mi · 75 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 38 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 35 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 16K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (11)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER25/09/2019

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Volkswagen JETTA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,412

Per month

$118

Per mile

11.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,200/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Volkswagen JETTA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,511

Full coverage / month

$126

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1511

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volkswagen JETTA Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

TSI turbo engines require VW-approved 502/504 spec synthetic oil. DSG transmission service (if equipped) every 40K miles.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volkswagen New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Volkswagen. If you're buying a used 2019 JETTA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volkswagen dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 776 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE 2019 JETTAS (AUTOMATIC). WHEN DRIVING IN LOW RPM'S, THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THIS AREA. THIS AFFECTS DRIVE-ABILITY, AS YOU NEED TO DRIVE MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO ELIMINATE THE SOUND. THERE ALSO ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION HARNESS SYSTEM WAS DAMAGED BY VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE'S CONTRACTED TOW COMPANY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: 2019 VW JETTA'S GRINDING/RATTLING NOISE FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT'S DAMAGING THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AND WORSE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT CAUSES ACCELERATED HEATING AND FAILURE RATE FOR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: REAR TRUNK LID DOES NOT REMAIN OPEN RESULTING IN THE LID CRASHING DOWN ON MY HEAD WHEN I'M PUTTING STUFF IN THE TRUNK OR TAKING STUFF OUT OF THE TRUNK.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 11 recalls have been completed — free at any Volkswagen dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)