2019 Volkswagen Jetta

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

Volkswagen Jetta
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
147–228 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 30 city / 40 hwy
Length
185.8 in
Curb weight
2,976 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 27% better than the average 2019 compact car (26.8 MPG).
  • Strong performanceUp to 228 hp, versus about 174 hp for similar 2019 models.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints550 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 63 for similar models — most often about the power train.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 186 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,976 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 40 highway), 27% better than the 2019 compact car average of 26.8 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 550 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2019

  • Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Jetta →

Trims, performance & features

Engine147 hp1.4L turbo 4-cyl
Engine228 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic · 6-speed manual
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

S, SE, R-LineSELGLI (S, 35th Anniversary Ed., Autobahn)S

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane departure warningStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Puebla, Mexico

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Jetta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan185.8 in71.3 in57.5 in105.9 in60.6 / 60.6 in2,976 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 40 / 34+27%$1,950262
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive30 / 40 / 34+27%$1,950263
Jetta GLI2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 32 / 28+4%$2,400321
Jetta GLI2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 32 / 28+4%$2,400315
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.8 MPG2019 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Volkswagen Jetta (this car)34 MPG★★★★★11
2019 Toyota Corolla36 MPG★★★★★6
2019 Honda Civic36 MPG★★★★★4
2019 Honda Accord48 MPGNot rated6
2019 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★7
2019 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2019 Toyota Prius56 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (11)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Sep 6, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V619000 · 8 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without an audible warning, the driver may be unaware that the key is left in the ignition, which can increase the risk of vehicle theft or a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the instrument cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 3, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90W7.
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch · Aug 30, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V604000 · 62,538 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
Risk
Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V815000 · 296,044 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Wheels · Dec 11, 2019 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 19V879000 · 8 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta GLI, Golf Alltrack, and Golf GTI vehicles. The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.
Risk
The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40P1. Note: The affected owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repairs have been made.
Unknown Or Other · Sep 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 113 vehicles

Problem
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.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Mar 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 56,173 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Air Bags › Frontal · Feb 20, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V110000 · 4 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta vehicles. An incorrect driver frontal airbag may have been installed during a service/repair visit.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the wrong air bag may not work correctly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag with the correct part, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y7.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V904000 · 6,322 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Nov 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V824000 · 73,549 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Sep 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V671000 · 28 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The passenger side headlight may be incorrectly positioned, reducing the driver's visibility when it is dark. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
A reduction in the driver's visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side headlight, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L1.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

550Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
36Injuries reported
4,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train161
Electrical System150
Engine147
Unknown Or Other95
Service Brakes29
Exterior Lighting25
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Structure › Body22
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 324/11: 424/12: 225/01: 125/02: 325/03: 525/04: 225/05: 325/06: 525/07: 525/08: 525/09: 625/10: 325/12: 226/01: 326/02: 326/03: 526/04: 326/05: 526/06: 526/07: 526/08: 426/09: 426/10: 124/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0226/0526/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Power Train — 161 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 150 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Engine — 147 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Jetta years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Jetta34–Not rated00
2026 Jetta34185.8 inNot rated16
2025 Jetta33185.8 in★★★★★232
2024 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★046
2023 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★043
2022 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★143
2021 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★470
2020 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★654
2018 Jetta33–★★★★★232
2017 Jetta33183.1 in★★★★★6160
2016 Jetta44183.1 in★★★★★4164
2015 Jetta44183.1 in★★★★★8197

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →