The Jetta is a popular compact car, and the 2019 model was hailed as one of the best. That was mainly due to its stylish redesign and affordable price. But as time would tell, not all was well with the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Numerous problems made this model year lackluster, and it remains a poor choice for shoppers wanting a used Jetta. Without its warranty, the 2019 Jetta would have left many owners with piles of repair bills.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is plagued with issues

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has eight safety recalls. They include rear coil springs fracture while driving, front-wheel bearings stress wheel components causing loss of vehicle control, passenger side headlight incorrectly positioned, key in ignition chime does not operate, driver’s frontal airbag installed in service incorrectly, vehicles do not meet all applicable regulatory requirements, and tire pressure warning malfunctions. 

The car not chiming when the keys are in the ignition is not a major issue, but the loss of vehicle control could easily lead to a wreck. Unfortunately, the problems don’t stop there for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta.

On CarComplaints.com, owners have reported 79 problems with the 2019 Jetta. Only three other Jetta years — 2009, 2010, and 2011 — have more issues than the 2019 model.

Most complaints concern the transmission. Forty-five owners have reported problems on CarComplaints.com. The other troubles revolve around the engine, clutch, exterior accessories, windows, windshield, electrical problems, and other areas.

The transmission problems include grinding noises, fluid leaks, acceleration issues, slips, and failure.

Most of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta’s problems happen at a low mileage

As bad as all that is, there is a silver lining for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Most of the issues occurred at relatively low mileage while the car was still under warranty. The grinding transmission noises happen around 17,000 miles, clutch burnout begins at about 27,000 miles, and ABS module failure occurs at about 99,000 miles.

Only the ABS module failure doesn’t fall under Volkswagen’s six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. But many issues plaguing the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta are under warranty, and owners don’t have to pay for those repairs.

Regardless, eight recalls and many owner complaints are red flags that used car shoppers might want to avoid the 2019 Jetta. That’s even truer considering Volkswagen changed its warranty.

Volkswagen reduced its warranty coverage

The generous six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that applied to the 2019 VW Jetta is no more. Volkswagen ended it in 2020 — now its coverage is a mere four years/50,000 miles. 

Most automakers have a three-year/30,000-mile warranty, so VW’s coverage is still above average. However, Volkswagen customers still lament the loss of the six-year warranty. 

To appease them, Volkswagen offers two years/20,000 miles of “Carefree Maintenance.” With this, owners get one year/10,000 miles of oil and oil filter changes and a brake wear inspection. At two years/20,000 miles, they get a second oil change and a road test.

Volkswagen’s six-year warranty was the best in the industry. That title now belongs to Hyundai and Kia, offering 10-year/100,000-mile coverage.