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2019 Volkswagen Jetta

2019 VW Jetta: powertrain, electrical, and engine drive the complaints

Power train and electrical system issues dominate owner complaints for this Jetta generation, with many reports describing grinding noises during low-speed driving and unexpected engine shutoffs. Electrical failures stand out because they appear to cascade. Owners report losing power steering and brake effectiveness in the same event as the shutoff. Engine complaints also appear at a similar rate, with some reports mentioning transmission grinding alongside unrelated trim and latch concerns.

Most reported areas

Power Train safety 30%
Owners report a loud grinding sound from the torque converter area of automatic-transmission vehicles when driving at low engine speeds, with some noting the issue forces a more aggressive driving style to avoid it. · 3 crash · 5 injured
Electrical System safety 28%
Owners describe the car shutting off without warning, resulting in simultaneous loss of power steering and reduced braking effectiveness, with diagnostic codes pointing to a defective shifter component. · 2 crash · 6 injured
Engine safety 27%
Owners report a grinding noise from the transmission during slower-speed operation, sometimes mentioned alongside a trunk latch that fails to secure unless the lid is fully overextended. · 2 fire · 4 crash · 4 injured
Service Brakes safety 5%
Owners report brakes failing to stop the vehicle after an unexpected computer-triggered shutoff also eliminates power steering. · 4 crash · 5 injured
Exterior Lighting0 5%
The smallest area: 26 complaints (5%), 1 injury, with no crashes or fires reported. Mostly a check-the-lights-work item.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 533 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only, not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Studio AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.