FaultScore

2019 Volkswagen Jetta driver assist problems

21 of the 794 complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta are about the driver-assist systems — 3% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 28,000 miles.

F

21

Complaints

5

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Blind Spot Detection 6 28.6%
Automatic Emergency Braking 6 28.6%
Warnings 5 23.8%
Forward Collision Avoidance 2 9.5%
Assist 2 9.5%

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Volkswagen Jetta year

2019 21 30.9%
2021 16 23.5%
2022 20 29.4%
2023 11 16.2%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Wimauma, FL Crash

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

DRIVING ON WESTLAKE DRIVE IN WIMAUMA FL PREPARING TO TURN LEFT TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PUT FOOT ON CLUTCH PUT CAR IN 2ND GEAR WITH FOOT ABOVE BRAKE TO MASH DOWN, PCOULD WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN HIT ELECTRIC POLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAR WAS IN SHOP PRIOR TO ACCIDDENT AT BOB BOAST VOLKSWAGEN IN BRADENTON FL.

NHTSA complaint #11746925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sumter, SC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Initial call out for oil change and investigation of oil consumption and knocking from engine. Upon examination in person the timing cover was found to be heavily leaking and had pools of oil around the valleys that surround it. further examination if taking the cover off revealed metal shavings and debris caked all around the interior of the cover and deep inside the engine and oil in areas where there should not be. Even further investigations revealed that one of the bolts on the cam gear was missing and after researching it was found that this is a common issue/failure found on many of the 1.4tsi engines but is not widespread enough to form a recall as of yet. Many reports state very similar issues of the cam gear/phaser bolts becoming loose and falling down into the engine causing catastrophic failure and metal shavings/debris/fragments inside the engine. I paid nearly 18k$ just to drive the car about 10k miles and still owe 6300$ on the vehicle. This has completely turned my life upside down. Now I have no job, no way to take car of my elderly mom and barely able to take care of myself now that my engine has almost completed failed, if continued to drive the way it is, it may catch fire/explode. Im going to have a professional try to fix this issue but its going to cost more than I have. VWOA refused to help in any way since the vehicle is out of warranty. Vehicle is at 62388 in miles. I noticed the engine knocking while in a McDonald's drive thru i was about 800 miles until oil change was needed. So I took it home to check oil and it was extremely low.

NHTSA complaint #11693395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eustis, FL

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

My car began flashing a bunch of warning lights, including the passenger air bag and the blind spot warning and locks working on the inside. I took my car to the dealer and had them diagnose it. Turns out it needs to parts that are connected; one part they have, another they have tried to order from corporate. This part has been on back order for 8 months.

NHTSA complaint #11681052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ Crash 4 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

While traveling on [XXX] in Van Buren, Arkansas, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident. The impact caused significant front-end damage and resulted in physical injuries. The vehicle’s dashboard/electrical system indicated AIRBAG:ERROR, and the police report reflects that airbag deployed yet we have photo evidence that the airbag did not deploy. However, photo evidence clearly shows that no airbags deployed for any occupants. The airbags remained completely intact following the crash. The vehicle is a certified pre-owned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta that was still under warranty at the time. This raises serious safety concerns regarding the accuracy of the airbag deployment system and the failure of the airbags to function during a serious collision. The vehicle is being held for preservation at the co-part yard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11655105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Knoxville, TN

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

When accelerating from 1st gear to 2nd gear, the gear gets stuck.. Rpms spike high and the car won't go any faster until it gets unstuck. This has caused issues while in traffic, nearly getting ran over by cars behind me. I can't accelerate as normal when pulling onto a road, there's the risk that the transmission gets stuck and I can't move forward. This car is only 5 years old.

NHTSA complaint #11610946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Knoxville, TN

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

When accelerating from 1st gear to 2nd gear, the gear gets stuck.. Rpms spike high and the car won't go any faster until it gets unstuck. This has caused issues while in traffic, nearly getting ran over by cars behind me. I can't accelerate as normal when pulling onto a road, there's the risk that the transmission gets stuck and I can't move forward. This car is only 5 years old.

NHTSA complaint #11610946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Akron, OH

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and she became aware that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred the following day. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the "front assist systems" needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred with several unknown warning lights illuminated; however, the contact was able to stop the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was driven back to the same dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the tire pressure warning light becoming illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined the driver’s and passenger’s side front lower control arms were defective. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11554289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oxon Hill, MD

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

When the vehicle gets hot, above 85 degrees Fahrenheit the electric system including, speedometer and other internal lighting as well brake lights and turn signals completely stop functioning. Windows and locking system is also affected. The engine remains on. But if the car is turned off, it will not turn back on.

NHTSA complaint #11538943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wichita, KS

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

The vehicles infotainment or screen often malfunctions creating hazardous conditions. The monitor that is the only way to access certain vehicle setting and systems, intermittently shuts off completely, changes screens or settings, disconnects from cell phone or distorts audio and changes audio volume to inappropriate levels. The suspension during weather changes makes loud creaking noises and during cold months has choppy suspension that makes it difficult to see when going over imprefections or bumps, and during warm months is unreasonably bouncy creating the same issue. The blind spot monitoring seems to not detect a vehicle while it is actually in the blind spot and doesn’t produce the warning light or noise. The blind spot monitoring only detects the other vehicle once it is out of the blind spot and visible from the driver’s peripheral and continues to display until they have fully passed. It’s ridiculous this model year wasn’t fully recalled due to its extensive issues that affect almost all dimensions of the 2019 VW Jetta’s basic functionality, safety, and performance.

NHTSA complaint #11537313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reynoldsburg, OH

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

I purchased the vehicle on 6/10/3023 and that evening I noticed a dashboard error message that the Rear View camera was unavailable. Due to my work schedule I was unable to get back to the dealership until Monday, 6/12/2023. On Monday I asked [XXX], my sales representative, and [XXX], a sales manager, what it meant and how to fix it. They offered Wes, a repair technician, to come look. [XXX] left rapidly and never returned, so I left for work. On 6/15/2023 I had the car inspected by my mechanic for an assessment and he stated that I needed a new electrical body harness for the repair. This part costs over $5K, plus labor; total estimate $12,742.14. My safety is at risk because this electrical issue not only renders (this list is not exhaustive): the back-up camera useless, but also the seat belt sensor, side mirror lights, and the front proximity sensors work only intermittently. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11527475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Columbia, PA

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

When vehicle is at a stop and then goes to accelerate, between 25 and 30MPH there is a low growl from the engine area and a lag in acceleration and a drop in power, which has proved dangerous when trying to avoid a collision when someone ran a stop sign and I had to try and hurry through to avoid being hit. Sometimes if foot is not on accelerator letting the vehicle coast and then reapplied with vehicle going a decent speed there is also a jumping/jerking motion. Also, the blind spot censor illuminates when nothing is present.

NHTSA complaint #11525623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Senoia, GA Crash 1 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I was in a head on collision where the other person crossed the line and two empty lanes to hit me head on. This WAS in may 2021. Not one single warning was used by forward collision sensors. No emergency braking was applied. My airbags were not deployed and this man hit me doing at least 35 miles an hour and also I was forward moving even though I was applying my brakes. The car was totaled. Yet not a single warning sound or light or indicator once went off. I also paid extra for the Volkswagen carnet services. Never once did they come over the speaker to ask if I was ok. To tell me I had been in an accident or ask if I needed them to send help. In essence these services failed me completely. I do not understand why I was not included in any of the airbag recalls or settlement information I have heard about. All of the Extra features and functions I paid all the extra money to have - every single one failed me when I needed it. This vehicle left me without the protections it promised.

NHTSA complaint #11505669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Senoia, GA Crash 1 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was in a head on collision where the other person crossed the line and two empty lanes to hit me head on. This WAS in may 2021. Not one single warning was used by forward collision sensors. No emergency braking was applied. My airbags were not deployed and this man hit me doing at least 35 miles an hour and also I was forward moving even though I was applying my brakes. The car was totaled. Yet not a single warning sound or light or indicator once went off. I also paid extra for the Volkswagen carnet services. Never once did they come over the speaker to ask if I was ok. To tell me I had been in an accident or ask if I needed them to send help. In essence these services failed me completely. I do not understand why I was not included in any of the airbag recalls or settlement information I have heard about. All of the Extra features and functions I paid all the extra money to have - every single one failed me when I needed it. This vehicle left me without the protections it promised.

NHTSA complaint #11505669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Minneapolis, MN Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

https://www.hometownsource.com/classifieds/press_news/community/announcements/legal/notice_of_sales/2019-volkswagon-jetta-burdas-towing/pdfdisplayad_0e7d0609-179e-5fd0-9b71-1f5cd42e9757.html

NHTSA complaint #11502305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was driving on a active snowing highway at 7pm when an alert appeared on the dashboard to “check starter system” and “pull vehicle over…”. During this time im on the highway going about 6mph and everything electrical turned off including my headlights and windshield wipers turned off. I was able to activate my hazards and pull off the highway but due to the snow and everything electrical cutting off my windows fogged up and almost caused me to crash into a semi-truck. I have googled this issue and it seems to be very common for this specific vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11495564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,000 miles Boynton Beach, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 85 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking, causing the vehicle to skid. The contact was afraid the vehicle would flip while driving at high speeds whenever the failure occurred. The dealer and Gunther Volkswagen Delray Beach (2401 N Federal Hwy, Delray Beach, FL 33483) were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that she needed to pay out-of-pocket for the diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

NHTSA complaint #11460061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atglen, PA

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

While using the lane keeping assistance function, driving at night, if a vehicle in the oncoming lane has bright lights or a larger vehicle with lights mounted higher, the system will pull sharply into the oncoming traffic and will, if not corrected, cross over the center line. This happens when the system shows two green lines indicating it is active and has identified the lane lines. The behavior is very consistent. I have not noticed a relationship between the behavior and speed.

NHTSA complaint #11442062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monroeville, NJ

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

warning display for autonomous braking / vehicle too close has intermittently and randomly come on a few times I've noticed it when stopped or starting and it is too quick to see what the massage is. Last week my wife was driving on a straight country road with no one around when the breaks unexpectedly applied for about 3 seconds (probably less). The emergency braking display on dash was lit only during the brake application. There were no other vehicles in the area. No injuries; no further problems getting the car home. Dealer was called but did not understand or had not previously experienced this problem. We have since been driving with the system disabled.

NHTSA complaint #11436656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Hephzibah, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

CARS FRONT ASSIST WOULD ALARM WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO HIT SOMETHING THEN IT STARTED SAYING FRONT ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE. SENSORS ARE MALFUNCTIONING AND VW IS NOT COVERING THE COST TO FIX AND TELLING CAR OWNERS TO TURN OFF FRONT ASSIST WHEN TURNING CAR ON. CAUSES CAR TO BRAKE OUT OF NOWHERE FOR NO REASON

NHTSA complaint #11395973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 367,000 miles Emporium, PA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WITH NOTHING ELSE ON THE ROAD. DOOR LOCKED ON HER AND SHE HAD TO CLIMB THOUGHT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. RECEIVED SEVERAL MORE MALFUNCTION ALERTS. TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (200 MILE ROUND TRIP). FIRST I WAS TOLD THE CODES WERE CAUSED BY A NON-VW DIAGNOSTICS COMPUTER. THEN, THEY SAID IT WAS A DEAD BATTERY IN THE FOB. THEN THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS FILTHY. IT WAS SNOWING AND I HAD JUST DRIVEN OVER 100 MILES THROUGH SNOW ON A SALTED ROAD. OF COURSE IT WAS DIRTY. BUT, IT WAS CLEAN WHEN I LEFT THE HOUSE. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANY WORK EXCEPT TO CHANGE THE BATTERY IN MY FOB. I CHANGED THE BATTERY IN MY WIFE'S FOB WHEN I GOT HOME. I ALSO CLEANED THE CAR INSIDE AND OUT. AS SOON AS MY WIFE WENT BACK TO WORK, ALL THE CODES CAME BACK ON. WHEN THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY COME ON WHILE DRIVING ON ICY ROADS, THIS COULD BE A MAJOR PROBLEM. ALSO READ ABOUT A POSSIBLE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ABOUT THE BRAKE ISSUES AND MORE.

NHTSA complaint #11388748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,000 miles Snellville, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM FEATURE WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION SYSTEM FAILED TO PROVIDE AN ALERT WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STONE MOUNTAIN VOLKSWAGEN (3500 STONE MOUNTAIN HWY, SNELLVILLE, GA 30078) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

NHTSA complaint #11330112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2019 Volkswagen Jetta problems

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