2019 Volkswagen Jetta. While the vehicle was in Drive, it moved in reverse without the driver selecting reverse., this happened when the driver stopped to take a parking ticket in the garage on a slope. The driver again moved the dear to parking and back to drive but same thing happened. Ultimately, driver switched off the ignition and started the car again and drive mode worked
2019 Volkswagen Jetta transmission problems
163 complaints (29% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 975. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 163
- of this car's complaints
- 29%
- typical mileage
- 975
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Volkswagen Jetta transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2019 Volkswagen Jetta owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the RPM was revving high with the vehicle violently jerking and vibrating. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 73,816.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after driving and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body, the wiring harness, and all fluids needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after driving 5 miles, the vehicle started jerking and the message "Transmission Error - Please Pull Over Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer, where the contact was informed that the seal was installed incorrectly, and the seal and the valve needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred the same day. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Error Start/Stop" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The engine lost power and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then displayed a malfunction related to the transmission, with the park (“P”) indicator blinking, and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The failure appears to be related to an electrical or ignition system issue, possibly the ignition switch. This created a significant safety risk as the vehicle lost power while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. Prior to the failure, the only warning observed was a check engine light. No other warning messages were present before the incident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic/contractor. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This issue appears consistent with known ignition switch/electrical failures reported in similar vehicles
VIN: [XXX] Previous Report: XXX.. This a report of a continuing problem with my vehicle. The engine randomly shuts down endangering both myself and my passengers who are often my [XXX] and [XXX] grandchildren . No warning lamps. the car both stumbles and stops while driving and at stop signs and traffic lights. I repeatedly have taken it to my dealer (Elgin IL VW) they have been unable to determine the fault and fix it. This has been going on since June 2026 and progressively worsened. The most recent incident was on the afternoon of 19 June 2026. The “fixes’ so far have included bith replacing the fuel taknk fuel pump and today a part of the fuel feed system. It’s still at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost automotive power intermittently, and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
There is a recall for certain VW models because the key may be removed when the vehicle is not in Park position. There is an issue with the micro switch mechanism, resulting in an error code. There is a wide recall for many models, except the 2019 Jetta. My dealer confirmed this is the SAME issue as the recall, but my car is not listed under it. The recall should be expanded for other models. Compliance Recall 37L5 – Shift Lever Micro Switch What vehicles are included in Compliance Recall 37L5? Certain 2015-2018 model year Volkswagen Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. What is the concern for Compliance Recall 37L5? Over time, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can make it possible to remove the key from the ignition switch without the shift lever being in the "P" Park position. This makes the vehicle noncompliant with 49 CFR 571.114 Standard No. 114 Theft protection and rollaway prevention. If the ignition key is removed without the shift lever being in the "P" Park position, there is a risk that the vehicle may roll away, resulting in a crash that could injure people and damage property. What is the repair for Compliance Recall 37L5? When parts become available, dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board.The recall repair will be FREE.
I went to leave my workplace and got into my car with a message of “Only Exit Vehicle in a P Position. Please Service Vehicle”. I turned off my vehicle and restarted it and the message went away The next morning I got in my vehicle and the same message came back. Leaving my workplace it shut itself off again I found that this year and model has been affected by a recall for that same issue before, but my VIN was not included in that recall order
2 bolts came lose in engine, need timing belt replaced, caused oil leak and other problems yet to be identified. Volkswagen admitted that should never happen but will not take responsibility
One Bolt to camshaft came loose and allowed for oil to leak into the cover, covering the timing belt with oil
Questions about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta transmission
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 163 complaints about the transmission of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, 29% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2019 Volkswagen Jetta transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 975 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have bad transmission?
The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most transmission complaints are 2006 (245 complaints), 2019 (163 complaints) and 2009 (141 complaints).
Other 2019 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Electrical 154Engine 149Brakes 30Fuel system 29Lights 26Visibility 26Driver assistance 24Body 23Suspension 17Acceleration 16Airbags 16Steering 13Seat belts 6Wheels 6Tires 3Seats 2Locks 1
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