NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta scores 66 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 11 recalls, and 536 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta earns a "Below Average" rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 66/100. While crash-test performance shows strength, its recall record and limited advanced safety features noticeably temper the overall safety assessment.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 114 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 66 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.1% |
| Recalls on file | 11 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 536 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 114 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta achieved a 66 Safety Index, driven primarily by its crash protection. The model earned a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including a perfect 5-star side-impact result, contributing to a strong 61 out of 70 in the crash-protection sub-score. However, the Index reflects significant deficiencies in avoidance technology. The sub-score for this category is only 4.5 out of 10, attributed to forward collision warning being an optional feature and the complete absence of lane departure warning in the evaluated configuration. Federal safety data consistently identifies avoidance technology as a critical factor in reducing injuries. Further impacting the overall Index is the defect record: a sub-score of 0 out of 20 reflects 11 recall campaigns, including one with a park-outside advisory. For a vehicle of this model year now available on the used market, the strong crash protection is offset by these safety system and recall record concerns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's strongest safety performance was in side protection, earning 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This contributed to an overall 5 star rating, the highest possible score. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The Jetta also received 4 out of 5 stars for rollover protection, with NHTSA reporting a 13 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13683
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta carries 11 recall campaigns. Components involved include the fuel system, electrical system instrument cluster, electrical system ignition switch, and tire pressure monitoring systems. One campaign, covering front wheel bearing concerns on the Jetta GLI, was designated a park-outside or do-not-drive action and should be treated as a priority check.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE24V110000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2024-02-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V619000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-09-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH23V604000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-08-30
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
WHEELS19V879000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-12-11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER19V679000
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-09-25
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS19V188000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-03-06
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL19V110000
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the wrong air bag may not work correctly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-02-20
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS18V904000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2018-12-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL18V824000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2018-11-26
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS18V671000
Risk: A reduction in the driver's visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2018-09-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has logged 536 unverified consumer allegations against the 2019 Jetta. Reported concerns cluster around the powertrain (161 allegations), electrical system (149), and engine (144). Owners have also alleged 19 crashes and 36 injuries in these unverified reports, though none of these claims have been independently established.
536 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?
Any shopper considering a used 2019 Jetta should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. With 11 recall campaigns on record, including one park-outside action, confirming that each remedy has been completed is a concrete, non-negotiable safety step.
- The 2019 Jetta earned NHTSA's top overall 5-star rating and a 5-star side score, but frontal and rollover protection each settled at 4 stars, with rollover risk measured at 13 percent.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning was only optional and lane departure warning was not included in the tested configuration, a specific shortfall of this model year's standard equipment.
- Eleven recall campaigns cover this model year, spanning fuel system, ignition switch, instrument cluster, tire pressure monitoring, and wheel bearing concerns, with the wheel bearing campaign carrying a park-outside designation.
- NHTSA has received 536 unverified consumer allegations for this model year, with powertrain, electrical system, and engine components drawing the highest reported complaint volumes, and the most recent allegation filed in mid-2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta places
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Volkswagen Jetta safety questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 536 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Jetta years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13683), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 114 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.