2019 Volkswagen GTI
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 54 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 66 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 178 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
75% of complaints: engine — 133 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Rough idle on start. RPM is not maintaining to keep the engine running. After a few try, it starts ok and drive off the parking lot, but the engine dies after about 10 seconds over 30mph. It feels like gasoline is not igniting corretly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241008
THE FIRST TIME WAS A COUPLE WEEKS AGO WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED OUT AS I WAS PULLING UP TO A STOP SIGN IN 2ND GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED. I WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE BACK UP AND CONTINUE OPERATING AFTERWARDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190406
THE CAR WILL STALL WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP IN NEUTRAL, THEN WILL REQUIRE RESTARTING. PROBLEM IS MORE PERSISTENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURE AND ALSO WHEN THE OIL TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 220 DEGREES. HOWEVER DOES NOT CAUSE CEL OR THROW ANY CODES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190404
35% of complaints: power train — 62 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE SHUTS OFF/STALLS WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP IN A 6MT URANO GREY GOLF GTI RABBIT EDITION. ON DOZENS OF OCCASIONS AT THIS POINT, WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ENGINE CODES BEING DROPPED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190404
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 22 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Rough idle on start. RPM is not maintaining to keep the engine running. After a few try, it starts ok and drive off the parking lot, but the engine dies after about 10 seconds over 30mph. It feels like gasoline is not igniting corretly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241008
There has been no incident. I am filing this complaint because I have been unable to get an expected date of repair from VW by calling VW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240520
9% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Vehicle Stalling - Manual Transmission
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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 AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 22V815000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch.
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.
Campaign 23V604000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (133 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V815000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V604000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Volkswagen GTI reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Volkswagen GTI is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen GTI?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen GTI have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.