The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
The risk
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 19V-615 (19V615000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 37M2 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module |
| Report date | August 22, 2019 |
| Owners notified | November 19, 2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 679,027 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2014 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2015 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2018 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2015 Volkswagen Golf
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf
- 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
- 2015 Volkswagen GTI
- 2016 Volkswagen GTI
- 2017 Volkswagen GTI
- 2018 Volkswagen GTI
- 2019 Volkswagen GTI
- 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 2012 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 12
- 2013 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 20
- 2014 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 13
- 2015 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 18
- 2016 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 6
- 2017 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 3
- 2018 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 6
- 2019 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems 4
- 2015 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 18
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 8
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 2
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 5
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 19V-615 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 679,027 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.