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Campaign 19V615 Posted August 22, 2019 679,027 units

2011-2019 Volkswagen Beetle/Jetta/Golf Recall 19V615: Key

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 24, 2026

Recall 19V615 affects 679,027 2011-2019 Volkswagen Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, and GTI vehicles for rollaway risk. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.

Volkswagen is recalling 679,027 2011-2019 Beetle, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, GTI, and Beetle Convertible vehicles with automatic transmissions, manual handbrakes, and keyless entry because silicate buildup on a shift-lever micro switch can let the key come out when the shifter is not in Park. That raises the risk of rollaway, personal injury, or a crash, and Volkswagen dealers will repair the vehicle free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The shift lever in affected Volkswagen Beetle, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, GTI, and Beetle Convertible vehicles tells the ignition system when the automatic transmission is in "Park." A small micro switch inside the lever acts like an electrical position sensor: it confirms the shifter is locked in Park before the key is released.

On these vehicles, silicate residue can build up on the micro switch contacts and increase electrical resistance. Volkswagen's investigation also tied the failure to current spikes in the vehicle's electrical system. When the switch signal is wrong, the ignition system can release the key even though the shifter is not actually in Park.

If that happens, the vehicle is left in a gear position that does not hold it the way Park is designed to hold it. Owners can see or hear an instrument cluster warning, including a warning light, failure message, or audible warning sound while driving.

Who's affected?

Spans 6 Volkswagen model lines across 9 model years; each listed year and model has electrical system and steering column components.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle electrical system
2019 Volkswagen Beetle steering column
2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen electrical system
2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen steering column
2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen electrical system
Units affected679,027

The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

Removing the key when the shift lever is not in Park increases the risk of unintended rollaway, personal injury, or a crash. Treat a warning sound, failure message, or warning light in the instrument cluster as a reason to stop and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2019 Volkswagen Beetle, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, GTI, or Beetle Convertible is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free additional switch and circuit board repair that keeps the key from being removed when the transmission is not in Park.
  3. Reference recall number 19V615 and Volkswagen recall 37M2 when you call.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one.
  5. Shift fully into Park, set the parking brake, and confirm the vehicle is secure before removing the key until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician installs an additional switch and circuit board for the shift lever system. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Volkswagen's recall includes a reimbursement program. If you already paid for a related shift lever or ignition key removal repair before the recall work, ask Volkswagen customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit your repair paperwork.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

August 22, 2019 NHTSA published the recall
October 11, 2019 Dealer notification began
October 11, 2019 Dealer notification ended
October 11, 2019 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
October 11, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
November 19, 2019 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 19V615?

Recall 19V615 covers 679,027 2011-2019 Volkswagen Beetle, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, GTI, and Beetle Convertible vehicles with specific transmission, handbrake, and keyless entry equipment. Silicate buildup on shift lever micro switch contacts can let the key come out when the transmission is not in Park.

What should I do if my 2011-2019 Volkswagen Beetle, Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, Golf, GTI, or Beetle Convertible is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V615. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall 37M2. The dealer will install an additional switch and circuit board for free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will install the additional switch and circuit board free of charge. The recall repair is handled through franchised Volkswagen dealers.

What is the safety risk?

The risk is an unintended rollaway. If the key is removed while the shift lever is not in Park, the vehicle can move unexpectedly and increase the risk of personal injury or a crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair.

What if I bought my Volkswagen used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Volkswagen is included, then give the dealer recall 37M2 when you call for an appointment.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V615000
Volkswagen customer service1-800-893-5298
NHTSA recall #19V615
NHTSA recall # (full)19V615000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →