Recall 23V604 affects 62,538 2019-2020 Volkswagen Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, GTI, and Jetta vehicles for ignition-switch failure. Free repair at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 62,538 2019-2020 Golf Sportwagen, GTI, Jetta, Golf, and Golf Alltrack vehicles with conventional ignition switches. The switch can fail in high heat and shut down the electrical system, stalling the engine while driving, and Volkswagen dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ignition switch in affected 2019-2020 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, GTI, Jetta, Golf, and Golf Alltrack vehicles is the electrical switch behind the key cylinder. When the driver turns the key, the switch sends the signal that powers the starter system and keeps the vehicle electronics in the correct run position. The system depends on clean internal contacts inside the switch.
Volkswagen traced the defect to ignition switches that deteriorate after years in service when the vehicle is exposed for long periods to high solar radiation and high temperatures. Polymer contamination inside the switch can interfere with those contacts. When that happens, the vehicle can treat the switch as off or faulty even though the driver has not intended that change.
Owners get warning messages in the instrument cluster before the issue is active. The first says "Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle," and the second says "Starter system faulty, please service vehicle."
Who's affected?
GTI and Jetta appear in both model years; Golf, Golf Alltrack, and Golf Sportwagen appear for 2019 only.
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Volkswagen GTI | electrical system |
| 2019 Volkswagen Jetta | electrical system |
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf | electrical system |
| 2019 Volkswagen GTI | electrical system |
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack | electrical system |
| 2020 Volkswagen Jetta | electrical system |
| Units affected | 62,538 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3518 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Ignition switch failure can shut down the electrical system and stall the engine while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. If the instrument cluster says "Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle" or "Starter system faulty, please service vehicle," safely stop and call a Volkswagen dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, GTI, Jetta, Golf, or Golf Alltrack is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free ignition-switch replacement that fixes the switch failure tied to electrical shutdown and engine stalling.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V604 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the engine stalls or the electrical system shuts down, pull over safely and call for help.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the conventional ignition switch covered by recall 23V604. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Volkswagen offers a reimbursement plan for this recall, so if you already paid for an ignition-switch repair tied to this issue, ask Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or the dealer service desk what documentation is required for a claim. Keep any prior repair order, invoice, and proof of payment with your service paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 30, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| September 1, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 27, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 1, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V604?
Recall 23V604 covers 62,538 2019-2020 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, GTI, Jetta, Golf, and Golf Alltrack vehicles with a conventional ignition switch that can fail. Volkswagen dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, GTI, Jetta, Golf, or Golf Alltrack is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V604. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the ignition-switch replacement. Reference recall number 23V604 or Volkswagen recall number 28H7 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volkswagen dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What is the safety risk in this Volkswagen ignition switch recall?
The ignition switch can fail while driving. If that happens, the electrical system can shut down and the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the vehicle stalls or loses electrical power, stop in a safe location and contact a Volkswagen dealer.
What if I bought my Volkswagen used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Volkswagen is included, then schedule the ignition-switch replacement with a franchised Volkswagen dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V604000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V604 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V604000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →