Lawsuits for VW Jetta GLI, Golf GTI Stalling Problems

Attorneys are looking to hear from people who experienced stalling problems in their 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI or Golf GTI.

It’s believed that the manual transmission models of these cars are prone to stalling unexpectedly when drivers come to a stop or prepare to turn. Now, attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed.

NHTSA Petitioned to Investigate Stalling Problem

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition to investigate the 2019 model year Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Golf GTI vehicles after 157 complaints were filed about apparent stalling problems with the cars’ manual transmission.

So far, an official investigation has not been announced.

VW Stalling Complaints

Drivers have reported that their VW Jetta GLI and Golf GTI vehicles have unexpectedly stalled while they were coming to a stop or preparing to turn, even with the clutch pressed and the car in neutral.

Some drivers have noted that the gear indicator was displaying the wrong gear at the time. According to the complaints, the problem happens repeatedly at low speeds and has resulted in at least one accident.

Here are some of the complaints [sic throughout]:

As I am braking to a stop with the clutch fully depressed (at a red stop light or to make a left turn), the car quietly and completely stalls out and shuts down. The dash lights remain on. I can restart the car. This seems to occur randomly but occurred 3 times yesterday afternoon. No engine check light.”
— Wakefield, RI, Complaint #: 11229984, NHTSA.gov

Engine soft shut-off when in neutral (manual transmission) or with the clutch to the floor, while shifting to neutral, and coming to a stop. City street. This occurred 3 successive times over a short, 5 minute trip home on city streets. Every downshift, with gear neutral or disengaged, the engine shuts off just as or after coming to a stop. There is no ‘stall shudder’ from the engine, and it just revs from 1k rpm to 0 when stopped or while stopping, in neutral. The vehicle had been warmed up to operating temperature. The dashboard gear reporter also misreported the current gear at this time: reported 3rd when in 2nd, or 3rd-to-5th when in 3rd. Again at low speeds, and low revs that would not be appropriate for an upshift. Vehicle bought new this week, currently at 100 miles on the odometer.”
— College Park, MD, Complaint #:11204142, NHTSA.gov

The problem is with my 2019 manual transmission GLI. Even when the clutch is engaged, (foot on the clutch) and the car is coming to a halt, the car stops/stalls. This issue occurs randomly, but once it starts, it keeps happening, until randomly the issue stops showing up. Because of the apparent randomness of when the issue shows up, I have not been able to convince the service folks.”
— Austin, TX, Complaint #:11254875, NHTSA.gov

Engine on manual transmission repeatedly shuts off when coming to stop with clutch pedal fully depressed. This is similar to the auto-shutoff feature in automatic transmission, but should not happen with manual. Car must then be restarted with push button start. This is dangerous when in traffic.”
— Eureka, MO, Complaint #:11210098, NHTSA.gov

How Can a Lawsuit Help?

Attorneys are investigating whether a class action lawsuit could be filed to help drivers get back any money they spent on repairs. A lawsuit could also force Volkswagen to fix the problem.

Before commenting, please review our comment policy.