2018 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 16, 2026 · 31 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Jetta years
Far fewer complaints than other years 29th of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. That ranks 29th out of 32 Jetta model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is unknown or other (8 complaints, 26%), typically at around 24,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Volkswagen Jetta
A 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL photographed in Flushing, Queens , New York, USA. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Unknown or Other8 · ~24,000 mi
Air Bags6 · ~24,600 mi
Fuel/propulsion System6
Power Train5 · ~30,100 mi
Electrical System3 · ~55,491 mi
Engine2
Fuel System, Gasoline2 · ~51,723 mi
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness1
Seat Belts1 · ~8,500 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~40,700 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Unknown or Other826%24,000——
Air Bags619%24,600——
Fuel/propulsion System619%———
Power Train516%30,100——
Electrical System310%55,491——
Engine26%———
Fuel System, Gasoline26%51,723——
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness13%———
Seat Belts13%8,500——
Service Brakes13%40,700——
Tires13%———
Wheels13%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2024, with 7 complaints
2019: 3201932020: 2202022021: 3202132022: 2202222023: 4202342024: 7202472025: 5202552026: 520265

n = 31 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railOct 21, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V648000 · 218,192 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module; steering:column locking:anti-theft deviceAug 22, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

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."

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.

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

My vehicle has an active, federally mandated safety recall for a fuel rail leak (Recall 24Gi / 20V648000), which is a documented fire hazard. The vehicle now has an active "EPC" (Electronic Power Control) dashboard light and a fuel odor. When I called my local authorized Volkswagen…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jul 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11750939

Leaking gas. And charcoal canister problems. I’m not sure why this vehicle is not recalled but the vw gti is and same years as other vw models but not this one. There has to be a recall with this vin vehicle no one was harmed or injured yet since this problem is scary and leaks gas I am unable to…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jun 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11747315

I buckled my 2.5 year old daughter into her carseat and secured the magnetic chest clip. It very easily popped back open WITHOUT pressing the buttons. I attempted to get it to securely close several times and with light pressure it opens back up. This is extremely unsafe as it would likely not stay…

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness · received Jun 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11742734

My car made a loud banging noise and would not move even though engine was running. Had towed and was told car needs new transmission I brought to another mechanic for second opinion and was told the same thing code P073300

Power Train · received Apr 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11728653

The car makes a loud popping/ clicking sound in the back of the car (near exhaust) whenever I accelerate or let off the gas.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Feb 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11718601

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

← 2017 Jetta · 2019 Jetta →

See all Volkswagen Jetta problems by year, every Volkswagen model, or the Volkswagen VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners most often report unknown or other, air bags, fuel/propulsion system problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 8 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Jetta model years, the 2018 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.