2018 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Jetta years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 29th of 32 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- 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.

- 31owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 8 | 26% | 24,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 6 | 19% | 24,600 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 6 | 19% | — | — | — |
| Power Train | 5 | 16% | 30,100 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 3 | 10% | 55,491 | — | — |
| Engine | 2 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 6% | 51,723 | — | — |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | 8,500 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 3% | 40,700 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
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 device
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…
Leaking gas. And charcoal canister problems. Iâm 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…
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…
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
The car makes a loud popping/ clicking sound in the back of the car (near exhaust) whenever I accelerate or let off the gas.
Other Volkswagen Jetta years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Jetta | 6 | 1 |
| 2025 Jetta | 30 | 2 |
| 2024 Jetta | 45 | 0 |
| 2023 Jetta | 43 | 0 |
| 2022 Jetta | 43 | 1 |
| 2021 Jetta | 69 | 4 |
| 2020 Jetta | 54 | 6 |
| 2019 Jetta | 549 | 11 |
| 2018 | 31 | 2 |
| 2017 Jetta | 160 | 6 |
| 2016 Jetta | 161 | 4 |
| 2015 Jetta | 194 | 7 |
| 2014 Jetta | 387 | 4 |
| 2013 Jetta | 517 | 4 |
| 2012 Jetta | 500 | 5 |
| 2011 Jetta | 607 | 7 |
| 2010 Jetta | 852 | 4 |
| 2009 Jetta | 889 | 6 |
| 2008 Jetta | 188 | 4 |
| 2007 Jetta | 201 | 4 |
| 2006 Jetta | 580 | 4 |
| 2005 Jetta | 248 | 4 |
| 2004 Jetta | 231 | 2 |
| 2003 Jetta | 456 | 2 |
| 2002 Jetta | 702 | 5 |
| 2001 Jetta | 668 | 6 |
| 2000 Jetta | 439 | 4 |
| 1999 Jetta | 349 | 6 |
| 1998 Jetta | 192 | 2 |
| 1997 Jetta | 54 | 1 |
| 1996 Jetta | 31 | 1 |
| 1995 Jetta | 220 | 4 |
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.