2018 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Jetta years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.1× that of a typical Volkswagen Jetta year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 5 of its 32 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported part: Fuel system (9 complaints, median 51,723 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 32 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl FWD · 28 city / 38 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The part named most often is fuel system, with 9 complaints (28% of the total), followed by other or unknown (9) and air bags (6). 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 71% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 658 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the fuel rail and 29 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 53 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 15 Volkswagen Jetta model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system9 28%
- Other or unknown9 28%
- Air bags6 19%
- Electrical system3 9.4%
- Engine2 6.3%
- Brakes1 3.1%
- Seat belts1 3.1%
- Tires1 3.1%
- Wheels1 3.1%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “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 drive car due to risk of fire and injury.”
NHTSA complaint #11747315, filed 2026-06Other or unknown: “Strap fp. 6h0-867-749 the yellow strap is risking driver or occupants of a homicide from assailants or assailant because of crime of opportunity from strangulations. The space saver tire changing spacing in kit is not being utilized for a full size tire while in distress while awaiting or changing flatten tire on roadside.”
NHTSA complaint #11339296, filed 2020-07, 24,000 milesAir bags: “Sometimes I leave my cell phone on the passenger seat and the warning bell chimes. If I remove my cell phone from the passenger seat, the warning stops or if I do lock the seatbelt, it will also stop the warning. It seems like the part that checks if a passenger is sitting in the seat is malfunctioning. This does not happen every time but I have noticed it three times so far, mostly in colder weather.”
NHTSA complaint #11183128, filed 2019-02, 8,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “After reversing and then stopping and shifting from reverse to drive the transmission pops in to gear. Also vehicle radio turns on and off at random times having to restart while in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11324610, filed 2020-05, 20,200 milesMileage when problems were reported
71% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,000 and 40,700 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.1% risk |
| Jetta GLI · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Volkswagen Jetta version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 28 | 40 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 38 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V648000Oct 21, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel railCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2016–2018
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.
- 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control moduleCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018, Beetle 2012–2019, Beetle Convertible 2012–2019 +3 more
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…
Recall details for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 658 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036878Aug 27, 2026Brakes. Repair or Replace Information
- 11036886Aug 14, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: Part number…
- 11036866Aug 11, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Replacement instruction
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11036880Aug 3, 2026Steering. Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair. Foreign bodies into the clock spring.
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019…
Other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 300 | 1 | 5 | 34 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 32 | — | 2 | 5 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 46 | 15,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 43 | 11,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 43 | 3,250 | 1 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 9,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 29 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 54 | 6,951 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2019 | 551 | 4,700 | 11 | 5 | 34 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 32 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 160 | 36,950 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 161 | 42,731 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 194 | 42,000 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 388 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 518 | 56,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 500 | 55,412 | 5 | 4 | 26 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 607 | 50,000 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 852 | 53,939 | 4 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 889 | 60,150 | 6 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 188 | 58,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 201 | 53,661 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 580 | 71,491 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 248 | 71,207 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 231 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 456 | 56,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 702 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 668 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 439 | 64,400 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 349 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 192 | 81,282 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 54 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 31 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 220 | 112,984 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 117 | 91,800 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | 170,000 | 4 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 119,646 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 117,000 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 22 | 125,000 | 5 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 19 | — | 7 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | 97,869 | 2 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 13 | — | 3 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Volkswagen Jetta model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 9 complaints (28% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 9.
Has the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta (Jetta, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 32 mpg combined, 28 city and 38 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 24,000 and 40,700 miles; 71% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.