2018 Volkswagen Jetta Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 16%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, 16% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,100 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“At about 40,000 miles- car would not move in drive position. Dash code: ESC. Luckily, 2018 Jetta still under warranty and the transmission was replaced under warranty”
NHTSA complaint #11394599, filed 2021-02, 40,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11728653, filed 2026-04“While in motion at low speeds, between 28 and 30 MPH, you can hear a grinding or scraping noise coming from the car and you can feel a bit of loss of power in the car. I believe this is in the transmission. When bought new, this noise was non existing, it appeared after a few months of driving”
NHTSA complaint #11230706, filed 2019-07Related service bulletins
- 11036866Aug 11, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Replacement instruction
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11014950Feb 12, 2025CV Boot replacement
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10238309Jun 15, 2023Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 25% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 7 | 13% |
| 2019 | 163 | 30% |
| 2018 | 5 | 16% |
| 2017 | 15 | 9% |
| 2016 | 22 | 14% |
| 2015 | 23 | 12% |
| 2014 | 74 | 19% |
| 2013 | 141 | 27% |
| 2012 | 46 | 9% |
| 2011 | 54 | 9% |
| 2010 | 111 | 13% |
| 2009 | 141 | 16% |
| 2008 | 53 | 28% |
| 2007 | 33 | 16% |
| 2006 | 245 | 42% |
| 2005 | 84 | 34% |
| 2004 | 35 | 15% |
| 2003 | 54 | 12% |
| 2002 | 103 | 15% |
| 2001 | 62 | 9% |
| 2000 | 37 | 8% |
| 1999 | 30 | 9% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 15% |
| 1996 | 2 | 6% |
| 1995 | 22 | 10% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 4 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology