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Model-year record

2018 Volkswagen Jetta
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Volkswagen Jetta

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

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The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

31

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

30

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (19% of 31 reports), followed by unknown or other (19%).

Air Bags19% · 6 reports
Unknown Or Other19% · 6 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System16% · 5 reports
Power Train16% · 5 reports
Electrical System6% · 2 reports
Engine6% · 2 reports
Fuel System6% · 2 reports
Chest Clip3% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11386640, ODI 11675689, ODI 11665499, ODI 11653841, ODI 11610694.

Individual complaint reports(31)

Showing the 31 most recent reports
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJul 2026 · ODI 11750939Details +

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 dealership—Southern Team Volkswagen at 6520 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, VA—to schedule the safety repair, the service department flat-out refused to take the vehicle. The representative stated that they "are not taking new clients" and "will not be repairing" the vehicle. They left me stranded with an active, dangerous safety hazard on my property and refused to comply with the federal recall mandate. When escalations were made to corporate, I was told my only option was to take the vehicle for an hour to Lynchburg, VA, at my expense. Because they don’t have a policy to pay for towing. I had to call the manufacturer and have them step in to “pull some strings” he said. Am currently waiting to hear back from them.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11750939 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2026 · ODI 11747315Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11747315 at NHTSA →
Chest ClipJun 2026 · ODI 11742734Details +

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 clipped in a crash or a child could very easily open the chest clip. After a quick online search, it appears that several others have had this issue. I just noticed it yesterday but I have no idea how long this has been occuring and, unless checked thoroughly every time, could happen to anyone.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
Jun 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11742734 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2026 · ODI 11728653Details +

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

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11728653 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFeb 2026 · ODI 11718601Details +

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

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11718601 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2025 · ODI 11682295Details +

On Monday [XXX] my 2018 VW Jetta S started gushing gas from the bottom of the car. I immediately pulled over and called AAA to have my car towed to my nearest VW dealer which was National City Volkswagen 3131 Mile of Car National City, Ca. The issue my car was having looked similar to a recall due to fuel rails coming loose. My car ended up having faulty gas rails which is part of a recall for my vehicle. I was told it was already corrected 4 years ago so i had to pay out of pocket for it. Yet the repairs or corrected recall are not on the carfax, for one. And for two, I did not own the car when said repairs were completed and I cannot find any record of it. I believe VW is still responsible for this as it is the same parts that were repaired for the recall. Plus, I missed a whole day at work because of this. ($30hr×8=$240) plus the $1438.26 I had to pay out of pocket. Thank you for your time and consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11682295 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2025 · ODI 11675689Details +

Passenger airbag light is illuminated after hitting a bump in the road

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Feb 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11675689 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2025 · ODI 11665499Details +

I was backing out of a parking spot, turned the wheel and the screen lit up staing error:airbag. Air bag light came on dash screen. Cruise control, steering wheel options for music control and menu and horn have stopped working. There is this nosie that comes from the steering column when making turns now as well.

Reported
Jun 2025
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11665499 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2025 · ODI 11653841Details +

Front passenger air bag light came on without provocation and remains on. Have noticed multiple recalls of similar situations with VW air bags being recalled. It appeared to start with the detection of weight change in the seat. It would not deactivate when a small child sat in the front seat. Now the passenger air bag light just continuously stays on regardless of adult, child, or nothing is the seat.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11653841 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMar 2025 · ODI 11648748Details +

Engine stalled and car emitted fuel smell and leaked from engine area. Vehicle towed to shop. Mechanic found fuel leak near Cylinder #4. Removed intake manifold and found fuel rail loose and leaking from #4 injector. Left upper fuel rail retaining bolt was broken and left lower bolt was loose.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11648748 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 2024 · ODI 11622261Details +

Car's warning lights came on with initial start, followed by strong fuel smell. Shut off engine and walked around car to find large puddle of fuel coming from engine compartment under fuel rail.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11622261 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2024 · ODI 11611846Details +

Malfunction ignition switch, and ignition cylinder, 50,000 miles on car. Took it to the dealer for diagnosis. No warning lamps or lights showed. My car just stopped allowing my key to come out of the ignition to turn the car off. I have to struggle to get it out of the ignition for 10-20 mins every time I take my key out. My car could potentially not turn on or off when the pieces go out completely

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11611846 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2024 · ODI 11610694Details +

Air bag light came on unprovoked. Remains on. We noted this announcement and feel it is the same problem. ((In April 2023, Volkswagen recalled some vehicles due to a faulty front passenger detection system that could deactivate the front passenger air bag. A deactivated air bag won't deploy in a crash, which could increase the risk of injury to the front passenger. Volkswagen is developing a remedy and will notify owners when it's available. In the meantime, owners shouldn't let anyone sit in the front passenger seat. ))

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11610694 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2024 · ODI 11598216Details +

ignition swith . Same as 2019 and up model recall.NHTSA campaign number: 23V604

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Mar 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11598216 at NHTSA →
WheelsJul 2024 · ODI 11598220Details +

Front wheel bearing failure same as nhtsa campaign 19V879000

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11598220 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2024 · ODI 11594184Details +

N/A

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11594184 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2024 · ODI 11580868Details +

the tunk lid fills with water and gets all the tail light components and wiring wet when it rains heavy or get a car wash.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11580868 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2023 · ODI 11550559Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact shifted in neutral and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact had to push the vehicle to the side of the road and made several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was made aware of a recall regarding the fuel rail. The mechanic was unable to determine the exact cause for the failure however, the mechanic linked the failure to a failure with the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure persisted with the battery and EPC warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,782.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11550559 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemSep 2023 · ODI 11547215Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. Upon starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality. However, the contact stated that the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that the infotainment system operated erratically, symptomatic of a possible electrical issue. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Sep 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11547215 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemMar 2023 · ODI 11512432Details +

The contact's mother owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that her mother's vehicle had failed to start up with an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, her mother discovered that an unknown fluid had leaked from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a leak in the fuel rail. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 51,723.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11512432 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2023 · ODI 11504161Details +

On or about January 24, 2023, Found oil leak and heard noise from engine. No warning lamps or messages prior, mechanic diagnosed and found cam phaser cover bolts loose and leaking. He had to re-torque bolts and check engine. Leaking stopped. Mechanic said they should not have come loose and if bolts came anymore loose, they could have caused serious problems with timing and engine.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11504161 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2022 · ODI 11481801Details +

Key locked in ignition at an unsafe area where I was stuck for hours. Car has approximately 89,000 miles and the key being stuck in ignition has happened to me twice recently and I know it will continue to do so until there is a recall for the safety issue that the Ignition causes.

Reported
Aug 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11481801 at NHTSA →
TiresJul 2022 · ODI 11476461Details +

Vehicle Dealer Colonial Volkswagen failed to register the DOT number on all of my tires Colonial Volkswagen is in Feasterville/Trevose PA Tire failed have photos inside of tire wall

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11476461 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2021 · ODI 11433614Details +

From the day I bought the car brand new the driver window rolls down and you have to roll it completely down in order to roll it back up I have had every part replaced in the window and it still does it

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11433614 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2021 · ODI 11394599Details +

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

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11394599 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2021 · ODI 11386640 · crashDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING, THE CONTACT STRUCK A GUARDRAIL AND THE VEHICLE COME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO ONE SEEKED MEDICAL ATTENTION. CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT DEFLATE AFTERWARDS; WHEN INSPECTING THE SIDE AIRBAGS ON FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS HAD "RIPS" ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,700.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11386640 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2020 · ODI 11339296Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11339296 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2020 · ODI 11324610Details +

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. *TR

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11324610 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2019 · ODI 11230706Details +

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

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11230706 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2019 · ODI 11187453Details +

THE BACKUP CAMERA INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO WORK ALONG WITH THE OTHER FUNCTIONS(E.G., RADIO) OF THE INFORMATION SCREEN. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP "REBOOTED" THE INFO SYSTEM BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11187453 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2019 · ODI 11183128Details +

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.

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Feb 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11183128 at NHTSA →

Recalls(3)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Electrical System · 19V615000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Service Brakes · 20E064000Details +

Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel System · 20V648000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Jetta1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive284033
Jetta1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive283832
Jetta1.8L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243328
Jetta2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243327

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

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

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (19% of complaints) and unknown or other (19%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta between 27 and 33 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.