2018 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta ranks best among 21 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 0 and only 31 complaints. Its top problem area is the fuel system, tied to a fuel rail bolt recall, but crash and injury counts stay low.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #21 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 26 city / 35.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other9 (29%)
- Fuel System8 (26%)
- Airbags6 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (16%)
- Electrical System3 (10%)
- Engine2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report fuel odor and fuel rail leaks that caused failure to start, with one leak diagnosed at a median 51,723 miles.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle suddenly losing power while underway, then starting normally again on a restart attempt.
- Airbags reportedly deployed in a low-speed crash after the brake pedal was described as unresponsive, near 40,700 miles.
- Transmission complaints include a grinding or scraping noise near 28 to 30 mph with a feeling of power loss, and one report of the transmission failing to engage around 40,000 miles.
- Electrical complaints describe the radio turning on and off at random and the transmission popping into gear after shifting from reverse to drive.
- One engine complaint described an oil leak traced to loose cam phaser cover bolts.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V648000Oct 21, 2020Fuel System218,192 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
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.
- NHTSA 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical System679,027 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
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.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 35.5 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- Among the 21 Jetta model years with data, 2018 has the lowest complaint index (0) and is rated Best, with only 31 complaints and no fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
- Does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for fuel rail bolts that could loosen and leak fuel, and one for an electrical system fix requiring an added switch and circuit board.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2018 Jetta?
- Fuel System complaints are the largest group, making up 26% of complaints, followed by Airbags at 19% and Transmission & Powertrain at 16%.
- What mileage do 2018 Jetta fuel system problems show up at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 51,723 miles at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2018 Jetta.
- How does the 2018 Jetta compare to other bad Jetta years?
- Years like 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2019 are rated Avoid with complaint indexes between 75 and 100, far higher than the 2018 model's index of 0.