2018 Volkswagen Jetta
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 32 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 120 |
| 1995 | 220 |
| 1996 | 173 |
| 1997 | 141 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 349 |
| 2000 | 439 |
| 2001 | 668 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 455 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 888 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 606 |
| 2012 | 499 |
| 2013 | 516 |
| 2014 | 386 |
| 2015 | 194 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 159 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 547 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
19% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210105
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190228
16% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231018
6% of complaints: engine — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20E064000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V648000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V648000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.