2018 Volkswagen Jetta: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta: 2 recalls, 31 owner complaints and up to 33 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #20V648000 · 2020 · 218,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #20E064000 · 2020 · 38 vehicles
What's wrong: The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder May be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Why it matters: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are warning light on (5).
- Fuel & propulsion (6): the most common themes are leaks (3), stalls / loses power (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has 31 owner complaints, ranking #32 of 37 Jetta model years for complaints (well below the 274 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 40,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (159 complaints, 6 recalls), 2019 (549 complaints, 11 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 40 | 33 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (8), airbags (6), fuel & propulsion (6).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA ratings run up to 33 mpg combined (1.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.