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Model year record

2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls & problems

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has 3 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (8 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints32filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2018 Volkswagen Jetta in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineOct 21, 2020

Fuel injection system › Fuel rail

Recall 20V648000218,192 vehicles

Problem
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.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
Service brakes, hydraulicSep 23, 2020

Foundation components › Master cylinder

Recall 20E06400038 vehicles

Problem
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.
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. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Electrical systemAug 22, 2019

Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module

Recall 19V615000679,027 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Components: Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module; Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2018 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk11.1%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2018 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk11.1%
2018 Volkswagen Jetta NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2018 Volkswagen Jetta NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Jetta

33mpg combined
City / highway28 / 40 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,050/year to fuel

Jetta

32mpg combined
City / highway28 / 38 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Jetta

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Jetta

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Unknown or other8000—
Fuel/propulsion system7000—
Air bags6100—
Power train5000—
Electrical system3000—
TiresBead; Sidewall2000—
Engine2000—
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system › Fuel rail2000—
Seat belts1000—
Service brakes1100—
Wheels1000—
Chest clip, buckle, harness1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.