NHTSA has received 31 owner complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, or 3.6 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.09, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #3 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Volkswagen models its rate is 88% lower; against other Compact cars it is 84% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2019-02-28 and 2026-07-16. Median delay from incident to filing: 17 days.
31Complaints
3.6Complaints per year on the road
0.09Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
3.2%Share involving a crash or fire
5Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 71.0 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 3 complaints, 97% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Fuel system (22.6% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (19.4%) and Transmission / powertrain (16.1%). Fuel system complaints are 5.2 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 1 reports (3.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 74 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (64% of incidents). 5 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 32% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.09
vs. other Volkswagen models0.12
vs. other 2018 models0.07
vs. other Compact cars0.16
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (3)0.03
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.
Brakes · 2021-01-05 · ODI 11386640 · Crash
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.
Fuel system · 2026-07-16 · ODI 11750939
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.
Fuel system · 2026-06-29 · ODI 11747315
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.
Other · 2026-06-08 · ODI 11742734
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
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-04-01 · ODI 11728653
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Campaign 20E064000 · 2020-09-23
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?
31 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, or about 3.6 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most common category is Fuel system, accounting for 22.6% of complaints.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta still generating complaints?
5 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
How does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 31 owner complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, or 3.6 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.09, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #3 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Volkswagen models its rate is 88% lower; against other Compact cars it is 84% lower.