2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has 2 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
32
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Recall 20V-648: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 21, 2020 · 218,192 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Recall 19V-615: Electrical System, Steering

Reported Aug 22, 2019 · 679,027 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Air Bags6
Power Train5
Electrical System3
Tires2
Engine2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Seat Belts1
Service Brakes1
Wheels1
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness1

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Bead — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 22, 2026
The vehicle wouldn't start and upon closer inspection some fluid was underneath the vehicle and there was a strong smell of gas. We had the car towed the following morning to a repair shop and were informed there was a fuel leak from behind the intake manifold. The service technician found two loose fuel rail bolts and one missing fuel rail bolt which caused the fuel rail to come out of the engine. Prior to the vehicle not starting, we had no warning lights or symptoms that indicated there was an issue with the car.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 29, 2026
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. There has to be a recall with this vin vehicle no one was harmed or injured yet since this problem is scary and leaks gas I am unable to drive car due to risk of fire and injury.
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness · reported Jun 8, 2026
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. This is extremely unsafe as it would likely not stay clipped in a crash or a child could very easily open the chest clip. After a quick online search, it appears that several others have had this issue. I just noticed it yesterday but I have no idea how long this has been occuring and, unless checked thoroughly every time, could happen to anyone.
Power Train · reported Apr 1, 2026
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
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Feb 17, 2026
The car makes a loud popping/ clicking sound in the back of the car (near exhaust) whenever I accelerate or let off the gas.

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Compare all Volkswagen Jetta years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta: 20V-648 (fuel system, gasoline), 19V-615 (electrical system, steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (8 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.