Model year guide

2018 Volkswagen Jetta

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 23 on record.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Volkswagen Jetta at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints29
Combined30 mpg
Typical price$16,664

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls 3

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail NHTSA Campaign #20V648000 · 21/10/2020

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.

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, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #20E064000 · 23/09/2020

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.

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…

Electrical System:ignition:anti-theft:control Module NHTSA Campaign #19V615000 · 22/08/2019

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 transmis…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Chest Clip
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Buckle
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Harness
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta MPG & running costs

Combined30 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway36 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,063

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta worth?

Low
$12,400
Typical price
$16,664
High
$20,998

From 16 comparable 2018 Volkswagen Jetta listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,315
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,350
Total$15,665
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($16,664) with the same model 5 model-years older ($11,336), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta trims & engines on record

Trims
S · SE, Wolfsburg · GLI · Sport · SE
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl 150 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 210 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 170 hp

2018 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles on record

Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

2018 Volkswagen Jetta — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?

Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, fuel/propulsion system, chest clip.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta at about 30 mpg combined (26 city / 36 highway).

How much is a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta worth?

Comparable 2018 Volkswagen Jetta listings run roughly $12,400–$20,998, typically around $16,664 (from 16 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.