2018 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The EPA rates it 27 to 33 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
3
Owner complaints
32
Crashes / fires reported
1 / 0
EPA combined
27–33 MPG

2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

  • Fuel System, GasolineOct 21, 2020 · NHTSA 20V648000+

    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.

    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.

  • Service Brakes, HydraulicSep 23, 2020 · NHTSA 20E064000+

    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.

    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.

  • Electrical SystemAug 22, 2019 · NHTSA 19V615000+

    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.

    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."

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Unknown or Other8
  • Fuel/Propulsion System7
  • Air Bags6
  • Power Train5
  • Electrical System3
  • Engine2
  • Fuel System2
  • Gasoline2

2018 Volkswagen Jetta gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Jetta1.4 L 4 cyl, Manual 5-spd284033$1,950
Jetta1.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)283832$2,000
Jetta1.8 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)243328$2,300
Jetta2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S6)243327$2,400

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, most recently for the fuel system, gasoline (Oct 21, 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are unknown or other (8), fuel/propulsion system (7), air bags (6).

What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta at 27 to 33 MPG combined (best version: 28 city / 40 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.