2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car/small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen since 1979. Positioned to fill a sedan niche above the firm's Golf hatchback, it has been marketed over seven generations, variously as the Atlantic, Vento, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City, GLI, Jetta, Clasico, and Sagitar (in China).
The Jetta has been offered in two- and four-door saloon / sedan, and five-door wagon / estate versions – all as four- or five-seaters. Since the original version in 1980, the car has grown in size and power with each generation. By mid-2011, almost 10 million Jettas have been produced and sold all over the world. As of April 2014, Volkswagen marketed over 14 million, becoming its top selling model.
Nameplate etymology
Numerous sources note that the Jetta nameplate derives from the Atlantic 'jet stream' during a period when Volkswagen named its vehicles after prominent winds and currents (e.g., the Volkswagen Passat (after the German word for trade wind), Volkswagen Bora (after bora), and Volkswagen Scirocco (after sirocco).
A 2013 report by former VW advertising copywriter Bertel Schmitt, said that — after consulting VW sources including Dr. Carl Hahn, former Volkswagen of America Chief and W.P. Schmidt, former sales chief at Volkswagen — no evidence suggested Volkswagen employed a naming theme for its front-drive, water-cooled vehicles; nor was there evidence the names derived from a theme; nor that a naming system "was ever announced, either officially or confidentially."
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Common 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems
The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to excessive oil consumption, a worn-out throttle body, vibrations at highway speeds, and recalls.
Excessive oil consumption is a widespread issue among 2018 VW Jetta owners, with many reporting this problem around 10,000 miles. This issue is generally not a cause for concern, as it is considered normal operation for the vehicle. However, if white or blue smoke is observed, it may indicate an oil leak into the engine, which would require diagnosis and repair by a professional.
A worn-out throttle body has also been reported by some 2018 Jetta owners, typically around 30,000 miles. This issue is not as widespread but can be expensive to fix if it occurs outside of the warranty period, with replacement costs averaging around $850 depending on local labor rates.
Vibrations at highway speeds are another problem found on some 2018 Jetta models, typically within the first 10,000 miles. These vibrations are often caused by simple alignment issues, which can be fixed for around $100. However, some suspension problems may also require realignment, which can cost around $250.
Three recalls have been issued for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta, addressing loose fuel rail bolts, the brake master cylinder, and the key. These issues can lead to fuel leaks and brake problems, but Volkswagen has committed to fixing these issues for free on affected models.
The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to last around 200,000 miles with regular maintenance, which is slightly less than some other compact cars. Annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than the competition, with some major components requiring replacement around 100,000 miles, such as the fuel filter, coolant temperature sensor, and timing belt tensioner.
While these issues may seem concerning, many 2018 VW Jetta owners report feeling that the car is reliable and have not experienced any significant problems. However, some owners have noted outdated technology and issues with the Volkswagen signature cloth seats wearing out easily.
In summary, the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has several common problems related to oil consumption, throttle body wear, vibrations, and recalls. However, with regular maintenance, the car is expected to last around 200,000 miles, and many owners report feeling that it is a reliable vehicle.
Is 2018 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2018 Jetta? J.D. Power gives the 2018 VW Jetta a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
What is a common problem in Volkswagen Jetta?
Automatic gearbox problems
It has been known for the automatic gearboxes on these cars to suffer with different problems. One of the most common problems is for the gears struggling to change, which could be caused by problems with the gear linkage. Does this video below sound anything like your problem?
How many miles will a 2018 Jetta last?
A well-maintained 2018 VW Jetta can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other compact cars like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly more than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $549 per year.
Do Volkswagen Jettas have transmission problems?
As their owners will be well aware, certain models of the Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 have been known to have transmission problems. The transmission on these vehicles, the 09G automatic, often has problems with rough shifting into certain gears, making driving an uncomfortable—and often frightening—experience.
Is 2018 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2018 Jetta? J.D. Power gives the 2018 VW Jetta a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
What is a common problem in Volkswagen Jetta?
Automatic gearbox problems
It has been known for the automatic gearboxes on these cars to suffer with different problems. One of the most common problems is for the gears struggling to change, which could be caused by problems with the gear linkage. Does this video below sound anything like your problem?
What is the electrical problem with the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?
Vehicles recalled: Volkswagen Jetta sedans with a traditional ignition key manufactured between Sept. 3, 2018, and Dec. 21, 2019. The problem: The ignition switch may fail while the vehicle is in motion, which could cause the engine to stall and the electrical system to shut down.
Do Volkswagen Jettas have transmission problems?
As their owners will be well aware, certain models of the Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 have been known to have transmission problems. The transmission on these vehicles, the 09G automatic, often has problems with rough shifting into certain gears, making driving an uncomfortable—and often frightening—experience.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Jetta problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Volkswagen Jetta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ6JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Malfunction ignition switch, and ignition cylinder, 50,000 miles on car. Took it to the dealer for diagnosis. No warning lamps or lights showed. My car just stopped allowing my key to come out of the ignition to turn the car off. I have to struggle to get it out of the ignition for 10-20 mins every time I take my key out. My car could potentially not turn on or off when the pieces go out completely
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-13
- VIN: 3VWDB7AJ9JM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Air bag light came on unprovoked. Remains on. We noted this announcement and feel it is the same problem. ((In April 2023, Volkswagen recalled some vehicles due to a faulty front passenger detection system that could deactivate the front passenger air bag. A deactivated air bag won't deploy in a crash, which could increase the risk of injury to the front passenger. Volkswagen is developing a remedy and will notify owners when it's available. In the meantime, owners shouldn't let anyone sit in the front passenger seat. ))
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-06
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJXJM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ignition swith . Same as 2019 and up model recall.NHTSA campaign number: 23V604
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJXJM
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: Front wheel bearing failure same as nhtsa campaign 19V879000
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- VIN: 3VWDB7AJ9JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: N/A
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-03
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ4JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: the tunk lid fills with water and gets all the tail light components and wiring wet when it rains heavy or get a car wash.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-18
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ1JM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact shifted in neutral and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact had to push the vehicle to the side of the road and made several attempts to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was made aware of a recall regarding the fuel rail. The mechanic was unable to determine the exact cause for the failure however, the mechanic linked the failure to a failure with the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure persisted with the battery and EPC warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,782.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-15
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ1JM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. Upon starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality. However, the contact stated that the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that the infotainment system operated erratically, symptomatic of a possible electrical issue. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-16
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ9JM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact's mother owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that her mother's vehicle had failed to start up with an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, her mother discovered that an unknown fluid had leaked from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a leak in the fuel rail. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 51,723.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-24
- VIN: 3VWDB7AJ0JM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: On or about January 24, 2023, Found oil leak and heard noise from engine. No warning lamps or messages prior, mechanic diagnosed and found cam phaser cover bolts loose and leaking. He had to re-torque bolts and check engine. Leaking stopped. Mechanic said they should not have come loose and if bolts came anymore loose, they could have caused serious problems with timing and engine.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-29
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ0JM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Key locked in ignition at an unsafe area where I was stuck for hours. Car has approximately 89,000 miles and the key being stuck in ignition has happened to me twice recently and I know it will continue to do so until there is a recall for the safety issue that the Ignition causes.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-27
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ4JM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Vehicle Dealer Colonial Volkswagen failed to register the DOT number on all of my tires Colonial Volkswagen is in Feasterville/Trevose PA Tire failed have photos inside of tire wall
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-19
- VIN: 3vw2b7aj6jm
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: From the day I bought the car brand new the driver window rolls down and you have to roll it completely down in order to roll it back up I have had every part replaced in the window and it still does it
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-30
- VIN: 3VWD17AJ9JM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES- CAR WOULD NOT MOVE IN DRIVE POSITION. DASH CODE: ESC. LUCKILY, 2018 JETTA STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ1JM
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* 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. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO ONE SEEKED MEDICAL ATTENTION. CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT DEFLATE AFTERWARDS; WHEN INSPECTING THE SIDE AIRBAGS ON FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS HAD "RIPS" ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,700.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-24
- VIN: 3VW2B7AJ6JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: STRAP FP. 6H0-867-749 THE YELLOW STRAP IS RISKING DRIVER OR OCCUPANTS OF A HOMICIDE FROM ASSAILANTS OR ASSAILANT BECAUSE OF CRIME OF OPPORTUNITY FROM STRANGULATIONS. THE SPACE SAVER TIRE CHANGING SPACING IN KIT IS NOT BEING UTILIZED FOR A FULL SIZE TIRE WHILE IN DISTRESS WHILE AWAITING OR CHANGING FLATTEN TIRE ON ROADSIDE.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: 3VW4T7AJ3JM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER REVERSING AND THEN STOPPING AND SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION POPS IN TO GEAR. ALSO VEHICLE RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF AT RANDOM TIMES HAVING TO RESTART WHILE IN MOTION. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-26
- VIN: 3VWE57BU5KM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE IN MOTION AT LOW SPEEDS, BETWEEN 28 AND 30 MPH, YOU CAN HEAR A GRINDING OR SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM THE CAR AND YOU CAN FEEL A BIT OF LOSS OF POWER IN THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS IN THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN BOUGHT NEW, THIS NOISE WAS NON EXISTING, IT APPEARED AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF DRIVING
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-18
- VIN: 3VWDB7AJ3JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE BACKUP CAMERA INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO WORK ALONG WITH THE OTHER FUNCTIONS(E.G., RADIO) OF THE INFORMATION SCREEN. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP "REBOOTED" THE INFO SYSTEM BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-11
- VIN: 3VW167AJ1JM
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SOMETIMES I LEAVE MY CELL PHONE ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE WARNING BELL CHIMES. IF I REMOVE MY CELL PHONE FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING STOPS OR IF I DO LOCK THE SEATBELT, IT WILL ALSO STOP THE WARNING. IT SEEMS LIKE THE PART THAT CHECKS IF A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME BUT I HAVE NOTICED IT THREE TIMES SO FAR, MOSTLY IN COLDER WEATHER.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
- 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tenneco Automotive
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- 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."
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2018 Volkswagen Jetta car reviews
Positive 2018 Volkswagen Jetta car reviews
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Summer/Fall 2017 and VW offered BOTH factory and dealer deep discounting. According to Fuelly dot com, I have been getting just under 41 MPG since I bought the car. The light clutch and easy shifting 5M make the car fun to drive. With a monstrous trunk (15.7 feet), my wife's roll-ons, backpack, and duffle bags fit fine. (She's a military officer.) The car's fuel economy, reliability, and really low purchase price have made me a believer!
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I bought my car about a week ago and I'm really happy with it! I was able to take advantage of the $5,000 in incentives on the 2017 model and got the SE 1.4T for around $17,000. It's a great value for the price and has plenty of power. So far, I've only put around 500 miles on it and have been getting around 30 mpg in town. I used to own a 2015 Cruze LTZ/RS, but this car is built better and has more power. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the SE's audio system, but it's not terrible either. My wife has a 2017 Honda Civic 1.5 turbo (EX-T) trim and this car has more power and leather seats with the same features. We got this car for $17,000, which is a great deal compared to the $22,000 we paid for the Civic. Overall, I'm really happy with this car and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great vehicle at a great price!
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Great car! I'm so glad you're enjoying your Jetta with the 1.4 turbo engine! It's amazing that you're getting 40 miles per gallon using gasoline with 91 octane. You're definitely getting great value for your money!
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Not many drivers on the road realize the power you have under the hood until you hit the gas. GTI drivers will give you knowing looks. It's like driving a $50k car for only half the price!
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As a long-time owner of Japanese nameplates such as Honda and Toyota, I was initially hesitant to purchase a German brand, especially after VW's 'dieselgate' scandal. However, after owning my '17 VW Jetta SEL with the 1.8L turbo for 13 months, I can confidently say that I have not regretted my decision. The Jetta is an incredibly enjoyable car to drive, with great power from the 1.8L engine and a relatively quiet ride for its size and price. The controls are logically laid out and easy to operate, and I have had no issues with the Navigation system, which has worked flawlessly. I particularly love the adaptive cruise control feature. In the 10,000 miles that I have driven the car, I have not experienced any mechanical problems or needed any repairs, except for a computer-related update. The gas mileage has been excellent, with 39 mpg on straight over-the-road driving and a respectable 26-28 mpg in city/town driving. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase and believe that it offers excellent value for the price paid.
Other years of Volkswagen Jetta
Are you having problems with your 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?
Korey Herman 2024-11-13
The car is priced fairly for its quality. Although I traded in a BMW X5, I was pretty disappointed with the quality of the interior materials, which felt like cheap cloth. Additionally, the backup camera is not up to par and lacks alerts to notify you if you're getting too close to anything. Navigation is not equipped unless you download an app on your phone and plug it into the USB port, which disables your phone from all other operations and use. Unfortunately, the HD radio doesn't get a signal in most areas, resulting in gray blank squares across your screen for all radio stations. The MPG is nowhere near what they claim, with mid to upper 20's at best. You may receive periodic messages on the radio screen when you put it in reverse that say 'Park pilot currently unavailable'. This is because the cars don't come equipped with it, but the computer shows a malfunction because it's searching for something that isn't there. It can be extremely frustrating, but it's important to be aware that these are common issues with VWs.
Miller Stehr 2024-08-07
I recently sold my 2013 Jetta SE with 124,000 miles and upgraded to a 2018 Jetta SE. The difference between the two cars is like night and day in terms of quality, performance, and ride. Unfortunately, I made the assumption that the 2018 Jetta would be just as good or better than the 2013, but I was mistaken. While the 2018 Jetta may be suitable for those who prefer a ho-hum mediocre car, it did not meet my expectations. However, I did manage to get a good deal on the price at $19,754 and 1.9% for the 2018 Jetta SE, and the warranty is one of the best on the market at 60 months/72,000 miles. Looking back, I should have done more research before making the purchase.
Orlando Green 2024-04-21
The 2017 Jetta I purchased in 2020 unfortunately experienced a blown turbo charger after 20k miles, with a repair cost of $3500. It is recommended to consider other options when looking for a reliable commuter vehicle.