The Lemon Index2018 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 8 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 8, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 27 to 33 mpg combined. It's the best Volkswagen Jetta year we track.
One of the most reliable. 12.5× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2009
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 31 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 51K miles on the car (7 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
- brakes 2020
The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- electrical 2019
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 at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 658 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Standard Maintenance Section: Moved: "Exterior Lighting" from Extended Maintenance Section
- Standard Maintenance Section: Added "boots" to "Engine and engine compartment components:…
- Customer states MIL-on with P0496 Customer states oil leak from the engine Customer states oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1950–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
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
2018 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 11394599
More owner reports
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.
NHTSA complaint 11324610
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 12.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 8; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (38%), airbags (25%) and seat belts (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have?
3 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta get?
27 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 38% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works