DecodedCars2018 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 150–210 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 28 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2018 compact car (27 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (28 city / 40 highway), 22% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Jetta — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Jetta →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Puebla, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Jetta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 40 / 33 | +22% | $2,050 | 271 |
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 282 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 321 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | 0% | $2,500 | 326 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.1% |
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota C-HR | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Oct 21, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V648000 · 218,192 vehicles
- 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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Jetta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Jetta | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Jetta | 33 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2024 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2022 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2021 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 70 |
| 2020 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 54 |
| 2019 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2015 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 197 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →