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2018 Volkswagen Jetta

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Jetta.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is a passenger car that accumulated 30 owner complaints and 3 recalls, with its top complaint area recorded as "Unknown Or Other." Measured against the model's complaint history spanning 1990 through 2026—a range that reaches a high of 903 complaints in 2009 and a low of 3 in 2026—the 2018 model sits far below the peak volume. That placement establishes it as a relatively low-complaint entry in the Jetta's tracked reliability record, separating it from the most heavily reported years while remaining above the minimal complaint counts logged for the newest model years.

Model year2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 04E115561T. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tire size205/55R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04E115561T alt 06L115441D
Engine air filter	5C0129620 alt 04E129620
Fuel filter	1K0201051K alt 6Q0201051J
Spark plug	06K905601D alt 04E905612C
Battery	000915089F alt 000915089B
Front wiper blades	5C7955425B alt 5C7955426B
Serpentine belt	06K260849A alt 04E145933AL
Thermostat	04E121119D alt 06K121113G
Cabin air filter	1K0819644B

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Jetta of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.2–11.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.20 sec — 2012 GLI Autobahn Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2017	TSI SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-4	7.70 sec	16.10 sec	150 hp	FWD
2016	GLI SE Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.30 sec	14.90 sec	210 hp	FWD
2016	SEL Sedan 1.8L Turbo I-4	7.80 sec	15.90 sec	170 hp	FWD
2016	SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-4	8.40 sec	16.30 sec	150 hp	FWD
2016	SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-4	8.40 sec	16.30 sec	150 hp	FWD
2016	SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-4	9.40 sec	16.90 sec	150 hp	FWD
2014	SE Sedan 1.8L Turbo I-4	7.20 sec	15.80 sec	170 hp	FWD
2014	SE Sedan 1.8L Turbo I-4	7.30 sec	15.50 sec	170 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6.6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6.6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	10.3 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6.6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18.4 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	88.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts

89 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Spark Plug Gap	.025-.029 in
Spark Plug Torque	16 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Spark Plug Gap	.028-.031 in
Spark Plug Torque	22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Volkswagen

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.10-1.21 lbs.
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	3.40-4.00 oz.

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	43.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	58.0 psi
Residual Pressure	43.5 Minimum pressure after 10 minutes. psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	43.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	58.0 psi
Residual Pressure	43.5 Minimum pressure after 10 minutes. psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum	43.0
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	58.0

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages

148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Lower vehicle and tighten an additional 180°

148 ft. lbs

Rear Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages

148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Lower vehicle and tighten an additional 180°

148 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Gasoline engines · M8 Bolts

1	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	90.0 degrees; M9 Bolts	90 degrees
1	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
2	90.0 degrees; Diesel engines	90 degrees
1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	Turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
3	Turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
4	Bolt 11	3 ft. lbs
5	Turn 90

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	Turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
3	Turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
4	Bolt 11	3 ft. lbs
5	Turn 90

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	Turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
3	Turn 90 degrees	90 degrees
4	Turn 90

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	44.0 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	44.0 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
3	90.0

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	44.0 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	48.0 ft. lbs.	48 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Gasoline engines · Cap bolts

1	48.0 ft. lbs.	48 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees; Side bolts	90 degrees
1	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 40,000 mi.

Every 10,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
At 40,000 mi	Sunroof Assembly (lubricate)
Every 40,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Instrument Cluster Warning Indicator (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Sunroof Assembly (lubricate)
Every 60,000 mi	Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
At 150,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Timing Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta records only 30 complaints, 3 recalls, and zero federal investigations in the provided data — a striking low point that sits at the bottom of a multi-year downward arc in complaints from 2014 (386) through 2017 (158) and into 2018 itself. However, the very next model year, 2019, breaks the trend sharply with 537 complaints and 11 recalls, suggesting that the 2018's clean federal record may partly reflect its newness as a redesigned model rather than confirmed long-term reliability. The 647 TSBs attached to 2018 are still substantial, indicating dealers were actively addressing technical issues even as owner complaints remained quiet. The top complaint clusters — Unknown/Other (6), Fuel/Propulsion (4), Power Train (4), and Air Bags (3) — with only 1 crash-related complaint and no fire complaints, show a spread across drivetrain and safety systems rather than a single dominant failure. The 2018 model sits at the most favorable point on the Jetta's recent complaint curve, but the immediate post-2018 surge is a yellow flag worth probing via a pre-purchase inspection focused on fuel and power train behavior. Net takeaway: 2018 is a defensible used buy on the federal record, though buyers should specifically verify that any 2019-style issues (recalls and drivetrain complaints) have been resolved on the specific vehicle.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

647

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

1 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17’18’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 30 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Unknown Or Other6

Fuel/Propulsion System4

Power Train4

Air Bags3

Fuel System, Gasoline2

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness1

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1

Air Bags,Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V648000Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel RailReported 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. 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…

20E064000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master CylinderReported 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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 647 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TT 10-18-02_2	2026-06-18	Engine	Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_3	2026-06-18	Engine	Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_17	2026-06-11	Air Bags	Inquiries
V1719012012855_81	2026-06-04	Engine	Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
V0026012081638_1	2026-05-19	Unknown Or Other	Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Jetta. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Engine oil filter 04E115561T Engine air filter 5C0129620 Fuel filter 1K0201051K Spark plug 06K905601D

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

Does the 2018 Jetta have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta

Quick specs

Fitment & sizes

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Performance & power Independent road tests

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Engine torques

Chassis torques

Ignition

Battery & A/C

Service checks

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Common OBD-II trouble codes

VIN tools

Vehicles with shared specs

Reference guides

Related vehicles

Other years

Frequently asked