2018 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel system Problems

My vehicle has an active, federally mandated safety recall for a fuel rail leak (Recall 24Gi / 20V648000), which is a documented fire hazard. The vehicle now has an active "EPC" (Electronic Power Control) dashboard light and a fuel odor. When I called my local authorized Volkswagen dealership—Southern Team Volkswagen at 6520 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, VA—to schedule the safety repair, the service department flat-out refused to take the vehicle. The representative stated that they "are not taking new clients" and "will not be repairing" the vehicle. They left me stranded with an active, dangerous safety hazard on my property and refused to comply with the federal recall mandate. When escalations were made to corporate, I was told my only option was to take the vehicle for an hour to Lynchburg, VA, at my expense. Because they don’t have a policy to pay for towing. I had to call the manufacturer and have them step in to “pull some strings” he said. Am currently waiting to hear back from them.

NHTSA ID

11750939

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

Leaking gas. And charcoal canister problems. I’m not sure why this vehicle is not recalled but the vw gti is and same years as other vw models but not this one. There has to be a recall with this vin vehicle no one was harmed or injured yet since this problem is scary and leaks gas I am unable to drive car due to risk of fire and injury.

NHTSA ID

11747315

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The car makes a loud popping/ clicking sound in the back of the car (near exhaust) whenever I accelerate or let off the gas.

NHTSA ID

11718601

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

On Monday [XXX] my 2018 VW Jetta S started gushing gas from the bottom of the car. I immediately pulled over and called AAA to have my car towed to my nearest VW dealer which was National City Volkswagen 3131 Mile of Car National City, Ca. The issue my car was having looked similar to a recall due to fuel rails coming loose. My car ended up having faulty gas rails which is part of a recall for my vehicle. I was told it was already corrected 4 years ago so i had to pay out of pocket for it. Yet the repairs or corrected recall are not on the carfax, for one. And for two, I did not own the car when said repairs were completed and I cannot find any record of it. I believe VW is still responsible for this as it is the same parts that were repaired for the recall. Plus, I missed a whole day at work because of this. ($30hr×8=$240) plus the $1438.26 I had to pay out of pocket. Thank you for your time and consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11682295

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Engine stalled and car emitted fuel smell and leaked from engine area. Vehicle towed to shop. Mechanic found fuel leak near Cylinder #4. Removed intake manifold and found fuel rail loose and leaking from #4 injector. Left upper fuel rail retaining bolt was broken and left lower bolt was loose.

NHTSA ID

11648748

Incident

Mar 9, 2025

Car's warning lights came on with initial start, followed by strong fuel smell. Shut off engine and walked around car to find large puddle of fuel coming from engine compartment under fuel rail.

NHTSA ID

11622261

Incident

Oct 25, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11547215

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11512432

Incident

Mar 16, 2023

Mileage

51,723 mi