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.
2018 volkswagen Jetta powertrain problems
moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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
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
My car made a loud banging noise and would not move even though engine was running. Had towed and was told car needs new transmission I brought to another mechanic for second opinion and was told the same thing code P073300
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 volkswagen Jetta?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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