2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta sits mid-pack among Jetta years: 93 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 211, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 25 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Jetta years?

Jetta NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jetta years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	25	27%	▲ up
Driver Assistance	13	14%	▲ up
Electrical System	11	12%	▼ down
Other	9	10%	▼ down
Fuel System	9	10%	▲ up
Engine	5	5%	▼ down
Airbags	4	4%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	4	4%	▲ up
Steering	3	3%	— flat
Seat Belts	3	3%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	2	2%	▲ up
Transmission	2	2%	▼ down
Seats	1	1%	— flat
Suspension	1	1%	▼ down
Lighting	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V514000Electrical SystemJuly 20, 2022 · 43,091 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

21V492000AirbagsJune 30, 2021 · 379 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position.

Consequence

Incorrect positioning of the air bag control module can cause the vehicle's air bags to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CK.

21V038000SeatsFebruary 1, 2021 · 57 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.

Consequence

The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.

20V716000Driver AssistanceNovember 18, 2020 · 32,048 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I do not feel safe with my Vehicle. I purchased new and at 16,550 Miles it needed new rear rotors and pads. Again at 38417 it needed new rotors and pads. I drive the car softly and am not heavy on the brakes. This seems to be a known issue and the dealership says I should be prepared to replace…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 21, 2023

“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the cruise control intermittently deactivated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 14, 2022

“When I started my car a light came on saying âcheck starter systemâ and I turned the car off and then turned it back on and same message appeared. I waited until it was cooler outside and tried it again and the light disappeared. Iâm aware of the recalls on the 2019-2020 Jetta and the faulty…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 24, 2024

“The car would not turn on while using the start/stop feature on three different occasions. Once at a stop sign when I wanted to reverse to make sure I was not pulled out too far into an intersection. I was stuck and could not get out of the way of a car coming. Each time I had to shut the vehicle…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 1, 2022

“I have been having issues with the EVAP system in my 2021 VW Jetta. It has been in the shop at least 7 times since around 12K miles for the same issue. They have replaced all parts and upgraded the software several times and it is still an issue. My check engine light comes on and off all the time.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 3, 2022

2021 Volkswagen Jetta — common questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 93 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Jetta year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Jetta problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (25 complaints), driver assistance (13 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Jetta years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jetta years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2002, 2011, 2001, 2006, 2019, 2013, 2012, 2000, 2003, 2014, 1999, 2005, 1995. The cleanest record among Jetta years belongs to 1983.

How safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2021 compare to other Jetta years?

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2021 Volkswagen Jetta — common questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

What are the most common 2021 Jetta problems?

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

Which Volkswagen Jetta years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

Related