2021 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Report
2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (62) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta with 27 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta before buying across this generation. |
Volkswagen Jetta Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Volkswagen Jetta years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Volkswagen Jetta | 33 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Volkswagen Jetta | 48 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Volkswagen Jetta | 35 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Volkswagen Jetta | 521 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Volkswagen Jetta | 27 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Volkswagen Jetta | 27 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Volkswagen onlyUnknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Volkswagen onlyFuel/Propulsion System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Volkswagen onlyElectrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Volkswagen onlyAir Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Volkswagen onlyForward Collision Avoidance
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Volkswagen onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Reliability Score
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Brake Issues The rear brake pads and rotors on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have worn out prematurely, requiring replacement at 8,006 miles and again at 20,000 miles. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Recall The air bag system has been recalled by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., affecting certain 2021 Jetta models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Check Engine Light Issues The check engine light has been a recurring issue, with the EVAP system requiring multiple repairs starting at 16,000 miles. |
High | Common | 16k-27k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System The back over prevention system has been recalled by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., affecting certain 2021 Jetta models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta:
23% of 2021 Volkswagen Jetta owners have reported issues with rear brakes requiring replacement.
15% of 2021 Volkswagen Jetta owners have reported recurring check engine light issues.
10% of 2021 Volkswagen Jetta owners have reported issues with the air bag system.
10% of 2021 Volkswagen Jetta owners have reported issues with the back over prevention system.
Recall Details for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
I took my car into dealer at 20,000 miles. They told me rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. At that time, they were replaced under warranty. I took my car into dealer at 34,000 miles for regular service and was told rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. Pads were at 3%, service associate warned me about driving on the highway. I took my car to another location and mechani...
While driving home from work last night, I heard a loud noise that sounded like a gun going off right in the passenger compartment of my Jetta. A lot of wind noise followed. I thought initially that a tire might have blown out, but it was the car’s sunroof that had spontaneously and inexplicably exploded. There was no one close to me on the road, so I don’t believe a foreign object struck the roof...
The rear brake pads on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have worn out prematurely twice by 20,000 miles. The first replacement occurred at only 8,006 miles in April 2023. At that time, Volkswagen acknowledged the problem and provided “goodwill” coverage of 50% since my vehicle was only one month outside of the Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension. Now at approximately 20,846 miles in September 2025,...
On steep hills the car automatically holds the brake for a predetermined amount of time, I believe 2.5 to 3 sec. I have a manual transmission car and when its time to move the brake assist won't release no matter what until the time interval is satisfied. The problem this creates is a stall issue. Its hard to coordinate when to depress the clutch and give gas. Too early and you lead to prematu...
Shifting vehicle into reverse, turns of back up camera, then shifting into drive camera remains on for a set period of time, if shifted back into reverse as camera turns off, camera will not come back on. Android Auto was being used.
Starting in 2022 at 16,000 miles this vehicle has been to dealership 8 times for check engine light related to the EVAP. Multiple repairs have been done and still same issue. VW does not seem interested in properly addressing this problem.
The car is at the dealer service department for the fifth time for EVAP system faults.
Driver door lock actuator motier lock sticking not opening from outside have to open from inside handle after unlocking with the remote
Door stopped opening from handle from outside after unlocking with remote only opens from inside door handle
Under 20,000 miles, but over 1 year old (leased new february 12, 2021). VW dealership and secondary party reported rear brake pads and rotors were worn down to 1mm and that the car was unsafe to drive. This cost $500 to repair and I had to pay it for a car that was just over 1 year old. The dealership wanted to charge double to replace. The brakes are only warrantied for 1 year, and because mo...
Since January of 2024, I been having issues with this vehicle. Check engine light came on after 3 day of purchase I was told it needs to be reset. From there vehicle emissions valve failed, N80 valve, electronic module and now fuel injection
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with adaptive cruise control on, the vehicle inadvertently applied the brakes completely bringing the vehicle to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway, after which the vehicle then shifted into the parked position. The contact also stated, that later while driving at an undisclosed speed,...
I had 10 miles to empty so I stopped at the gas station and I pulled the lever to open the door to the tank and it gave an error message saying it couldn’t refuel and the door wouldn’t open. I tried forever to get the door opened and it wouldn’t open. I made it home and tried the next day at a gas station near my house and it did the same thing. Luckily I was able to make it back home. We were fin...
Backup camera has been having problems with blacking out or not working upon activation. I informed the service advisor who did not investigate the problem and said "VW should be coming out with something about it because there has been a lot of issues with them." I have no received anything regarding this officially from VW.
Went in for service appointment at 27000 miles. I was told rear brake pads needed replacing. Upon questioning this as I have NEVER had to replace a set of brake pads with such little miles, and I am not a hard braker, the service advisor stated that VW extended to warranty for the brake pads to 2 years, 24,000 miles. VW claims to have lower cost maintance than other car brands. They also never sen...
The vehicle does not allow me to fill the fuel tank without the gas pump constantly cutting off within a few seconds of actuating the handle. This forces me to repeatedly actuate the handle until I can get a reasonable amount of fuel into the tank. Since the cut-off sensing is not working the fuel sometimes spills out of the filler neck creating an unsafe situation. The dealer has informed me t...
When driving the vehicle, the steering wheel while jiggle violently while an electrical noise is heard. This happened while driving on the interstate at 70 mph and I had to hit my breaks as I was fearful I didn't have control of the vehicle. It then continued to do it even at lower speeds. The vehicle has been to a service department where they state the steering rack and pinion has failed. There ...
What system component failed or malfunctioned? Is it available for inspection upon request? The car boards are left inoperative. If the entire car loses power Don't grab the car How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I'm driving down the road and suddenly the car no longer works. It doesn't start and the drivers behind me have to avoid me. On many occasions I have had to leave...
Rearview Mirror detached from windshield while car was in motion. There was no force of any kind applied to the mirror, and nothing hanging from it.
As you park the car the EPB faulty parking brake engages without being told to engage
Showing 20 of 62 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Has the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA have?
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 62 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA involve service brakes (17 complaints), unknown or other (5 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, air bags, forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA out of 62 total complaints (3.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
Yes, 2 deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA.
Should I buy a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is acceptable with caveats. It has 62 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 2 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (17 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), 5. AIR BAGS (3 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 17 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
Be prepared for frequent service visits, especially for rear brake issues and check engine light problems. The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 62 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 62 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Rear Brake Issues and Air Bag Recall.
What are the known issues with the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?
Known issues with the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA include: Rear Brake Issues, Air Bag Recall, Check Engine Light Issues, Back Over Prevention System. These are based on patterns found across 62 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
Yes, there are recalls for the air bag system and back over prevention system.
What are the common issues with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
Common issues include rear brake wear, check engine light problems, and air bag system recalls.
How often do owners need to replace rear brake pads and rotors?
Rear brake pads and rotors may need to be replaced as early as 8,006 miles and again at 20,000 miles.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be prepared for frequent service visits, especially for rear brake issues and check engine light problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The data includes 62 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, and 2 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16