repaired · 2024 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Volkswagen JettaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 71 owner complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-492 the manufacturer reports only 72% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has problems
71 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
25Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
13Electrical system
11Fuel/propulsion system
9Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
5Air bags
5Engine
4Lane departure
3Visibility/wiper
3Seat belts
129 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 25 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 1 |
| Air bags | 5 | 2 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 12 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2021 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Seats
Risk. The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Jetta year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Jetta median. How we score
0000113141819282231301711722031541923494396687024562312485802011888898526075005183881941621603255354714342463261
'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Volkswagen Jetta safety ratings
2021 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (13.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Jetta owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
There appears to be a known issue with the rear braking system on the VW Jetta for various model years including 2021. The issue seems to be a combination of soft brake pads combined with the autonomous braking system which overuses the brakes and causes premature wear. This rear autonomous braking…
While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking…
Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Volkswagen Model: Jetta Date of Purchase: March 2022 Approximate Mileage at Time of Incident: 25,000 miles --- NATURE OF COMPLAINT: I am filing this complaint regarding premature and dangerous rear brake pad and rotor wear on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, purchased…
Own a 2021 Jetta?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.