2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, filed between 2021-05-04 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the service brakes (25, 36%), electrical system (13, 19%) and forward collision avoidance (9, 13%). Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 injury and 2 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Volkswagen Jetta complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 25 | 36% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 19% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 13% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 7% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Service brakes: 25 complaints
- 25 complaints of 69 (36%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 3 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
Electrical system: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 69 (19%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 69 (13%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 3 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 69 (13%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
Air bags: 5 complaints
- 5 complaints of 69 (7%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- Owners reported 2 crashes and 2 deaths in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta; the recall, campaign 21V492000, says: “The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position.”
Engine: 5 complaints
- 5 complaints of 69 (7%) name the engine.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 8 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names JETTA, JETTA GLI, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's most common problem areas are the service brakes (25 of 69 complaints), electrical system (13 of 69 complaints) and forward collision avoidance (9 of 69 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, including 3 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.