2021 Volkswagen Jetta
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 71
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 71 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 32 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 120 |
| 1995 | 220 |
| 1996 | 173 |
| 1997 | 141 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 349 |
| 2000 | 439 |
| 2001 | 668 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 456 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 889 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 607 |
| 2012 | 500 |
| 2013 | 518 |
| 2014 | 387 |
| 2015 | 194 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 160 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 552 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
38% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance
There appears to be a known issue with the rear braking system on the VW Jetta for various model years including 2021.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-15
On 01/12/2023 at approximately 4:20 PM, I paid the cost to replace the rear brakes on my 2021 VW Jetta SEL. This included parts and labor. I found this very odd due to the vehicle being less than 2 years old.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-16
Electrical system
18% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Mid June 2026 infotainment update was over the air software update.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-02
Fuel/propulsion system
15% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
EVAP N80 purge valve failed under 34,000 miles. Dealer refused to cover due to time elapsed. Replaced out-of-pocket due to predatory dealership repair pricing for a known manufacturing defect.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-29
> The fuel/propulsion system experienced continuous refueling difficulties characterized by premature nozzle shut-offs and trapped air in the fuel tank, preventing normal refueling operations.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-22
Forward collision avoidance
15% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Engine
7% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2020-12-11Back over prevention20V716000 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.
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.
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R
2021-02-18Seats21V038000 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.
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.
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R
2022-01-28Air bags21V492000 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.
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.
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R
2022-08-02Back over prevention, equipment22V514000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V716000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 21V038000 · Seats
- Recall 21V492000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V514000 · Back over prevention, equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.