How the 2021 compares
One of the better Jetta years
Owners filed about 60% fewer complaints than a typical Jetta year. The area owners reported most is the brakes and stability control.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Jetta years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The most reported problem area is the brakes and stability control (26, 37% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the driver assist systems. That ranks 8th of 13 Jetta years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 4 recalls.
Complaints71filed with NHTSA
Recalls4for this model year
Crashes31 injury reported
Fires0reported in complaints
1 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta before you buy.
Brakes and stability control
26 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 system cannot be turned off. VW…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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 new in March 2022. At approximately…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
13 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driver door lock actuator motier lock sticking not opening from outside have to open from inside handle after unlocking with the remoteOwner complaint, filed 2025
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.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Driver assist systems
13 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (5).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in a designated lane, several messages advising that the vehicle was out of the lane were displayed. The vehicle made an abnormal beeping sound and slightly pulled to the right or to the left. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the failure…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact observed that the blind spot monitor and the Lane Keep Assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a second failure to the system. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to a dealer and…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 35,000 miles
Fuel system
11 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2026
> 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. This ongoing malfunction creates potential safety hazards during vehicle operation and roadside refueling. UNKNOWN if reproduced or confirmed by a…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Engine and cooling
5 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 4,000 miles
I've owned my car for 3 weeks and have driven it ~10 times in total. On 2 different occasions (most recently yesterday), it has stalled out while standing in traffic. On both occasions, it was a "soft stall" just as a vehicle with auto on/off would have. I had no warning lights, and wasn't even aware that the car had stalled until I put…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Air bags
5 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V492000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The…Owner complaint, filed 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with needing the air bag control module replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60.Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 60 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
5 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof exploded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 19,000 miles
Steering
3 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Seats and seat belts
3 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the passenger’s side seat failed to adjust. The contact stated that his wife was unable to utilize the passenger’s side seat and seat belt in a safe manner. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was designed that way. The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 1,900 miles
I have noticed an issue with how easily the rear, passenger-side seatbelt is able to be clicked into the buckle. Initially when I got the car, passengers using that seatbelt did not seem to have any issue with easily clicking the seatbelt into the buckle. More recently, it seems my passengers using that seatbelt have a more difficult…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Hill Assist system creates dangerous situations because it prevents me from moving right away while pulling out in traffic or in front of traffic lights, out of parking garages and stop signs. Hill Assist system often stalls the engine due to holding brakes engaged for an extended period of time even on a slight hill. With a manual…Owner complaint, filed 2023
1.It's not stable to drive in highway. Problem starts at around 55mph. 2. When I stop in traffic light suddenly rpm goes up and car jumps forward. It happened several times. The car was warm and in drive mode. I'm sure it shouldn't do this. Now when I stop in traffic light and pedestrian crossing in front of me, every time I put it to…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Suspension
1 complaintClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
1.It's not stable to drive in highway. Problem starts at around 55mph. 2. When I stop in traffic light suddenly rpm goes up and car jumps forward. It happened several times. The car was warm and in drive mode. I'm sure it shouldn't do this. Now when I stop in traffic light and pedestrian crossing in front of me, every time I put it to…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Body, doors and structure
1 complaintRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
Volkswagen Jetta complaints by year
Compare the 2021 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2021 compact cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | One of the better years | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | About average | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | One of the better years | 4 |
| 2021 Mazda Mazda3 | One of the better years | 1 |
2021 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
This is every recall issued for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.
Backup camera
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge.
Full recall 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."
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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Seats
- Risk
- The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Backup camera
- Risk
- A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge.
Full recall 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."
2021 Volkswagen Jetta questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most reported problem areas on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta are the brakes and stability control (26 complaints), the electrical system (13 complaints) and the driver assist systems (13 complaints).
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta a good year to buy?
One of the better Jetta years. Owners filed about 60% fewer complaints than a typical Jetta year. The area owners reported most is the brakes and stability control. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Jetta years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recent, from Jul 2022, covers the backup camera. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years should I avoid?
The Jetta years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2013 and 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model