2021 Volkswagen Jetta: common problems and reliability
An average Jetta year.
138 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Jetta?The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has 138 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Jetta years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Jetta?
Across the 30 Jetta model years we track, complaint volume runs from 44 (2023) to 1,750 (2010). With 138 complaints, the 2021 Jetta sits below the model's median of 318.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Jetta
seats
Campaign 21V038000Volkswagen 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.
air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Campaign 21V492000Volkswagen 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.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 20V716000Volkswagen 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."
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 22V514000Volkswagen 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."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation, engine, and maintenance history.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Jetta. See the full Jetta owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Jetta listings typically run $12,044–$23,549.
Other Jetta model years
Compare every Jetta year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Jetta against its rivals
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