The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is associated with 66 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Service Brakes, accounting for 18 reports (27% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.4l 4-cyl and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 28 to 34 MPG combined. The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta belongs to the 7th generation (A7 / Typ BU) Jetta platform spanning model years 2019–2026.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 66 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Service Brakes (18 / 27%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 3 crash / 0 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 28–34 MPG (4 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 30 MPG | 41 MPG | 34 MPG | — | $1,800 / yr |
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 29 MPG | 39 MPG | 33 MPG | — | $1,850 / yr |
| Jetta GLI | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 24 MPG | 35 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Jetta GLI | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 24 MPG | 33 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 13.100000000000001% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Volkswagen Jetta models.
View complete 2021 Volkswagen Jetta crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems & component breakdown (31 categories) →
Affected Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Defect 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."
Free Manufacturer 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: SEATS
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.
View all 2021 Volkswagen Jetta recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →