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2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 70owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 1injury reported
70 complaints, against an average of 203 for the other 14 Volkswagen Jetta model years.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
The components named most often in the 70 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Volkswagen Jetta owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 70 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?7 owners · 10%
- Why does my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?5 owners · 7.1%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?4 owners · 5.7%
- Can the sunroof on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta shatter or fail?3 owners · 4.3%
Has the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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."
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. 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.
Air Bags: Air Bags/Restraint Control Module 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.
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. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Seats 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.
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. 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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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."
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. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateThe tubular frame of the driver’s seat may have been incorrectly welded.This could impair the stability of the seat and its restraining effect in the event of an accident, in particular in the event of a rear-end collision.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2021 Volkswagen Jetta owners report?
12 of the 70 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
> 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 dealership, and the vehicle has not yet been formally inspected by manufacturer representatives, police, or insurance. No warning lamps or dashboard messages have appeared prior to or during the failure.
There is a known issue released by Volkswagen that certain model years of their vehicles are eligible for a limited extended warranty regarding the clock spring. In their release announcement VWP-18-11 on April 27, 2023, they specifically mentioned vehicle year model 2010 to 2022 qualifies for U37 Warranty key if the issue exists. However, my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is excluded from this because they told me there is no identified issue as of now. However, the clock spring damage can lead to a severe safety concern that the driver's airbag won't be triggered and the front alert is not working…
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 acknowledged this issue by issuing Policy and Procedure Bulletin VWP 22-18 on 12/20/2022 which extended the warranty on the rear brake pads to 2 years or 24K miles. This extension was due to a premature wear issue though they did not acknowledge in the bulletin that…
Mid June 2026 infotainment update was over the air software update. Update caused infotainment failures: looping screen resets, unable to play audio, disruption to screen during safety features such as back up cam, unable to accomplish directions, CarPlay no longer consistent feature. None of these listed problems were present before over the air software update.
While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in…
Volkswagen corporate deployed a mandatory over-the-air (OTA) software update to the MIB3 infotainment system. The update failed mid-installation, entirely bricking the J794 information module. This failure completely disabled vital driver information systems, including the digital dash compass, all audio alerts, and driver notification tones while the vehicle is in motion. This represents an immediate, manufacturer-initiated distraction and safety hazard that disables cabin instrumentation.
EPC light comes on and vehicle starts losing power while driving, you lose all acceleration. Check engine light has also illuminated I have taken in to have repairs done on this same issue 4 times in a span of owing this car for 7 months, this vehicle has become unreliable and a safety hazard while driving. They have replaced battery replaced ignition coils replaced EVAP valve reset my computer software updated my computers. I have spent a ton of money on this car for a repair that is unrepairable. And it currently sits in the VW dealership shop again because it is become a safety hazard to…
Shifting vehicle into reverse, turns of back up camera, then shifting into drive camera remains on for a set period of time, if shifted back into reverse as camera turns off, camera will not come back on. Android Auto was being used.
Under 20,000 miles, but over 1 year old (leased new february 12, 2021). VW dealership and secondary party reported rear brake pads and rotors were worn down to 1mm and that the car was unsafe to drive. This cost $500 to repair and I had to pay it for a car that was just over 1 year old. The dealership wanted to charge double to replace. The brakes are only warrantied for 1 year, and because most don't hit 20k miles for a year, they know that the parts are unsafe and will wear down at 20,000 miles (as reported by many many others for the 2021 VW Jetta). I have receipts of inspection and for…
Since January of 2024, I been having issues with this vehicle. Check engine light came on after 3 day of purchase I was told it needs to be reset. From there vehicle emissions valve failed, N80 valve, electronic module and now fuel injection
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 time clicking it into the buckle because the buckle seems to go down into the cushion when they put pressure on it. Passengers now have to hold the buckle in place while clicking it in. The only thing I can think of that could explain this change in how easily the…
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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
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2021 Volkswagen Jetta: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta; the most common categories were service brakes (26, 37.1%), electrical system (13, 18.6%), fuel/propulsion system (10, 14.3%). There are 4 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
Across 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (37.1% of complaints), electrical system (18.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (14.3% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (12.9% of complaints), air bags (7.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta; the most recent (campaign 22V514000, 2022-07-20) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
7 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta (10%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "EPC light comes on and vehicle starts losing power while driving, you lose all acceleration. Check engine light has also illuminated I have taken in to have repairs done on this same issue 4 times in a span of owing this car for 7 months, this vehicle has…" (NHTSA complaint 11744747, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta (7.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "On steep hills the car automatically holds the brake for a predetermined amount of time, I believe 2.5 to 3 sec. I have a manual transmission car and when its time to move the brake assist won't release no matter what until the time interval is satisfied." (NHTSA complaint 11676370, July 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
4 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta (5.7%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "Brake pedal sunk to floor. No Brakes at all. Vehicle being brought to VW dealership10/24/ 2022.No warning /lamps, or indications of brake problem." (NHTSA complaint 11490452, October 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta shatter or fail?
3 of the 70 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta (4.3%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "While driving home from work last night, I heard a loud noise that sounded like a gun going off right in the passenger compartment of my Jetta. A lot of wind noise followed." (NHTSA complaint 11700262, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Jetta
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.