2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 69 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 3 involved a crash. 1 person was injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJul 20, 2022
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."
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V514000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 30, 2021
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V492000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsFeb 1, 2021
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.
The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V038000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraNov 18, 2020
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."
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V716000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: forward collision avoidance
9 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 24, 2026
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 properly as well. Taking these into consideration, Volkswagen still declined my request to offer the limited warranty they offerred to other vehicle that has the same problem.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 14, 2026, crash
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 front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility (UNKNOWN). The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives as part of the accident investigation. Prior to the incident, I had not observed any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the braking or forward collision systems. The only warning observed was the red indicator light that appeared immediately before the collision.
Service brakes, Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 28, 2025
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 part replacement by Brakes Plus. There were NO warnings, just the tires squeaking when the weather got cold in December. Also, ABS issues - car stalled twice in the middle of a busy street in the first 6 months of use.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 26, 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 also stated, that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly steered itself to the left towards oncoming traffic before the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was aware of possible issues with AI driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was not available.
Service brakes, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 17, 2024
Upon backing out of a parking spot a vehicle approached at a fast rate of speed. The rear cross-path sensor and emergency braking activated. This action caused the brake line to rupture and the brakes failed on the vehicle. I resumed reversing out of the parking spot and put the vehicle into Drive. Once I applied the brake, the pedal went to the floor with total brake system loss. The vehicle was towed to Armstrong Volkswagen in Gladstone, Oregon. The dealer found the rear passenger side brake like had ruptured due to it rubbing on the fuel filler neck shield. The sudden increase in brake line pressure caused the final failure of the brake line. The brake line was repaired under warranty. This could have been a significant life threatening situation had I been traveling at high speeds and the brake system failed (i.e. exiting an Interstate, etc.).
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 12, 2023
I've had 3 manufacturing defects on my 2021 VW Jetta, with 18,000 miles currently, the first issue was my sunglasses compartment on the ceiling of the car, the plastic latches broke by itself, The second issue my car had, multiple sensor lights went off simultaneously, shortly after my breaks started braking by themselves randomly, The dealership were I purchased the car, Payne Mission Mitsubishi Volkswagen, 2003 E Expressway 83, Mission, TX 78572 told me to leave the car at the dealership and maybe they could fix it in a month, I told them it was my primary car that I couldn't do that, they said well to be in line the car had to be physically present at the dealership, I thought about suing for breach of contract for refusing to fix it and giving me the run around, The 3rd Manufacturing defect that I had with the car, The front panel glass part number #17A8770559B9, shattered spontaneously on a rural highway with no one around me, it sounded like a gunshot when it exploded, The dealership and VW have refused to acknowledge that it is a manufacturing issue, I'm currently waiting to see if they will cover it with factory warranty, but I've been getting the run around. I'm aware that VW already had this issue brought to their attention several years back when they were sued, they have not resolved the issue. I'm asking for an immediate recall of their front panel glass and sunroof glass that was cheaply made and manufactured in Mexico. they are charging us 895$ MSRP for glass that's defected, part number #17A8770559B9. I was told by a VW Customer Service representative that a VW engineer would have to examine the glass. If your organization is unable to assist me my next course of action will be to fight this in court till the end, this is an injustice to the customers, an organization as big as Volkswagen should acknowledge the issue and address it in a courteous manner, their should be more laws/rules in ethics when it comes to car sales and mechanic shops.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 28, 2023
Bad bearing in left front wheel. Radio shuts down anytime even when reverse camera is active. Front collision warning and auto braking for clear road, no obstruction. Smog warning override when check engine light for fuel system delivery done by mechanic at Flow VW of Greensboro NC. Car has been in shop for all of these problems and nothing has been fixed. New radio installed but it still shuts down whenever. Every repair they have done has only damaged more parts of the car.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the cruise control intermittently deactivated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 16, 2022
The car suddenly warned and stopped abruptly while we were traveling over a steel plate on the road. There were no other hazards in the road and no other cars in front of us in our lane (there were cars oncoming in the opposite traffic lane, but none had crossed over into ours). While we were impressed by how quickly and effectively the car stopped, we are concerned that the car may have deemed the steel plate to be another car or other road hazard. Had the person behind us been traveling too closely or at a higher speed, we could have been rear-ended. In this scenario we were OK, but had this steel plate been on a freeway it could have caused a serious accident.