Vehicle Data Hub

2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has 105 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (26%) concerns brakes. After that come electrical system (12%) and forward collision avoidance (10%).

At a glance

Complaints
105 filed with NHTSA
Most reported
Brakes 26% of complaints
Crashes and fires
6 and 0
Injuries and deaths
3 and 3
Typical mileage
9,000 miles 10 complaints with mileage

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

Where the complaints are

Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  • Brakes 26%
  • Electrical system 12%
  • Forward collision avoidance 10%
  • Fuel system 10%
  • Air bags 5%
  • Engine 5%
  • Lane departure 5%
  • Steering 4%
  • Wipers, windshield & visibility 4%
  • Seat belts 3%

When problems show up

Complaints by mileage, 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 9,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 9 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 1 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 0 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 0 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 0 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 0 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 0 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 0 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 0 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 9,000 miles
Based on 10 complaints that include mileage. 100% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles9
20k to 40k miles1
40k to 60k miles0
60k to 80k miles0
80k to 100k miles0
100k to 120k miles0
120k to 140k miles0
140k to 160k miles0
160k to 180k miles0
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Among the 10 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 9,000 miles.

Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 3 injuries reported; 3 deaths reported.

Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2021 ranks 23rd most-complained-about out of 35 model years of the Volkswagen Jetta with enough data (105 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 4 safety recall campaigns.

What owners wrote

A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.

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.

July 2026 CrashInjury

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 was approximately 4,000.

Reported at 4,000 miles, January 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while reversing, the brake pedal was depressed, and the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the rear brakes. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer stated that the rear brakes were metal on metal and the front brakes were okay. The rear brake pads and rotors were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired.

Reported at 14,469 miles, January 2024

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