Volkswagen Jetta 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 and 69 complaints filed by owners. It has 42% fewer complaints than the average Volkswagen Jetta from 2016–2025 (118 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Volkswagen Jetta 2021

Backup camera and sensors
NHTSA campaign 22V514000 · 2022-07-20

What happens

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."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 22V514000

Air bags
NHTSA campaign 21V492000 · 2021-06-30

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 21V492000

Seats
NHTSA campaign 21V038000 · 2021-02-01

What happens

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.

Consequence

The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 21V038000

Backup camera and sensors
NHTSA campaign 20V716000 · 2020-11-18

What happens

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."

Consequence

A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 20V716000

Complaints from other owners

69 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

3 with a crash · 1 injuries · 2 deaths

Most reported problems on the Volkswagen Jetta 2021

• Brakes: 25 (36% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 13 (19% of complaints)
• Forward collision avoidance: 9 (13% of complaints)
• Fuel and propulsion: 9 (13% of complaints)
• Air bags: 5 (7% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Volkswagen Jetta 2021

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Brake hard somewhere safe: the car shouldn't pull to one side and the pedal shouldn't sink; check rotors and pads.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Volkswagen Jetta recalls by year

• 2016 : 4 recalls · 161 complaints
• 2017 : 6 recalls · 159 complaints
• 2018 : 2 recalls · 31 complaints
• 2019 : 11 recalls · 549 complaints
• 2020 : 6 recalls · 53 complaints
• 2021 : 4 recalls · 69 complaints
• 2022 : 1 recalls · 43 complaints
• 2023 : 0 recalls · 43 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 44 complaints
• 2025 : 2 recalls · 29 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Jetta 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Volkswagen Jetta 2021?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: brakes (25 of 69 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.