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2021 Volkswagen Jetta VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 62 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (20), Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (5).

Jetta reliability snapshot

74/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$609
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#21/36
Ranking in compact cars · better than 42% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Volkswagen Jetta before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2021 Volkswagen Jetta issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Service Brakes20
  • Electrical System11
  • Unknown Or Other5
  • Fuel Propulsion System5
  • Air Bags4
  • Steering3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect rear brake pads and rotors for wear
  • Test fuel tank door for proper opening
  • Check for persistent check engine light related to EVAP system
  • Verify backup camera functionality when shifting gears
  • Test door locks for proper operation with remote and manual use
  • Inspect sunroof for any signs of damage or spontaneous shattering

2021 Jetta recalls (4)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Jetta. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENTNHTSA 22V514000Jul 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."

    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.

  2. AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V492000Jun 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.

    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.

  3. SEATSNHTSA 21V038000Feb 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.

    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.

  4. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 20V716000Nov 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."

    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.

Used-market value

2021 Volkswagen Jetta resale snapshot

67.3%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$17,998median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta on the road

55,113 2021 Volkswagen Jetta units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta demonstrates moderate reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. This indicates a mixed performance in terms of dependability. The vehicle's recalls are elevated, suggesting a need for attention to manufacturing consistency.

Complaints are notably concentrated in the service brakes and electrical system categories, indicating potential areas of concern for buyers. Other issues such as fuel system and air bags appear less frequent but still present.

Given the distribution of complaints and the number of recalls, the Jetta carries a moderate reliability risk, with some aspects requiring close consideration.

What you get in a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Volkswagen Jetta — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta demonstrates moderate reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. This indicates a mixed performance in terms of dependability. The vehicle's recalls are elevated, suggesting a need for attention to manufacturing consistency.

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?

4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

The most-reported 2021 Volkswagen Jetta problem areas are: Service Brakes (20), Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (5).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.