Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Owners filed 71 complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA between May 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is service brakes (25).

Complaints
71
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Service brakes25
  2. Electrical system13
  3. Fuel/propulsion system11
  4. Forward collision avoidance9
  5. Air bags5
  6. Engine5
  7. Lane departure4
  8. Visibility/wiper3
  9. Steering3
  10. Seat belts3
  11. Power train2
  12. Latches/locks/linkages1
  13. Exterior lighting1
  14. Back over prevention1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20215
202212
202313
202421
202510
202610

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Service brakes

25 reports1 crash
“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 the autonomous braking system was to blame or faulty. I had to replace my rear brakes and rotors at 25,100 miles and have now been told I need to do this again at 47,800 miles. I paid over $500 the first time and have been quoted over $600 this time. I believe VW is aware that the rear braking system is faulty and is causing excessive wear to brake pads and resulting damage to rotors. This premature wear could lead to a safety issue if the rear brakes do not function as needed. I believe VW should issue a recall for the rear braking system and fix the issue rather than…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Service brakesODI 11764312

Electrical system

13 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11761522

Fuel/propulsion system

11 reports
“EVAP N80 purge valve failed under 34,000 miles. Dealer refused to cover due to time elapsed. Replaced out-of-pocket due to predatory dealership repair pricing for a known manufacturing defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11774485

Forward collision avoidance

9 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11766739

Air bags

5 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2021Air bagsODI 11434914

Engine

5 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 14, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11642859
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.