2021 Volkswagen Jetta: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta: 4 recalls, 69 owner complaints and up to 34 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #20V716000 · 2020 · 32,048 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020.
Seats, Seats Vehicle recall #21V038000 · 2021 · 57 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V492000 · 2021 · 379 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022.
Equipment, Backup camera Vehicle recall #22V514000 · 2022 · 43,091 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (25): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), brake failure / soft pedal (3).
- Electrical (13): the most common themes are warning light on (4), door / lock issues (3), electrical failure (2).
- Other / unknown (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Forward collision avoidance (9): the most common themes are warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has 69 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 37 Jetta model years for complaints (well below the 274 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 9,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (53 complaints, 6 recalls), 2022 (43 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 41 | 34 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 33 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (25), electrical (13), other / unknown (11).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA ratings run up to 34 mpg combined (1.4 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.