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2021 Volkswagen Jetta recalls & problems

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (25 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints70filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2021 Volkswagen Jetta in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

EquipmentJul 20, 2022

Electrical › Infotainment › Software

Recall 22V51400043,091 vehicles

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

Components: Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software; Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

Air bagsJun 30, 2021

Air bag/restraint control module

Recall 21V492000379 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
SeatsFeb 1, 2021

Critical fasteners

Recall 21V03800057 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.

Components: Seats › Critical fasteners; Seats

Back over preventionNov 18, 2020

Sensing system › Camera

Recall 20V71600032,048 vehicles

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

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk13.1%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk13.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Volkswagen Jetta NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2021 Volkswagen Jetta NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Jetta

34mpg combined
City / highway30 / 41 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,950/year to fuel

Jetta

33mpg combined
City / highway29 / 39 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,050/year to fuel

Jetta GLI

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM-S7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Jetta GLI

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Service brakes25101—
Electrical system13000—
Unknown or other11000—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings11202—
Fuel/propulsion system10000—
Air bagsAir bag/restraint control module5200—
Engine5000—
Lane departureBlind spot detection; Warning5000—
Seat belts3100—
Steering3000—
Visibility/wiper3000—
Power train2000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.