Model year guide

2021 Volkswagen jetta

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Volkswagen jetta is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2021 Volkswagen jetta — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Volkswagen jetta at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints66
Combined34 mpg
Typical price$25,989

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2021 Volkswagen jetta recalls 4

Seats NHTSA Campaign #21V038000 · 01/02/2021

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.

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.

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #21V492000 · 30/06/2021

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.

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.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #20V716000 · 18/11/2020

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…

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.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #22V514000 · 20/07/2022

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 Mot…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2021 Volkswagen jetta common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2021 Volkswagen jetta MPG & running costs

Combined34 mpg
City30 mpg
Highway40 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,825

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2021 Volkswagen jetta worth?

Low
$25,049
Typical price
$25,989
High
$27,399

From 5 comparable 2021 Volkswagen jetta listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Volkswagen jetta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,125
Depreciation (5 yrs)$14,000
Total$23,125
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($25,989) with the same model 5 model-years older ($11,969), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Volkswagen jetta trims & engines on record

Trims
S / SE / R-Line · SEL · SEL Premium · S / R-Line
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl 147 hp

2021 Volkswagen jetta vehicles on record

Other Volkswagen jetta model years

2021 Volkswagen jetta — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Volkswagen jetta have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen jetta. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen jetta?

Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen jetta get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Volkswagen jetta at about 34 mpg combined (30 city / 40 highway).

How much is a 2021 Volkswagen jetta worth?

Comparable 2021 Volkswagen jetta listings run roughly $25,049–$27,399, typically around $25,989 (from 5 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.