Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 3.7/10 — Higher risk. It has 4 NHTSA recalls on record and about 66 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

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

The most frequently reported area is Brakes. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

A used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta typically sells for $15,000–$21,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta expensive to maintain?

Volkswagen models often carry higher maintenance and parts costs, and some repairs need specialized tools or a specialist shop — budget accordingly.

How many miles is too many for a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

Volkswagen Jettas can be reliable when meticulously maintained, but repair costs climb with age. Be cautious above ~120,000 miles without full service history.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Well-priced used premium sedan — brand diagnostics add overhead but VW ecosystem widely known.

Typical price: $15,000–$21,000
Recalls: 4
Owner complaints: 66

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NHTSA Recalls

4 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Seats#21V038000
The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module#21V492000
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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#20V716000
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#22V514000
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(66 total)

Brakes18
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Unknown Or Other5
Electrical System4
Airbag System3
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Lane Departure2
Engine2

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 3.7/10 — Higher risk. It has 4 NHTSA recalls on record and about 66 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?: The most frequently reported area is Brakes. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?: The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?: A used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta typically sells for $15,000–$21,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta expensive to maintain?: Volkswagen models often carry higher maintenance and parts costs, and some repairs need specialized tools or a specialist shop — budget accordingly.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?: Volkswagen Jettas can be reliable when meticulously maintained, but repair costs climb with age. Be cautious above ~120,000 miles without full service history.

Find a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Compare the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

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Also consider

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

$12,000–$17,000

2020 Volkswagen Jetta

$13,000–$19,000

2018 Mercedes C-Class

$22,000–$30,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Well-priced used premium sedan — brand diagnostics add overhead but VW ecosystem widely known.

Typical price: $15,000–$21,000
Recalls: 4
Owner complaints: 66

ShareX f

Have a specific 2021 Volkswagen Jetta to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

4 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Seats#21V038000
The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module#21V492000
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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#20V716000
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera#22V514000
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(66 total)

Brakes18
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Unknown Or Other5
Electrical System4
Airbag System3
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Lane Departure2
Engine2

Known Issues

No known issues found for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta in our database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 3.7/10 — Higher risk. It has 4 NHTSA recalls on record and about 66 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?: The most frequently reported area is Brakes. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?: The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?: A used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta typically sells for $15,000–$21,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta expensive to maintain?: Volkswagen models often carry higher maintenance and parts costs, and some repairs need specialized tools or a specialist shop — budget accordingly.
How many miles is too many for a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?: Volkswagen Jettas can be reliable when meticulously maintained, but repair costs climb with age. Be cautious above ~120,000 miles without full service history.

Find a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Featured in

Also consider

2019 Volkswagen Jetta

$12,000–$17,000

2020 Volkswagen Jetta

$13,000–$19,000

2018 Mercedes C-Class

$22,000–$30,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free