2021 Volkswagen Jetta

69 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 23, 2026Houston, TXAir bags, Warnings

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11766739
2. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026Glastonbury, CTService brakes

   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 force consumers to keep replacing pads/rotors every 24K miles. I will attach the service bulletin from VW along with my invoice for replacing my brakes at 25K miles and the estimate to replace them again at 47,800 miles.

   NHTSA complaint 11764312
3. Filed Sep 2, 2026Failure Jun 25, 2026Colorado Springs, COElectrical system, Unknown or other

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11761522
4. Filed Jul 14, 2026Failure Jul 14, 2026Washington, DCAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings, Service brakesCrash1 injured

   While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility (UNKNOWN). The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives as part of the accident investigation. Prior to the incident, I had not observed any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the braking or forward collision systems. The only warning observed was the red indicator light that appeared immediately before the collision.

   NHTSA complaint 11750281
5. Filed Jul 1, 2026Failure Jun 27, 2026Cincinnati, OHElectrical system, Blind spot detection, Unknown or other

   Volkswagen corporate deployed a mandatory over-the-air (OTA) software update to the MIB3 infotainment system. The update failed mid-installation, entirely bricking the J794 information module. This failure completely disabled vital driver information systems, including the digital dash compass, all audio alerts, and driver notification tones while the vehicle is in motion. This represents an immediate, manufacturer-initiated distraction and safety hazard that disables cabin instrumentation.

   NHTSA complaint 11747680
6. Filed Jun 17, 2026Failure Nov 8, 2025Grantsville, UTFuel/propulsion system

   EPC light comes on and vehicle starts losing power while driving, you lose all acceleration. Check engine light has also illuminated I have taken in to have repairs done on this same issue 4 times in a span of owing this car for 7 months, this vehicle has become unreliable and a safety hazard while driving. They have replaced battery replaced ignition coils replaced EVAP valve reset my computer software updated my computers. I have spent a ton of money on this car for a repair that is unrepairable. And it currently sits in the VW dealership shop again because it is become a safety hazard to drive with myself let alone putting my child's life at risk driving on highways.

   NHTSA complaint 11744747
7. Filed May 9, 2026Failure May 6, 2026Alexandria, VAService brakes

   Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Volkswagen Model: Jetta Date of Purchase: March 2022 Approximate Mileage at Time of Incident: 25,000 miles --- NATURE OF COMPLAINT: I am filing this complaint regarding premature and dangerous rear brake pad and rotor wear on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, purchased new in March 2022. At approximately 25,000 miles — well below any reasonable expectation of normal brake wear — I was informed by a service technician that my rear brake pads required immediate replacement due to excessive wear. The front brakes showed no comparable wear, which is inconsistent with normal braking patterns and strongly suggests a manufacturing or design defect. SAFETY CONCERN: Premature rear brake failure at such low mileage presents a serious safety hazard. Degraded braking performance increases stopping distances and reduces driver control, particularly in emergency situations. I was given no prior warning indicators or alerts from the vehicle's onboard systems before being advised the brakes were critically worn. This lack of advance warning compounds the safety risk. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE OF A KNOWN DEFECT: This is not an isolated incident. Volkswagen has already acknowledged premature rear brake pad wear as a systemic issue in 2020–2023 Jetta vehicles by issuing a Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension, extending coverage from the standard 1 year/12,000 miles to 2 years/24,000 miles. Despite this acknowledgment, Volkswagen has refused to provide adequate and lasting remedy to affected owners, and many consumers — including myself — have been denied reimbursement or further assistance after the extended warranty window expired. Notably, my vehicle reached 25,000 miles just outside the extended warranty coverage limit, yet exhibits the exact defect the warranty extension was designed to address. Multiple complaints filed with NHTSA and reported on consumer safety platforms describe the identical pattern.

   NHTSA complaint 11736753
8. Filed Feb 25, 2026Failure Feb 25, 2026Crockett, CAService brakes

   I took my car into dealer at 20,000 miles. They told me rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. At that time, they were replaced under warranty. I took my car into dealer at 34,000 miles for regular service and was told rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. Pads were at 3%, service associate warned me about driving on the highway. I took my car to another location and mechanic for a second opinion and was told "rear brake pads approx. 2mm remaining friction material, and brake rotors are overheated & scored. Not knowing that my rear brakes had worn down to this level in 14,000 miles put myself and other drivers at risk. I had no warning nor did I experience any symptoms in my brakes until I took it in for regular service.

   NHTSA complaint 11720536
9. Filed Nov 19, 2025Failure Nov 18, 2025Cleveland, TNUnknown or other

   While driving home from work last night, I heard a loud noise that sounded like a gun going off right in the passenger compartment of my Jetta. A lot of wind noise followed. I thought initially that a tire might have blown out, but it was the car’s sunroof that had spontaneously and inexplicably exploded. There was no one close to me on the road, so I don’t believe a foreign object struck the roof. I was able to drive the car home, but the sunroof is demolished.

   NHTSA complaint 11700262
10. Filed Sep 3, 2025Failure Sep 2, 2025Miami, FLService brakes

    The rear brake pads on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have worn out prematurely twice by 20,000 miles. The first replacement occurred at only 8,006 miles in April 2023. At that time, Volkswagen acknowledged the problem and provided “goodwill” coverage of 50% since my vehicle was only one month outside of the Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension. Now at approximately 20,846 miles in September 2025, the rear pads have worn out again and required replacement. Volkswagen has refused to provide any assistance this time. Normally, front brake pads wear faster than the rear. In this case, the rear pads are failing far earlier than expected, which creates a potential safety issue since brake performance is being compromised at very low mileage. Volkswagen has already acknowledged this defect by issuing the warranty extension for 2020–2023 Jettas, but coverage expired by time, not mileage, leaving owners like me with repeated failures and no support. When I raised the issue with my dealership, they suggested that the premature wear is due to the emergency brake always being engaged when the car is parked. This explanation does not make sense, since pads do not normally wear when the car is stationary. The fact that VW created a warranty extension for this exact problem shows this is a design defect, not a misuse issue. This issue has been confirmed by a Volkswagen dealer and independent service centers, and is well-documented among other owners. If the pads continue to wear this quickly, it poses a recurring safety risk and results in abnormally high repair costs for a critical safety component. I am reporting this so NHTSA is aware that the defect continues to affect owners even beyond the limited warranty extension and goodwill offers, and that a long-term solution is needed.

    NHTSA complaint 11684685
11. Filed Jul 26, 2025Failure Jul 26, 2025Pittsburgh, PAFuel/propulsion system, Service brakes

    On steep hills the car automatically holds the brake for a predetermined amount of time, I believe 2.5 to 3 sec. I have a manual transmission car and when its time to move the brake assist won't release no matter what until the time interval is satisfied. The problem this creates is a stall issue. Its hard to coordinate when to depress the clutch and give gas. Too early and you lead to premature clutch wear or clutch overheating. Too late and the car stalls and you have to restart it. This is very because now you have to restart the car and can cause an accident.

    NHTSA complaint 11676370
12. Filed Jun 21, 2025Failure Jun 20, 2025Woburn, MAElectrical system, Unknown or other, Visibility/wiper

    Shifting vehicle into reverse, turns of back up camera, then shifting into drive camera remains on for a set period of time, if shifted back into reverse as camera turns off, camera will not come back on. Android Auto was being used.

    NHTSA complaint 11668317
13. Filed May 1, 2025Failure Mar 14, 2025Hendersonville, NCFuel/propulsion system

    Starting in 2022 at 16,000 miles this vehicle has been to dealership 8 times for check engine light related to the EVAP. Multiple repairs have been done and still same issue. VW does not seem interested in properly addressing this problem.

    NHTSA complaint 11658303
14. Filed Apr 5, 2025Failure Apr 4, 2025Scottsdale, AZUnknown or other

    The car is at the dealer service department for the fifth time for EVAP system faults.

    NHTSA complaint 11652937
15. Filed Mar 4, 2025Failure Jan 31, 2025SAN Ramon, CAElectrical system

    Driver door lock actuator motier lock sticking not opening from outside have to open from inside handle after unlocking with the remote

    NHTSA complaint 11646371
16. Filed Mar 4, 2025Failure Jan 31, 2025SAN Ramon, CAElectronic lock/latch actuator, Latches/locks/linkages

    Door stopped opening from handle from outside after unlocking with remote only opens from inside door handle

    NHTSA complaint 11646369
17. Filed Feb 28, 2025Failure Dec 6, 2023Denver, COAutomatic emergency braking, Service brakes, Visibility/wiper

    Under 20,000 miles, but over 1 year old (leased new february 12, 2021). VW dealership and secondary party reported rear brake pads and rotors were worn down to 1mm and that the car was unsafe to drive. This cost $500 to repair and I had to pay it for a car that was just over 1 year old. The dealership wanted to charge double to replace. The brakes are only warrantied for 1 year, and because most don't hit 20k miles for a year, they know that the parts are unsafe and will wear down at 20,000 miles (as reported by many many others for the 2021 VW Jetta). I have receipts of inspection and for part replacement by Brakes Plus. There were NO warnings, just the tires squeaking when the weather got cold in December. Also, ABS issues - car stalled twice in the middle of a busy street in the first 6 months of use.

    NHTSA complaint 11645459
18. Filed Feb 14, 2025Failure Jan 27, 2024North Las Vegas, NVElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11642859
19. Filed Dec 26, 2024Failure Dec 26, 2024Saint Petersburg, FLAdaptive cruise control, Steering

    The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with adaptive cruise control on, the vehicle inadvertently applied the brakes completely bringing the vehicle to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway, after which the vehicle then shifted into the parked position. The contact also stated, that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly steered itself to the left towards oncoming traffic before the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was aware of possible issues with AI driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11632476
20. Filed Dec 20, 2024Failure Dec 20, 2024Easley, SCFuel/propulsion system

    I had 10 miles to empty so I stopped at the gas station and I pulled the lever to open the door to the tank and it gave an error message saying it couldn’t refuel and the door wouldn’t open. I tried forever to get the door opened and it wouldn’t open. I made it home and tried the next day at a gas station near my house and it did the same thing. Luckily I was able to make it back home. We were finally able to get it to open and I was able to fill the tank up. When it was time to put gas in again, the same thing happened. I was stuck at home with a [XXX]. If I had an emergency, I couldn’t go anywhere because I was unable to put gas in the car. I called VW to see if there was a recall because it’s a safety issue and she told me that there wasn’t a recall and there’s also no troubleshooting so she was sorry there was nothing they could do. This is a known issue to the VW dealership so I know this is known to VW headquarters. The lack of help is concerning. I’m scared I’m going to get stranded on the highway and we’re unable to go on a trip or anything because of this. My husband has a 2023 Jetta and it’s doing the same thing. I called the dealership to quote me a price to fix it, but they refuse to quote me anything because they said they have to look at it first which will cost me $100 just for them to look at it. I can’t get it fixed without a ballpark estimate. Something needs to be done!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11631837