2021 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 70 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 70 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car would not turn on while using the start/stop feature on three different occasions. Once at a stop sign when I wanted to reverse to make sure I was not pulled out too far into an intersection. I was stuck and could not get out of the way of a car coming. Each time I had to shut the vehicle off completely to restart the system.”
NHTSA complaint #11507553, filed 2023-02“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, filed 2025-02“I've owned my car for 3 weeks and have driven it ~10 times in total. On 2 different occasions (most recently yesterday), it has stalled out while standing in traffic. On both occasions, it was a soft stall just as a vehicle with auto on/off would have. I had no warning lights, and wasn't even aware that the car had stalled until I put it in gear and began to let the clutch out, at which point I discovered that the engine was off.”
NHTSA complaint #11422588, filed 2021-06“What system component failed or malfunctioned? Is it available for inspection upon request? The car boards are left inoperative. If the entire car loses power Don't grab the car How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I'm driving down the road and suddenly the car no longer works. It doesn't start and the drivers behind me have to avoid me. On many occasions I have had to leave the car on while I run errands because I have had to ask for help to turn it on, so I don't turn it off because I don't know if it will turn on again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11615365, filed 2024-09“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11451329, filed 2022-02, 4,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the…
- 11025438Oct 29, 2025Turbocharger repair or replace due to stuck wastegate.
- 11025452Oct 17, 2025Coolant Bleed Procedure
- 11025437Oct 14, 2025G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
- 11025432Oct 14, 2025EVAP and Leak Detection Pump replacement components.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 12 | 26% |
| 2023 | 11 | 26% |
| 2022 | 12 | 28% |
| 2021 | 5 | 7% |
| 2020 | 12 | 22% |
| 2019 | 147 | 27% |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 43 | 27% |
| 2015 | 43 | 22% |
| 2014 | 108 | 28% |
| 2013 | 112 | 22% |
| 2012 | 84 | 17% |
| 2011 | 90 | 15% |
| 2010 | 117 | 14% |
| 2009 | 96 | 11% |
| 2008 | 20 | 11% |
| 2007 | 16 | 8% |
| 2006 | 39 | 7% |
| 2005 | 27 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 16 | 4% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
26 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsForward collision avoidance
9 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology