2021 Volkswagen Jetta Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 70 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, 4% of the 70 complaints for this model year.
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.
“When driving the vehicle, the steering wheel while jiggle violently while an electrical noise is heard. This happened while driving on the interstate at 70 mph and I had to hit my breaks as I was fearful I didn't have control of the vehicle. It then continued to do it even at lower speeds. The vehicle has been to a service department where they state the steering rack and pinion has failed. There are no warning lights, lamps or messages. The vehicle is at 72k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11615555, filed 2024-09“1.It's not stable to drive in highway. Problem starts at around 55mph. 2. When I stop in traffic light suddenly rpm goes up and car jumps forward. It happened several times. The car was warm and in drive mode. I'm sure it shouldn't do this. Now when I stop in traffic light and pedestrian crossing in front of me, every time I put it to neutral and hold brake, in other ways just holding brake sometimes can not stop the car. If someone calls me I give more details.”
NHTSA complaint #11454915, filed 2022-03“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11632476, filed 2024-12Related service bulletins
- 11028492Jan 20, 2026Assessment of Damage to steering wheel leather
- 11018934May 22, 2025Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 7 | 16% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 7% |
| 2019 | 12 | 2% |
| 2017 | 14 | 9% |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 | 15 | 8% |
| 2014 | 17 | 4% |
| 2013 | 37 | 7% |
| 2012 | 42 | 8% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 13 | 2% |
| 2009 | 24 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% |
| 1995 | 14 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
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 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeat belts
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 28, 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