2021 Volkswagen Jetta Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%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 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, 3% 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.
“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“Hill Assist system creates dangerous situations because it prevents me from moving right away while pulling out in traffic or in front of traffic lights, out of parking garages and stop signs. Hill Assist system often stalls the engine due to holding brakes engaged for an extended period of time even on a slight hill. With a manual transmission this makes it even worse because engine dies in these situations frequently. Dealer dismisses the issue because there are no fault codes , but if it was manufactured incorrectly and/or calibrated improperly, no error/fault codes will come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11525306, filed 2023-06Related service bulletins
- 11036866Aug 11, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Replacement instruction
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11023844Sep 15, 2025For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized…
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11014950Feb 12, 2025CV Boot replacement
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 25% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 7 | 13% |
| 2019 | 162 | 29% |
| 2018 | 5 | 16% |
| 2017 | 15 | 9% |
| 2016 | 22 | 14% |
| 2015 | 23 | 12% |
| 2014 | 74 | 19% |
| 2013 | 141 | 27% |
| 2012 | 46 | 9% |
| 2011 | 54 | 9% |
| 2010 | 111 | 13% |
| 2009 | 141 | 16% |
| 2008 | 53 | 28% |
| 2007 | 33 | 16% |
| 2006 | 245 | 42% |
| 2005 | 84 | 34% |
| 2004 | 35 | 15% |
| 2003 | 54 | 12% |
| 2002 | 103 | 15% |
| 2001 | 62 | 9% |
| 2000 | 37 | 8% |
| 1999 | 30 | 9% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 15% |
| 1996 | 2 | 6% |
| 1995 | 22 | 10% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 4 | 31% |
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 complaintsSteering
3 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 30, 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