NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 64 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI earned a strong overall rating from NHTSA in federal crash testing. This model year has no recalls, a notable point for consumers reviewing its safety record. Owner complaints registered with NHTSA remain low, with no reports of injuries or deaths. These factors contribute to its NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing the 2021 Jetta GLI in our Strong safety band.
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI ranks 71 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 64 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 71 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, a one-point gain over the 2020 model's 81. Both years sit in the Strong band, but the 2021 edition distinguishes itself by carrying zero recall campaigns, a clean defect record that contributes 14 of a possible 20 points to its index score. The crash-protection component is the index's backbone at 61 out of 70, anchored by a five-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect five-star side result. The 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores, alongside a 13 percent rollover risk, represent the modest gaps keeping the crash-protection score from a ceiling figure. Avoidance technology earns 7 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning and electronic stability control as standard equipment, while the absence of standard lane departure warning holds that sub-score back. The complaint file of 64 unverified allegations is worth monitoring, particularly the 24 alleged service brake reports and two alleged fatalities, though all remain unverified consumer submissions to NHTSA and do not constitute confirmed defects.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI achieves a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching the highest possible score in side-impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover prevention both garnered 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 13 percent, with dynamic tip testing yielding a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15576
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have any recalls?
NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory is on file for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, since campaigns can be issued at any time after a model year closes.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
NHTSA has received 64 owner complaints for the 2021 Jetta GLI, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 24 reports, followed by the Electrical System at 11 and the Fuel/Propulsion System at 9. Two alleged crashes and two alleged deaths appear in the complaint file.
64 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
No open recall campaigns are currently on file for the Jetta GLI; however, a VIN lookup through NHTSA's recall portal is always the first step before purchasing any used vehicle. Confirm any remedy work is documented, and ask the seller for service records showing recall completion.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Jetta GLI, making it one of the cleaner defect records in its model year cohort and a direct contributor to its 14/20 defect-record sub-score.
- The 2021 model's Safety Index of 82 represents a one-point improvement over the 2020 Jetta GLI's 81, a modest but positive year-over-year movement within the same Strong band.
- Service Brakes account for 24 of the 64 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year, the single largest complaint category and a component area worth independent inspection on any used example.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year, which holds the avoidance-technology sub-score to 7 out of 10 and is a concrete, year-specific gap compared to competitors that bundle the feature as standard equipment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI places
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI safety questions
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 64 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Jetta GLI years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15576), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 71 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.