NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 64 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2021 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta achieved a 76/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, positioning it within the Average band. The vehicle's strong crash-test performance, as published by NHTSA, provides a solid foundation for this score. However, four distinct recall campaigns and a moderate assessment of its available crash avoidance technologies prevent the 2021 Jetta from reaching a higher safety tier. This places it as a reasonable option, provided buyers are aware of these specific limitations.
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 82 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.1% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 64 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 82 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2021 Jetta earns a Safety Index of 76 out of 100, a three-point decline from the 2020 model's 79. This shift is primarily due to the avoidance-technology sub-score, which registers a low 4.5 out of 10. This figure is attributable to the optional status of forward collision warning and the complete absence of lane departure warning. While electronic stability control is standard, the lack of standard forward collision warning means that many 2021 Jettas on the used market will not include this critical active-safety feature. In contrast, the crash-protection sub-score stands at a strong 61 out of 70, reflecting the 5-star overall NHTSA rating. However, the defect-record sub-score of 10 out of 20 points to four recall campaigns for this model year. These campaigns address the rearview camera system (twice), the air bag control module, and the seat mounting hardware, encompassing safety-critical systems for both occupant protection and crash avoidance. Additionally, 64 unverified owner complaints, including two alleged deaths, introduce further concerns that buyers should consider.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Jetta achieves an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, a strong performance. This is primarily driven by its 5-star rating in side impact protection. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each received 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk is calculated at 13 percent, and it successfully passed the dynamic tip test with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15575
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover the 2021 Jetta. Components involved are the rearview camera sensing system (two separate campaigns), the air bag and restraint control module, and seat mounting bolts that may be missing or improperly installed. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V514000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Reported 2022-07-20
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE21V492000
Risk: Incorrect positioning of the air bag control module can cause the vehicle's air bags to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CK.
Reported 2021-06-30
SEATS21V038000
Risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat tracks and, as necessary, install the bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72L6.
Reported 2021-02-01
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V716000
Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
Reported 2020-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners have filed 64 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are service brakes (24 reports), the electrical system (11), and the fuel and propulsion system (9). Two crashes and two deaths are alleged in those filings. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
64 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
Prospective owners of a 2021 Jetta must verify recall compliance for any individual vehicle. Four separate recall campaigns have been issued, addressing the rearview camera, the airbag module, and seat bolt integrity. It is imperative that buyers confirm completed repairs through documentation from the selling party, as these remedies may not have been performed on all affected units.
- The 2021 Jetta's Safety Index dropped three points versus the 2020 model year, from 79 to 76, driven largely by a 4.5 out of 10 avoidance-technology score tied to the optional-only status of forward collision warning and the complete absence of lane departure warning.
- Two separate rearview camera recall campaigns were issued for this model year, meaning the back-over prevention system was flagged twice by Volkswagen as potentially defective.
- The air bag control module recall covers 2020 and 2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles, making it especially important to confirm remedy completion on any used 2021 example before purchase.
- Sixty-four unverified NHTSA complaints include allegations of two deaths and two crashes, with service brakes the single most-reported component at 24 alleged incidents.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta places
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volkswagen Jetta safety questions
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 64 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 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 15575), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta 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 82 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.