NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan aimed at buyers who want a European-flavored driving experience without stepping up to a premium price point. Competing against stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Jetta targets commuters and young professionals who prioritize a composed, refined cabin over outright sportiness. Our 2019-to-2025 coverage spans a generation that has been largely consistent in its positioning and safety hardware.
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Jetta as one of the more polished and upscale-feeling options in the compact sedan segment, praising its composed ride, mature interior presentation, and highway refinement. Most note that it competes respectably against higher-volume rivals while delivering a distinctly European character, though some suggest its feature content and powertrain options lag slightly behind segment leaders.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
64 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.