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2021 Volkswagen

Jetta

Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo

Volkswagen Jetta: best and worst years
2021 Volkswagen Jetta (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2021.

PhotoThomas doerferCC BY 3.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
147
Power to weight
0.049 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.23
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
39 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
33 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$1,900EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
266 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
7/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
186 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
106 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
2,976 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
94 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
16 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
4
Owner complaints
63

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • SERVICE BRAKES26%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER10%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8%
  • ENGINE6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 88 total.

Volkswagen Jetta: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

458 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0026012081638_1

    Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage

  • May 11, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV9123032070941_3

    Update Programming of MIB Infotainment

  • Apr 2, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGV9422012066639_6

    Condition is normal due to cold fresh air and humidity

  • Mar 30, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGV9419012011521_21

    Moisture Accumulation

  • Mar 27, 2026ENGINEVOS-26-21

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.

  • Mar 25, 2026FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKINGV4521012062957_7

    customer reports that the vehicle performed an unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

  • Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0018092053065_6

    Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting

  • Mar 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV9422022066761_4

    Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors

  • and 450 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance
2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.