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What 66 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (66)Crash / fire / injury (3)Brakes (25)Electrical system (12)Fuel system (9)Driver assistance (8)Engine (5)Airbags (4)Lane Departure (4)Visibility & wipers (4)Seat belts (3)Steering (3)

3 of 66 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters

Jul 14, 2026BrakesDriver assistanceCrash1 injury

While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility (UNKNOWN). The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives as part of the accident investigation. Prior to the incident, I had not observed any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the braking or forward collision systems. The only warning observed was the red indicator light that appeared immediately before the collision.

NHTSA ODI 11750281

Aug 24, 2023AirbagsCrash1 death

It cause to have an account

NHTSA ODI 11540550

Aug 24, 2023AirbagsSeat beltsCrash1 death

Caused an accident and died

NHTSA ODI 11540562

Working with the data? Download all 66 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Hev verdict →