2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Trendline in Deep Black Pearl, front left, 2024-12-31 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta VII DSC 7405 by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, rear 3.28.25 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Trendline in Deep Black Pearl, rear left, 2024-12-31 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL is a 147-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged with an 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $25,745 MSRP and is rated at 33 mpg combined.
It makes 147 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (33 mpg combined).
The Jetta measures 185.1 inches long on a 105.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,965 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $25,745 |
| MSRP with Destination | $26,740 |
| Destination Charge | $995 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.4L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, TSI |
| Displacement | 1.4 L |
| Boost Pressure | 31.9 psi |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, tooth-belt, 16-valve, hydraulic lifters, variable intake and exhaust timing |
| Bore and Stroke | 74.5 x 80.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Injection Type | Direct injection (TSI) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 29 MPG |
| Highway | 39 MPG |
| Combined | 33 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion beam, coil springs, telescopic dampers |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 11.3 x 1.0 in vented disc |
| Rear Brake Disc | 10.7 x 0.4 in solid disc |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 185.1 in |
| Width | 70.8 in |
| Height | 57.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.7 in |
| Front Track | 60.7 in |
| Rear Track | 60.4 in |
| Cargo Volume | 14.1 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 2,965 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38.5 in |
| Headroom Rear | 37.2 in |
| Legroom Front | 41.1 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 55.9 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 54 in |
| Hip Room Front | 53 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 51.4 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (13.1 % risk) |
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen JETTA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 20, 2022 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V514000
Jun 30, 2021 · AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V492000
Feb 1, 2021 · SEATS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V038000
Nov 18, 2020 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V716000
70 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen JETTA
Owner Complaints
70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen JETTA (3 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Service Brakes | 26 |
| Electrical System | 13 |
| Unknown Or Other | 11 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 9 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2021 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.