2021 Volkswagen Jetta — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 41 mpg (UK) / 34 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 34–41 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Jetta workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 41 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 41 combined / 36 urban / 49 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 34 combined / 30 city / 41 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 162 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,950 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta across 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 28 to 34 mpg (US), or 34 to 41 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (29/39) | 165 | $2,050 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 34 (30/41) | 162 | $1,950 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/35) | 195 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/33) | 198 | $2,400 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Running Costs: 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta at 41 mpg combined, expect roughly 887 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,950 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (2), Air bags (1), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 22V514000, reported 20 July 2022. Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 21V492000, reported 30 June 2021. 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…
- Seats — campaign 21V038000, reported 1 February 2021. Risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Back over prevention — campaign 20V716000, reported 18 November 2020. Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The most-reported areas are Service brakes (25), Electrical system (13), Unspecified (11). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 1 reported injury, 2 reported deaths. That is well below the median of 159 complaints across the 17 Volkswagen Jetta model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Brakes (25 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (13 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Driver-assist sensors (9 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's 41 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 162 g/km CO₂ figure is 51 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 17 Volkswagen Jetta model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (41 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Volkswagen Jetta year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.4L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most efficient configuration returns around 41 mpg (UK) combined, or 34 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 34 to 41 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,950 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (2), Air bags (1), Seats (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
Among the 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Service brakes (25 complaints), Electrical system (13 complaints), Unspecified (11 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.