2021 Volkswagen Jetta

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 ID

11750281

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

Volkswagen corporate deployed a mandatory over-the-air (OTA) software update to the MIB3 infotainment system. The update failed mid-installation, entirely bricking the J794 information module. This failure completely disabled vital driver information systems, including the digital dash compass, all audio alerts, and driver notification tones while the vehicle is in motion. This represents an immediate, manufacturer-initiated distraction and safety hazard that disables cabin instrumentation.

NHTSA ID

11747680

Incident

Jun 27, 2026

EPC light comes on and vehicle starts losing power while driving, you lose all acceleration. Check engine light has also illuminated I have taken in to have repairs done on this same issue 4 times in a span of owing this car for 7 months, this vehicle has become unreliable and a safety hazard while driving. They have replaced battery replaced ignition coils replaced EVAP valve reset my computer software updated my computers. I have spent a ton of money on this car for a repair that is unrepairable. And it currently sits in the VW dealership shop again because it is become a safety hazard to drive with myself let alone putting my child's life at risk driving on highways.

NHTSA ID

11744747

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Volkswagen Model: Jetta Date of Purchase: March 2022 Approximate Mileage at Time of Incident: 25,000 miles --- NATURE OF COMPLAINT: I am filing this complaint regarding premature and dangerous rear brake pad and rotor wear on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, purchased new in March 2022. At approximately 25,000 miles — well below any reasonable expectation of normal brake wear — I was informed by a service technician that my rear brake pads required immediate replacement due to excessive wear. The front brakes showed no comparable wear, which is inconsistent with normal braking patterns and strongly suggests a manufacturing or design defect. SAFETY CONCERN: Premature rear brake failure at such low mileage presents a serious safety hazard. Degraded braking performance increases stopping distances and reduces driver control, particularly in emergency situations. I was given no prior warning indicators or alerts from the vehicle's onboard systems before being advised the brakes were critically worn. This lack of advance warning compounds the safety risk. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE OF A KNOWN DEFECT: This is not an isolated incident. Volkswagen has already acknowledged premature rear brake pad wear as a systemic issue in 2020–2023 Jetta vehicles by issuing a Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension, extending coverage from the standard 1 year/12,000 miles to 2 years/24,000 miles. Despite this acknowledgment, Volkswagen has refused to provide adequate and lasting remedy to affected owners, and many consumers — including myself — have been denied reimbursement or further assistance after the extended warranty window expired. Notably, my vehicle reached 25,000 miles just outside the extended warranty coverage limit, yet exhibits the exact defect the warranty extension was designed to address. Multiple complaints filed with NHTSA and reported on consumer safety platforms describe the identical pattern.

NHTSA ID

11736753

Incident

May 6, 2026

I took my car into dealer at 20,000 miles. They told me rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. At that time, they were replaced under warranty. I took my car into dealer at 34,000 miles for regular service and was told rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. Pads were at 3%, service associate warned me about driving on the highway. I took my car to another location and mechanic for a second opinion and was told "rear brake pads approx. 2mm remaining friction material, and brake rotors are overheated & scored. Not knowing that my rear brakes had worn down to this level in 14,000 miles put myself and other drivers at risk. I had no warning nor did I experience any symptoms in my brakes until I took it in for regular service.

NHTSA ID

11720536

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

While driving home from work last night, I heard a loud noise that sounded like a gun going off right in the passenger compartment of my Jetta. A lot of wind noise followed. I thought initially that a tire might have blown out, but it was the car’s sunroof that had spontaneously and inexplicably exploded. There was no one close to me on the road, so I don’t believe a foreign object struck the roof. I was able to drive the car home, but the sunroof is demolished.

NHTSA ID

11700262

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

The rear brake pads on my 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have worn out prematurely twice by 20,000 miles. The first replacement occurred at only 8,006 miles in April 2023. At that time, Volkswagen acknowledged the problem and provided “goodwill” coverage of 50% since my vehicle was only one month outside of the Rear Brake Pad Limited Warranty Extension. Now at approximately 20,846 miles in September 2025, the rear pads have worn out again and required replacement. Volkswagen has refused to provide any assistance this time. Normally, front brake pads wear faster than the rear. In this case, the rear pads are failing far earlier than expected, which creates a potential safety issue since brake performance is being compromised at very low mileage. Volkswagen has already acknowledged this defect by issuing the warranty extension for 2020–2023 Jettas, but coverage expired by time, not mileage, leaving owners like me with repeated failures and no support. When I raised the issue with my dealership, they suggested that the premature wear is due to the emergency brake always being engaged when the car is parked. This explanation does not make sense, since pads do not normally wear when the car is stationary. The fact that VW created a warranty extension for this exact problem shows this is a design defect, not a misuse issue. This issue has been confirmed by a Volkswagen dealer and independent service centers, and is well-documented among other owners. If the pads continue to wear this quickly, it poses a recurring safety risk and results in abnormally high repair costs for a critical safety component. I am reporting this so NHTSA is aware that the defect continues to affect owners even beyond the limited warranty extension and goodwill offers, and that a long-term solution is needed.

NHTSA ID

11684685

Incident

Sep 2, 2025

On steep hills the car automatically holds the brake for a predetermined amount of time, I believe 2.5 to 3 sec. I have a manual transmission car and when its time to move the brake assist won't release no matter what until the time interval is satisfied. The problem this creates is a stall issue. Its hard to coordinate when to depress the clutch and give gas. Too early and you lead to premature clutch wear or clutch overheating. Too late and the car stalls and you have to restart it. This is very because now you have to restart the car and can cause an accident.

NHTSA ID

11676370

Incident

Jul 26, 2025

MIB3 Recovery Solution

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 issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.

Over-the-Air Software Update Dealer Recovery Process

Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement

Over-the-Air Software Update Dealer Recovery Process

Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.