Recall 21V492 affects 379 2020-2021 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles for a misplaced air bag control module. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 379 2020-2021 Jetta vehicles under recall 21V492 because the air bag control module was welded in the wrong position. Incorrect positioning can cause the air bags to deploy improperly in a crash or deploy unintentionally, increasing injury and crash risk, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The airbag control module in the 2020-2021 Volkswagen Jetta is the computer that manages the restraint system. It reads crash-sensor information and helps command the airbags and related safety restraints at the right moment. The module has to sit securely on its mounting points so the system has the position and connection it was designed around.
On affected Jettas, a welding robot placed a mounting stud in the wrong position during factory assembly. That left the airbag control module unable to fit correctly on the body as designed. Some vehicles were then altered at the factory by enlarging the module's fixing holes, which was not an approved repair. Volkswagen is recalling those vehicles so the incorrect mounting setup is replaced with the proper airbag control module.
The warning sign is the airbag malfunction indicator lamp on the dashboard. When that light is on, the restraint system needs dealer attention before you rely on it in a crash.
Who's affected?
The same air bag control module is named for both model years.
| 2020 Volkswagen Jetta | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | air bag system |
| Units affected | 379 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect air bag control module positioning can keep the air bags from deploying properly in a crash and can also trigger unintended deployment, increasing injury and crash risk. If the airbag malfunction light comes on, contact the dealer and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Volkswagen Jetta is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free air bag control module replacement that corrects the incorrectly positioned module.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V492 when you call or arrive.
- Call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 if you need help locating a dealer or confirming repair status.
- Avoid delaying the repair because the air bags can deploy improperly in a crash or deploy unintentionally.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the air bag control module covered by this recall. The module controls air bag deployment, so the repair focuses on replacing the incorrectly positioned unit rather than adjusting it in place. Parts and labor are covered under the recall at no cost to the owner. Volkswagen will not offer reimbursement for prior paid repairs under this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| June 30, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 27, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 27, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 27, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 27, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 28, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V492?
Recall 21V492 covers 379 2020-2021 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles with an air bag control module welded in the wrong position. The defect can cause improper air bag deployment during a crash or unintended air bag deployment. Volkswagen dealers will replace the module for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Volkswagen Jetta is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Jetta is included in recall 21V492. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule air bag control module replacement. Reference recall number 21V492 or Volkswagen recall number 69CK when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen dealers will replace the air bag control module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is improper or unintended air bag deployment. A control module welded in the wrong position can cause the air bags to deploy incorrectly during a crash, increasing injury risk. It can also trigger unintended deployment, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Jetta used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Jetta is included, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall number 21V492 or Volkswagen recall number 69CK.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V492000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V492 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V492000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →