VehicleVerdict

2021 Volkswagen Golf problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

11

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Golf years?

Golf NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted183 complaints1985: 15 complaints1986: 20 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 41 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 11 complaints1992: 6 complaints1993: 11 complaints1994: 57 complaints1995: 84 complaints1996: 74 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 28 complaints1999: 76 complaints2000: 118 complaints2001: 152 complaints2002: 98 complaints2003: 33 complaints2004: 33 complaints2005: 27 complaints2006: 16 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 97 complaints2011: 151 complaints2012: 68 complaints2013: 67 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 183 complaints2016: 115 complaints2017: 145 complaints2018: 38 complaints2019: 88 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 22 complaints
Golf NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Golf years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Golf problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System327%
Brakes218%
Lighting19%
Other19%
Steering19%
Airbags19%
Transmission19%
Engine19%

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V716000Driver AssistanceNovember 18, 2020 · 32,048 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“red power steering system light turned on and flashed/beeped 3X. steering wheel locked up and I could not turn. I was on the freeway in the far right lane and managed to force push the steering wheel to the right and slowly merge over to the shoulder. Volks in Kearny Mesa confirmed issue with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 15, 2022

“I was almost rear ended because Hill hold assist did not disengage quickly. I’ve driven manual transmission for over 40 years and find this hill hold dangerous!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 3, 2024

“Headlight lens assembly of both headlights is cracking excessively. Upon review of online forums, this is happening frequently to many consumers. This impacts headlight output and looks to be manufacturing defect. Recently reported to dealer who indicated they have seen many of these recently and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 7, 2023

“red power steering system light turned on and flashed/beeped 3X. steering wheel locked up and I could not turn. I was on the freeway in the far right lane and managed to force push the steering wheel to the right and slowly merge over to the shoulder. Volks in Kearny Mesa confirmed issue with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 15, 2022

“The last few months my schedule changed and I'm driving in the dark now. The auto dimming mirror does not function as expected, it is too slow in response to prevent glare and blinding from vehicles behind me. By the time the mirror decides to dim I'm already blinded from the glare and can no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 25, 2024

2021 Volkswagen Golf — common questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Golf problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), airbags (1 complaints).

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Volkswagen Golf. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Golf years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Golf years to avoid are 2015, 2001, 2011, 2017, 2022, 2000, 2016, 2002, 2010, 2019, 1995, 1999, 1996, 2012, 2013, 1994, 2014. The cleanest record among Golf years belongs to 2008.

How safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.