VehicleVerdict

2021 Volkswagen Passat problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat — 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 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Passat years?

Passat NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,026 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 50 complaints1991: 30 complaints1992: 60 complaints1993: 90 complaints1994: 36 complaints1995: 142 complaints1996: 185 complaints1997: 105 complaints1998: 476 complaints1999: 854 complaints2000: 625 complaints2001: 558 complaints2002: 772 complaints2003: 823 complaints2004: 348 complaints2005: 172 complaints2006: 779 complaints2007: 341 complaints2008: 240 complaints2009: 211 complaints2010: 226 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 660 complaints2013: 1,026 complaints2014: 785 complaints2015: 388 complaints2016: 179 complaints2017: 173 complaints2018: 65 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 24 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 19 complaints
Passat NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Passat years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Passat problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance621%
Brakes518%
Electrical System414%
Airbags311%
Lighting27%
Engine27%
Other27%
Steering27%
Body & Structure14%
Tires & Wheels14%

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?

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

21V812000Tires & WheelsOctober 15, 2021 · 30 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.

Consequence

The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving through a pedestrian intersection with thick white lines, the vehicle automatically veered to the left or right. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving 30 to 45 MPH. The contact had not contacted…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 24, 2021

“Driving home from work around 1:00 am at night with street lights and no other cars in the vicinity the auto brake engaged, causing an abrupt stop. Once the auto brake ceased I was able to complete my trip. There was a light coating of water in a spot on the road but nothing else and no reason for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 7, 2025

“I am requesting that Volkswagen open a formal case regarding a fire involving my 2021 Volkswagen Passat. On May 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, after driving about seven miles, I came to a complete stop and the vehicle began smoking before catching fire. The vehicle has been declared a total…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 6, 2026 · fire

“The forward collision was not working on my car when someone pulled down in front of me and I hit the wall so I wouldn’t hit them.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 25, 2024 · crash

“The forward collision was not working on my car when someone pulled down in front of me and I hit the wall so I wouldn’t hit them.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 25, 2024 · crash

2021 Volkswagen Passat — common questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

The record is thin — 28 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 Passat problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (6 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?

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

Which Volkswagen Passat years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Passat years to avoid are 2013, 1999, 2003, 2014, 2006, 2002, 2012, 2000, 2001, 1998, 2015, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Passat years belongs to 1989.

How safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned an overall rating of 4 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.