2021 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes; the 2019 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Oct 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 loss and is currently being stored at a salvage yard pending investigation. I am requesting that Volkswagen investigate the cause of the fire and advise whether an inspection of the vehicle will be conducted.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“I was parking my car and then I heard a loud crack. Then I noticed my car's airbag malfunction warning notice came up on the dashboard along with other failures. I can see on the edges of the horn panel on the left that its slightly detached, so it seem the airbag has somewhat inflated. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet, but will later after work. I didn't notice any issues prior to this happening”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2025
“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 this to occur.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Oct 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the engine stalled. The low oil pressure and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the piston ring and engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,995.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2025
“Known issue in previous VW models. Broken clock spring in steering wheel from normal <100k miles no connection for all steering wheel electronics (airbags, radio controls, etc)”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2025
“There is a headlight chrome accent piece right above the left headlight that one day just blew off the vehicle when driving down the highway. Oddly enough, I live in a small town of Mason City, IA and I saw another VW Passat (same year) missing the same exact piece so I know this is a vehicle defect. You also can not just replace this one part, it costs over $1,000 to replace the full headlight assemble. I hope others report this defect as this is very dangerous when you have chrome pieces flying off your vehicle when it is not even windy and the vehicle has never had any other damage.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2024
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2024
“I own a 2021 Volkswagen Passat R-Line that has GITI 235/40R19 Comfort tires, I have had bubbles on two of the tires that blew out going down the interstate. I now have a third tire with the same issue.”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2024
“Rear brakes needed to be replaced at less than 20k miles The dealer comped it since we lease 2 different 2021 VW Passats and they both needed their rear wheels replaced at sub 20k miles”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2023
“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the rear brake pads were generating an excessive amount of brake dust. The dealer was notified. The contact stated that he was informed a year later at a vehicle State Inspection, that the rear brakes were significantly worn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an uneven brake wear as the rear brakes were prematurely worn while the front brakes were in very good condition. The dealer notified the manufacturer, who informed the dealer that there would be no assistance as the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Passat by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:wheel bearing. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.