2021 Volkswagen Golf
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 74 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 131 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
red power steering system light turned on and flashed/beeped 3X. steering wheel locked up and I could not turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-07-23
Also filed under Steering
Service brakes
2 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
I was almost rear ended because Hill hold assist did not disengage quickly. Iâve driven manual transmission for over 40 years and find this hill hold dangerous!
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-03
Steering
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering.
Seat belts
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
my car is 5 years old, only has 37291miles. Failed Component: Seat Belts (Right Rear Passenger Buckle) Description of Incident: The right rear passenger seat belt buckle assembly has suffered a complete mechanical latch failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05
Power train
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2020-12-11Back over prevention20V716000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V716000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.