2021 Volkswagen GTI
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- 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: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 55 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 67 |
| 2017 | 52 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 179 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
My car has, on several occasions, slammed the breaks on while Iâm reversing, while suggesting that I am about to hit something, even though there is nothing there. It is very scary because I have no way of knowing when this will happen.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-28
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and engine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29
At around 38,000 miles (4 years into my lease), the airbag warning light came on in my 2021 Volkswagen GTI.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-02
Also filed under Air bags
Power train
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.
Forward collision avoidance
1 of 4 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking.
Engine
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine.
Air bags
1 of 4 total reports mentions: air bags.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2022-08-02Back over prevention, equipment22V514000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V514000 · Back over prevention, equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Volkswagen GTI 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 GTI?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen GTI 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.