2021 Volkswagen GTI
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 54 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 66 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 178 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 3 total reports mention: electrical system.
INJURYShow 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, 20210828
At around 38,000 miles (4 years into my lease), the airbag warning light came on in my 2021 Volkswagen GTI.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251002
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance.
INJURYShow 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, 20210828
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine.
INJURYShow 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, 20210828
1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
At around 38,000 miles (4 years into my lease), the airbag warning light came on in my 2021 Volkswagen GTI.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251002
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 22V514000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V514000 (back over prevention, equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen GTI have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.