2021 Volkswagen Passat
Only 18 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 18 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 |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 68 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 142 |
| 1997 | 70 |
| 1998 | 331 |
| 1999 | 664 |
| 2000 | 507 |
| 2001 | 430 |
| 2002 | 636 |
| 2003 | 629 |
| 2004 | 279 |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 262 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 146 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 483 |
| 2013 | 748 |
| 2014 | 594 |
| 2015 | 243 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes.
5 of 18 total reports mention: lane departure, most commonly citing assist and automatic steering.
Show complaint excerpts
The assisted lane control is working terribly on my car and cannot be turned off permanently. The take over steering must be turned off before I drive the car every single time. It does not work properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210803
Also filed under STEERING
VW Lane Assist is on when the vehicle is turned on. It must be turned off by the driver which I forget to do. Driving on country two lanes I've encountered joggers, bikers in the designated bike lane, service vehicles on the right shoulder.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210624
3 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE3 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The forward collision was not working on my car when someone pulled down in front of me and I hit the wall so I wouldnât hit them.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240725
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 of 18 total reports mention: steering.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V812000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for lane departure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V812000 (suspension, wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.