2021 Volkswagen Passat
Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- 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: 19 complaints
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 | 484 |
| 2013 | 749 |
| 2014 | 594 |
| 2015 | 243 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
5 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes.
Lane departure
5 of 19 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, 2021-08-03
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, 2021-06-24
Electrical system
4 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Since purchase in XXX, the vehicle has intermittently illuminated the EPC warning light at startup, at which point the engine will not accelerate (reduced power/limp mode). Cycling the ignition usually clears it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-28
Also filed under Engine
Air bags
3 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.
Show 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, 2024-07-25
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Steering
2 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2021-11-02Suspension, wheels21V812000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Lane departure: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V812000 · Suspension, wheels
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 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.