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2021 Volkswagen Passat

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Jun 8, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Oct 15, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, most frequently naming the driver assistance, brakes and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 341 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance622.2%
  • Brakes518.5%
  • Electrical414.8%
  • Airbags311.1%
  • Engine27.4%
  • Exterior lighting27.4%
  • Steering27.4%
  • Other / unspecified13.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
21V812000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING; WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Oct 15, 2021
30 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 40R7View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 18
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 8, 2026
Fire reported

I am requesting that Volkswagen open a formal case regarding a fire involving my 2021 Volkswagen Passat. On May 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, after driving about seven miles, I came to a complete stop and the vehicle began smoking before catching fire. The vehicle has been declared a total loss and is currently being stored at a salvage yard pending investigation. I am requesting that Volkswagen investigate the cause of the fire and advise whether an inspection of the vehicle will be conducted.

NHTSA ID
11742775
Incident
Jun 6, 2026
Airbags
Filed Nov 24, 2025

I was parking my car and then I heard a loud crack. Then I noticed my car's airbag malfunction warning notice came up on the dashboard along with other failures. I can see on the edges of the horn panel on the left that its slightly detached, so it seem the airbag has somewhat inflated. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet, but will later after work. I didn't notice any issues prior to this happening

NHTSA ID
11701230
Incident
Nov 24, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 8, 2025

Driving home from work around 1:00 am at night with street lights and no other cars in the vicinity the auto brake engaged, causing an abrupt stop. Once the auto brake ceased I was able to complete my trip. There was a light coating of water in a spot on the road but nothing else and no reason for this to occur.

NHTSA ID
11692184
Incident
Oct 7, 2025
ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 22, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11682324
Incident
Aug 4, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the engine stalled. The low oil pressure and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the piston ring and engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,995.

NHTSA ID
11678501
Incident
Aug 4, 2025
Mileage
37,995 mi
AirbagsElectricalSteering
Filed Mar 13, 2025

Known issue in previous VW models. Broken clock spring in steering wheel from normal <100k miles no connection for all steering wheel electronics (airbags, radio controls, etc)

NHTSA ID
11648017
Incident
Mar 13, 2025
Body & structure
Filed Nov 26, 2024

There is a headlight chrome accent piece right above the left headlight that one day just blew off the vehicle when driving down the highway. Oddly enough, I live in a small town of Mason City, IA and I saw another VW Passat (same year) missing the same exact piece so I know this is a vehicle defect. You also can not just replace this one part, it costs over $1,000 to replace the full headlight assemble. I hope others report this defect as this is very dangerous when you have chrome pieces flying off your vehicle when it is not even windy and the vehicle has never had any other damage.

NHTSA ID
11627446
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Jul 25, 2024
Crash reported

The forward collision was not working on my car when someone pulled down in front of me and I hit the wall so I wouldn’t hit them.

NHTSA ID
11604412
Incident
May 25, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

VOS-26-42

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.

V1718062017813_24

ENGINE

Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement

TT 13-20-01_3

ENGINE

Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.

TT 10-18-02_2

ENGINE

Lubricating engine components before reassembly.

V6919012010479_17

AIR BAGS

Inquiries

VW closures 20260608

Multiple campaign closures dealer communication.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Passat by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000—
2024000—
2023000—
2022110043.3
2021Viewing181050.0
2020153052.1
2019121030.5
2018454060.4
20171097057.0
20161065053.0
20152437053.4
201459310359.4
20137489360.1
201248311360.1
2011160253.8
20101634354.9
20091464157.8
20081684047.4
20072627152.9
20065767153.3
20051484361.4
20042794362.2
20036347667.2
20026364963.1
20014304760.2
20005075762.0
19996646858.6
19983315658.1
1997701245.7
19961421448.2
1995931246.2
1994251243.2
1993683364.3
1992391042.3
1991241037.0
1990342050.1
1989010—
1988010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.