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2021 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems

The 2021 Volkswagen GTI has 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Volkswagen GTI vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Volkswagen GTI recalls

Recall 22V-514: Equipment, Back Over Prevention

Reported Jul 20, 2022 · 43,091 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

2021 Volkswagen GTI problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System3
Power Train1
Engine1
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Air Bags1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 300 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Volkswagen GTI complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jul 29, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: The MIB3 Infotainment Head Unit (specifically the internal eMMC memory chip) and the motorized rearview camera trunk emblem assembly.Inspection: Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?Risk: The backup camera screen completely freezes or goes black when reversing, causing a total loss of rear visibility that violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 and…
Air Bags · reported Oct 2, 2025
At around 38,000 miles (4 years into my lease), the airbag warning light came on in my 2021 Volkswagen GTI. Pasadena Volkswagen inspected the vehicle and confirmed the airbag control module had failed due to water intrusion from a clogged A/C drain tube, with a repair estimate of $1,974. Because the module is damaged, the airbag system is disabled and will not deploy in a crash, which puts my safety and the safety of passengers at risk. Volkswagen Customer Care (Case #07065500) reviewed the issue but declined assistance, stating my VIN is not part of Recall 21V-892, even though the defect…
Electrical System · reported Aug 28, 2021
My car has, on several occasions, slammed the breaks on while I’m 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. Also it turns off the head unit and goes black while I am in reverse or trying to follow the directions. And finally the key sensor keeps saying my keys are not in the car while they are right there (had the battery replaced and that wasn’t the problem) additionally the wipers are dangerous and go off for no reason constantly.
Power Train · at 300 miles · reported Feb 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 volkswagen gti. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a red light, the vehicle would not drive forward and rolled into the intersection. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer toms rivers volkswagen located at 256 nj-37, toms river, nj 08753, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 300.

Other Volkswagen GTI years

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Compare all Volkswagen GTI years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Volkswagen GTI: 22V-514 (equipment, back over prevention). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volkswagen GTI?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (3 reports), followed by power train (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 300 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.