2021 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has 1 safety recall and 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

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

2021 Volkswagen Passat recalls

Recall 21V-812: Wheels, Suspension

Reported Oct 15, 2021 · 30 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2021 Volkswagen Passat problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Lane Departure	5
Service Brakes	5
Electrical System	4
Air Bags	3
Engine	3
Steering	2
Exterior Lighting	2
Equipment	2
Tires	1
Unknown or Other	1
Structure	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1

Most reported parts

Lane Departure › Assist — 4
Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Automatic Steering — 1
Tires › Sidewall — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,232 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 Passat complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Oct 28, 2026

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. Beginning in XXX, a second symptom appeared: while stopped at idle (traffic lights, stop signs), the battery warning light illuminates and the engine stalls, requiring a restart in traffic. This has occurred approximately 8 times in XXX, most recently on Saturday, XXX when it happened twice. Wet or rainy conditions appear to make it worse. Stalling in traffic results in loss of power…

Engine · at 80,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact stated that the breather box was previously replaced by a local independent service center. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Electrical System · reported Jun 8, 2026

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.

Air Bags · reported 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

Service Brakes · reported 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.

Other Volkswagen Passat years

202220212020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Volkswagen Passat years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat: 21V-812 (wheels, suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report lane departure problems most often (5 reports), followed by service brakes (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,232 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.