Last updated: 2026-07-26

RELIABILITY SCORE: 78/100 (GOOD)

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reliability Report

Name: 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Brand: Volkswagen

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 18 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

7.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$639

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,150

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

SERVICE BRAKES (4)
LANE DEPARTURE (3)
STEERING (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 7)

2021 is year 7 of the Eighth generation (B8).

Redesigned for the 2015 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
8th generation Passat (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2015: Eighth generation (B8) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 7 of the Eighth generation (B8).

Should You Buy the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

At 78/100, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 7 of the Eighth generation (B8).

Owners log 18 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to service brakes (4). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 Volkswagen Passat, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2020 Volkswagen Passat for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low major repair risk (9%)
+Low recall count
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

−Above-average repair costs for its class
−SERVICE BRAKES: Premature rear brake wear (4 complaints)
−LANE DEPARTURE: It as interfering with their attempts to avoid obstacles (3 complaints)

Compare 2021 Volkswagen Passat With

2021 Subaru Legacy

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2021 Genesis G80

Reliability: 70/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

SERVICE BRAKES (4)
LANE DEPARTURE (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

7.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Volkswagen Passat Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V8120002021-10-15

WHEELS, SUSPENSION

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.

Consequence

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

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Volkswagen Passat? Check its history first

Every 2021 Volkswagen Passat has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Volkswagen Passat NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 3/5Passenger: 3/5

Rollover risk: 10.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volkswagen PassatRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$639

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Passat

$639

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

28 MPG

Running cost: $2,800/yr

Fuel + repair

24 city / 36 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Passat 2.0L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	24	36	28	$2,150

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Volkswagen Passat.

Inspect rear brake pads for premature wear
Test Lane Assist feature for unwanted steering interference
Check for unresolved electrical issues starting at low mileage
Verify high-beam headlight alignment
Ensure clock spring functionality for steering wheel electronics
Inspect tires for bubbles or unusual wear patterns

2021 Volkswagen Passat Common Problems by Component

18 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

SERVICE BRAKES (4)LANE DEPARTURE (3)STEERING (2)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)EQUIPMENT (1)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)AIR BAGS (1)Other (2)

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving premature rear brake wear. Complaints frequently mention rear brake replacements needed at relatively low mileage, often between 5,000 and 20,000 miles, with some owners experiencing this issue on multiple vehicles. Additionally, one owner describes an unexpected auto brake engagement while driving, causing an abrupt stop. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as unexpected braking and uneven brake wear, which could be significant for used car buyers to consider.

4 complaints total

LANE DEPARTURE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat report issues with the Lane Assist feature, often describing it as interfering with their attempts to avoid obstacles. Common symptoms include the vehicle steering back into the lane when drivers attempt to maneuver around trailers, joggers, or bikers, leading to near-miss situations. Complaints frequently mention that the feature cannot be permanently disabled and must be manually turned off each time the vehicle is started. These issues are reported at mileage as early as 27,232, indicating they may occur relatively early in the vehicle's life. Safety implications are noted, with owners describing loss of control and near-collisions due to the Lane Assist's intervention.

3 complaints total

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat report issues with the steering system, notably involving the clock spring and lane assist features. Complaints frequently mention a broken clock spring, which results in a loss of connection for steering wheel electronics, including airbags and radio controls, occurring at under 100,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the assisted lane control system, which cannot be permanently disabled and often interferes with manual steering efforts. This interference has led to near-miss situations, such as difficulty avoiding obstacles or cyclists, posing a potential safety risk. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported issues, particularly the impact on steering control and electronic functionality.

2 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat report issues with the electrical system, including persistent unresolved electrical problems beginning at approximately 7,000 miles. One owner describes a severe incident where the vehicle began smoking and caught fire after being driven about seven miles, resulting in a total loss. Another owner notes repeated electrical issues alongside abnormal rear brake wear discovered at 9,000 miles, which the dealership acknowledged as unusual. These complaints highlight significant safety implications, particularly with the reported fire, and suggest potential reliability concerns for buyers considering a used model with low mileage.

2 complaints total1 fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat report issues primarily related to exterior lighting and driver assistance systems. Complaints frequently mention that the high-beam headlights are aimed too high, which impairs visibility of the road ahead, especially under difficult driving conditions like rain. Additionally, there are reports of Lane Departure Assist malfunctioning, causing unintended steering movements. One incident involves a crash where the forward collision system reportedly failed to prevent an accident. These issues are noted at low mileage, around 100 miles, which may be relevant for potential buyers seeking a used vehicle.

2 complaints total1 crash

EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

2025-08-04

See attached document for complaint.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

2025-08-04

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.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

2025-11-24

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

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2024-11-01

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.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2024-02-03

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Passat R-Line that has GITI 235/40R19 Comfort tires, I have had bubbles on two of the tires that blew out going down the interstate. I now have a third tire with the same issue.

When Do 2021 Volkswagen Passat Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

5,000–20,000 milesRear brake wear

7,000–9,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Volkswagen Passat Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Volkswagen Passat Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Volkswagen Passat year is 2021 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (77/100) and 2019 (77/100).

Top Pick

Good

2021

(Current Model)

1Recalls

18Complaints

Good

2022

0Recalls

11Complaints

Good

2019

1Recalls

12Complaints

Volkswagen Passat Years to Avoid

No Volkswagen Passat years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Volkswagen Passat maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Volkswagen Passat years-to-avoid analysis

Volkswagen Passat Reliability Score Trend

Volkswagen Passat reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Volkswagen Passat reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	71/100	Good
2019	77/100	Good
2020	75/100	Good
2021	78/100	Good
2022	77/100	Good

Volkswagen Passat Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2022	77/100	-1	Good	0	11
2021(selected)	78/100	+3	Good	1	18
2020	75/100	-2	Good	3	15
2019	77/100	+6	Good	1	12
2018	71/100	—	Good	4	45

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 78/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 18 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Passat include: SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints), LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints), STEERING (2 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat expensive to maintain?

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has estimated annual repair costs of $639/year, which is $113 more than the midsize cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 78/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Volkswagen Passat without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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