Model year
2021 Volkswagen Passat
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 18 complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are SERVICE BRAKES (5), LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST (4), AIR BAGS (3). NHTSA overall stars for rated variants run from 4 to 5. EPA rates it 28 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,400, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 507 complaints
- 2001 430 complaints
- 2002 636 complaints
- 2003 628 complaints
- 2004 279 complaints
- 2005 148 complaints
- 2006 576 complaints
- 2007 262 complaints
- 2008 168 complaints
- 2009 146 complaints
- 2010 163 complaints
- 2012 484 complaints
- 2013 749 complaints
- 2014 594 complaints
- 2015 243 complaints
- 2016 106 complaints
- 2017 110 complaints
- 2018 46 complaints
- 2019 12 complaints
- 2020 18 complaints
- 2021 18 complaints
- 2022 13 complaints
Recalls
21V812000 · Oct 15, 2021
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS; SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
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.
Complaints
18 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 1, fire flag on 1, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD Early Release | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.107 | NHTSA photo |
| 4 DR FWD Later Release | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.107 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 36 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2021 Volkswagen Passat at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.