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2021 Volkswagen Golf: common problems and reliability
· 7th generationOne of the best Golf years.
7 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Golf?The 2021 Volkswagen Golf has 7 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag charge port door latch failure.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Volkswagen Golf vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Golf years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Golf?
Across the 27 Golf model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2008) to 317 (2015). With 7 complaints, the 2021 Golf sits below the model's median of 44.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Golf
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 20V716000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
What owners report on the 7th generation Golf
Owners of the 7th generation Golf generally express strong satisfaction, praising it as one of the best-driving hatches available and a significant step up from previous vehicles.
- IsolatedCharge port door latch failure
- IsolatedRadiator failure
- IsolatedIntake manifold failure
- IsolatedIgnition coil and spark plug failures
- IsolatedHeadlight ballast failure
Owner insights for the 7th generation Golf. Read the full 7th generation owner report.
Other Golf model years
Compare every Golf year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Golf against its rivals
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