2021 Volkswagen Passat: common problems and reliability
One of the best Passat years.
The best Volkswagen Passat year (few owner reports). All Passat years
0 owner complaints. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Passat?The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has 0 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. Owners most often flag diesel (tdi) emissions system (def/adblue) failures: particularly on post-2012 models, leading to expensive repairs and reduced reliability despite a robust engine core.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Volkswagen Passat vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Passat years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Passat?
Across the 26 Passat model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2019) to 1,304 (2002). With 0 complaints, the 2021 Passat sits below the model's median of 244.
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.
Recalls affecting the 2021 Passat
wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Campaign 21V812000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is highly polarized and varies significantly by generation, engine, and market.
- RecurrentDiesel (TDI) emissions system (DEF/AdBlue) failures
Particularly on post-2012 models, leading to expensive repairs and reduced reliability despite a robust engine core.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Passat. See the full Passat owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Passat listings typically run $9,995–$16,052 across 2012 to 2022 model years.
Other Passat model years
Compare every Passat year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Passat against its rivals
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