2021 Volkswagen Passat: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Volkswagen Passat: 1 recall, 18 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
.png){kind=link}
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Wheels, Suspension Vehicle recall #21V812000 · 2021 · 30 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The bolts May loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Lane departure (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has 18 owner complaints, ranking #30 of 33 Passat model years for complaints (well below the 238 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 16,116 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (18 complaints, 3 recalls), 2022 (13 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 36 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are lane departure (5), brakes (5), electrical (3).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Volkswagen Passat repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.