Research · Midsize Cars

2021 Volkswagen PassatRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. Most complaints involve engine (2) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Oct 2021
Owner complaints
2
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Wheels: lugs

Free remedy

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.

WheelsReported Oct 15, 2021NHTSA 21V812000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine2
  2. Electrical system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Passat model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996151
199776
1998330
1999664
2000518
2001441
2002650
2003641
2004283
2005148
2006576
2007273
2008174
2009152
2010172
2012484
2013749
2014594
2015244
2016106
2017110
201846
201912
202018
20212
202213
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

2 reports
“Since purchase in XXX, the vehicle has intermittently illuminated the EPC warning light at startup, at which point the engine will not accelerate (reduced power/limp mode). Cycling the ignition usually clears it. Beginning in XXX, a second symptom appeared: while stopped at idle (traffic lights, stop signs), the battery warning light illuminates and the engine stalls, requiring a restart in traffic. This has occurred approximately 8 times in XXX, most recently on Saturday, XXX when it happened twice. Wet or rainy conditions appear to make it worse. Stalling in traffic results in loss of power steering and brake assist and is a safety hazard. The vehicle has been to Volkswagen dealers six times for this complaint with no lasting repair: a wiring harness repair at Freehold VW (XXX); a boost pressure sensor diagnosis (XXX); an overlay harness, ECM-related repairs, and ECM software update under emissions recall 23EO (XXX); boost pressure sensor replacement (XXX); airflow meter replacement and harness repair (XXX); and re-pinning of loose connections at the ECM connector for the G31 boost pressure sensor (XXX), all at World VW in [XXX]. Fault code P0236…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11774233

Electrical system

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Passat
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243628$2,200314
  • Passat
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    24 city · 36 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Later Release
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Overall
5 / 5
Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Early Release
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 16090Vehicle 15577
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 Passat questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Passat problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (2), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Volkswagen Passat at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Volkswagen Passat 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026