CarRecallDB

2021 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems

1 recall and 18 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.

1
recalls
18
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Volkswagen Passat recalls

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs · Suspension: front, wheel bearing

NHTSA campaign 21V812000 · reported October 15, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 30 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 8, 2026 · Electrical system · fire reported

I am requesting that Volkswagen open a formal case regarding a fire involving my 2021 Volkswagen Passat. On May 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, after driving about seven miles, I came to a complete stop and the vehicle began smoking before catching fire. The vehicle has been declared a total loss and is currently…

Nov 24, 2025 · Air bags

I was parking my car and then I heard a loud crack. Then I noticed my car's airbag malfunction warning notice came up on the dashboard along with other failures. I can see on the edges of the horn panel on the left that its slightly detached, so it seem the airbag has somewhat inflated. I haven't taken it to the…

Oct 8, 2025 · Service brakes

Driving home from work around 1:00 am at night with street lights and no other cars in the vicinity the auto brake engaged, causing an abrupt stop. Once the auto brake ceased I was able to complete my trip. There was a light coating of water in a spot on the road but nothing else and no reason for this to occur.

Aug 22, 2025 · Equipment

See attached document for complaint.

Aug 5, 2025 · Engine and engine cooling · 37,995 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the engine stalled. The low oil pressure and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed…

Passat model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2018 44651
2019 11200
2020 31810
2021 11811
2022 01310

Across all years, the 2013 Passat has the most complaints (749). All Volkswagen Passat years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, the most recent reported on October 15, 2021 (Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, Suspension: front, wheel bearing). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is lane departure (5 complaints), followed by service brakes (5).
How many 2021 Volkswagen Passat complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 18 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 8, 2026.