NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 Volkswagen Passat Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2021 Volkswagen Passat owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, describing incidents dated August 15, 2026 to October 24, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 2 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11774233 · Filed October 28, 2026
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…
ODI #11773926 · Filed October 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact stated that the breather box was previously replaced by a…

Read all 2 complaints

Improperly Tightened Front Wheel Bearing Bolts

NHTSA #21V812000 · Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · NHTSA notice

Reported October 15, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 30 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 40R7 · Owners notified November 2, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

2021 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Early Release

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

2021 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Later Release

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

2 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11774233

Incident: October 24, 2026 · Filed: October 28, 2026

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 (turbocharger boost sensor circuit) has been recorded on every visit; P2261 was also recorded. The check engine light, EPC light, and stalling have all returned since the XXX repair. Current mileage is approximately 27,800. Repair orders are available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine

ODI #11773926

Incident: August 15, 2026 · Filed: October 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact stated that the breather box was previously replaced by a local independent service center. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

Check your 2021 Volkswagen Passat VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Passat at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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