2021 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973. It has been marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat, with varying body styles such as saloon, estate, and hatchback.
A "four-door coupé" variant of the Passat with a lower roof was released in the North American market in 2008 as the Passat CC, which was then renamed to Volkswagen CC. The CC was succeeded by the Arteon in 2017.
In January 2011, Volkswagen introduced a separate Passat model line, internally designated "Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan" or NMS, that was manufactured in the US at the Chattanooga assembly plant and in China at Nanjing by SAIC-Volkswagen. Developed to increase Volkswagen sales in North America, the Passat NMS is larger and cost less to produce. sold in the North America, South Korea, China, and Middle East. The separate B8 Passat model entered production in Europe in 2014, based on the MQB platform.
In 2019, the Passat NMS program was split into two as the North American one continued being produced on an older platform while the Chinese Passat moved on to the MQB platform, which resulted in Volkswagen marketed three models under the Passat nameplate globally at that time. The North American Passat was discontinued after the 2022 model year.
Volkswagen ended the production of the saloon Passat for the European market in 2022. The B9 Passat, released in 2023, is only available in an estate body style. The Passat continues to be available as a saloon in China.
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Common 2021 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat, a popular midsize sedan, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners, particularly in the engine and electrical systems.
Another concern is the use of a defeat device in Volkswagen's supposedly 'clean diesel' vehicles to skirt around US emissions standards, which has led to a scandal and billions of dollars in payments to customers.
In terms of the 2021 model year, there are two complaints about the engine and two about the sunroof trim, according to CarComplaints.com.
According to RepairPal, Volkswagen Passat reliability is moderate at 3.5/5, taking 12th place out of 32 car brands.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen Passat has several common problems, particularly in the engine and electrical systems, it is still considered a reliable and dependable midsize sedan. Proper maintenance and avoiding problem years like 2002 and 2003 can help ensure a long-lasting and trouble-free ownership experience.
What is the common problem in VW Passat?
The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.
Is Volkswagen Passat 2021 a good car?
The VW sedan does boast a comfortable ride and spacious back seat that will satisfy folks with a small family. Every model comes with a solid roster of driver assists and infotainment features that includes automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What are the disadvantages of the Passat?
Some of the cons include:
- Price: The Passat can be more expensive than some other midsize sedans.
- Handling: While the Passat has a comfortable ride, it may not be as sporty as some other midsize sedans.
- Limited trunk space: Depending on the model, the Passat may have less trunk space than some other midsize sedans.
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?
The Passat got a good score of 96.4% in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey, and came in fifth place out of 26 cars.
What is the common problem in VW Passat?
The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.
Is Volkswagen Passat 2021 a good car?
The VW sedan does boast a comfortable ride and spacious back seat that will satisfy folks with a small family. Every model comes with a solid roster of driver assists and infotainment features that includes automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What are the disadvantages of the Passat?
Some of the cons include:
- Price: The Passat can be more expensive than some other midsize sedans.
- Handling: While the Passat has a comfortable ride, it may not be as sporty as some other midsize sedans.
- Limited trunk space: Depending on the model, the Passat may have less trunk space than some other midsize sedans.
Are Volkswagen's Passats reliable?
Is a used Volkswagen Passat saloon reliable? The Passat got a good score of 96.4% in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey, and came in fifth place out of 26 cars.
2021 Volkswagen Passat complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Volkswagen Passat recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Negative 2021 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
Positive 2021 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
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I purchased my 2020 Passat SE about two years ago and have since driven it for 22,000 miles. The exterior is a sleek Platinum Gray Metallic, reminiscent of my dad's 2006 Jetta, while the interior is spacious and black, providing ample legroom for my 6'1
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Great car! The only downside is that it doesn't have memory seats/mirrors or cool seats.
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I can't believe I'm the first to write one of these for 2021! This car is often overlooked, but it's definitely worth taking the time to test drive. Dollar for dollar, it's just as good as all the other brands and even better than some. It's definitely better than the Camry. It's bigger than the Mazda 6, Sonata, and K5, but not as nice looking, especially on the inside. However, this car is incredibly comfortable, and in the SE trim, you get everything you need, or something similar to what the Accord gives you in an EX-L trim for thousands less. The engine is typical VW fantastic, with no turbo lag at all and good gas mileage. I took a 1300 mile road trip and averaged around 35 mpg on the highway going about 78 mph. In mixed spirited driving, you'll see close to 30 mpg, maybe a bit less. All in all, the car has all the features you need, such as emergency braking, radar cruise, Apple CarPlay, and a regular sunroof, which is what I like. I hate those large moonroofs. The car looks nice on the outside with fantastic looking wheels. Those Giti tires, which I had never heard of, seem to do the job just fine in rain or dry conditions. The only few negatives are: 1. The multimedia is smaller than others but has all the same functions, and it actually sounds better than most of the other standard radios in its class. 2. The front seats can't adjust for tilt in SE trim, but it's not really bad, just a bit annoying. 3. The steering wheel is a bit thin but shaped nicely. 4. The interior design is a bit dull from even the previous model. It's weird how they would go backwards on something like this. All in all, with paid-for maintenance and good predicted reliability, I think this is a great car that drives like a German car should. These are just more fun than the others. I don't know why and how.
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I had a 2014 Passat that I initially disliked when I first drove it. However, after adjusting the steering wheel and seat, I had a change of heart. When I drove it home after purchasing it, I felt terrible and thought I had made a mistake. At first, it felt like a cheap rental car. But as I got used to it, I began to love it. The same goes for this one. I absolutely love the motor, it's so much fun to drive. Although it does shake when it warms up and misses, the salesman says his Jetta does the same thing. The car may have some minor flaws, but the overall experience is what matters to me. The sum of the individual pieces is greater than its parts.
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my 2020 Passat S model that I purchased in October 2020 for only $17,500. I think it's a great value for a midsize sedan. The car drives very well and has enhanced torque with its 2.0 Turbo engine. It's also very roomy and has good standard safety features. I was pleasantly surprised when I drove it at 120 mph on the highway without hearing any noise or vibration. Additionally, I love the super size roomy trunk. The car comes with a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty, which is more than most competitors, except for the Hyundai Sonata. Lastly, it also has good gas mileage. Let me know if you have any questions!
Other years of Volkswagen Passat
Are you having problems with your 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
Kamryn O'Kon 2025-04-21
My wife and I recently purchased two cars from VW of Ontario. I got the 2020 Jetta GLI and she got the 2020 Passat R-Line. Although we got decent deals, her car has unfortunately experienced some electrical issues. We have had a few problems with the car, such as the car pulling to the right and the radio turning off unexpectedly. We have taken the car to the dealership and they have tried to fix the issues, but unfortunately, they still persist. Despite these issues, we still find the car smooth and enjoyable to drive. ***UPDATE*** The car was returned to VW under the lemon law.
Mose Dietrich 2025-04-18
I have owned two Passats and three VWs in total. While the ride is smooth and the mileage is impressive, I have noticed that the 2.0L engine is not as responsive as the 1.8L engine in my previous Passat. Additionally, the transmission can be sluggish and often seems to be searching for the right gear. Although this car offers some features I was looking for, such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, a decent size touchscreen, heated seats, remote unlock, and a backup camera, it falls short in terms of safety features and technology compared to its competitors. Furthermore, the front seats are quite large and uncomfortable for shorter drivers, which can make for an unpleasant ride, especially on long drives. However, taller individuals may find these seats to be extremely comfortable. While I appreciate some aspects of this car, such as its smooth ride, I regret purchasing it and plan to trade it in for a different vehicle. I would have preferred if it had AWD, remote start, and more comfortable seats. Additionally, this car is not ideal for driving in the snow, as the traction control system cannot be turned off and can limit the car's momentum when the wheels spin. Finally, the positioning of the backup camera is not ideal, as it is mounted under the lip of the trunk and can be obstructed by rainwater. I recommend taking a thorough test drive before considering purchasing this vehicle.The ride and MPG of this car are excellent. With 33,000 miles on the clock, I have experienced no issues whatsoever. Regular maintenance and careful driving have likely contributed to this. However, I am currently in the market for an AWD vehicle with remote start and more comfortable seats.
Luis Hayes 2025-02-14
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to bring to your attention that I've been experiencing some noise in the cabin of my 2019 Passat that I find to be quite bothersome. Is there anything that can be done to address this issue?
Virgil Wisoky 2025-02-11
We have owned five Passats in the current body style, including two 2013s (one of which was unfortunately totaled in an accident and replaced), a 2015, a 2017, and our current one, a 2020. While the 2020 model has a more powerful engine than its 4-cylinder 2017 predecessor, we did experience some surging at idle during the first 20,000 miles. The dealer recommended using premium fuel, which helped to some extent, but the issue never fully went away. At 27,000 miles, we had all 4 fuel injectors and the knock sensor replaced, which has improved the situation. We have found that the car runs okay on 88 octane. Unfortunately, we did experience issues with the shocks/struts before 15,000 miles, as there was essentially no damping and the car bounced all over the place. Additionally, after 28,000 miles, we noticed pronounced shuddering when applying the brakes moderately aggressively on long downhills, which has only gotten worse over time. The dealer checked the disc run-out and found a moderate amount, but unfortunately, brakes are not covered under warranty. Initially, they misdiagnosed the issue as overheating brake fluid and offered to flush and replace it for over $300, but we declined. As a result, we are now stuck with a car that we are paying almost $500/month for, which bounces like a carnival ride and shakes like it's coming apart under braking. While we would hope that Volkswagen would care enough about their reputation to find and implement a solution to alleviate our frustration, we are not holding our breath.
Ike Jacobi 2025-01-01
I've had the car for about a year now, and unfortunately, I've been experiencing some electrical issues since week one. Initially, the rear windows would go up and then close on their own. On one occasion, while driving on the highway, the car lost power and went into limp mode, which was quite concerning. I had to pull over, shut it off, and let the car reset. After starting it again, it seemed to be fine, but then it happened again. There were no check engine lights or any other warning signs, which made it even more frustrating. The dash lights flickered, and today, I lost all dash and touch screen. It was just black, and I was worried. However, after pulling over, I was relieved to find that everything was fine again. The touch screen seems to crash frequently, and the back-up camera goes out, but then it's fine again. It's been a horrid experience, and I don't feel safe driving it.