The Lemon Index2021 Volkswagen Passat.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is better than average by owner complaints: 12 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 51, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lane assist, it has 1 recall, and it gets 28 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Passat year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 18 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Passat year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Recalls 1
- wheels 2021
The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 349 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "Instructional document regarding the installation of a hotfix for the ODIS service software
- Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation Instruction (U.S
- Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Later Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Rear brakes needed to be replaced at 17,000 miles. Same thing happened to my wifeâs 2021 Passat.
2021 Volkswagen Passat owner · NHTSA complaint 11542362
More owner reports
Rear brakes needed to be replaced at less than 20k miles The dealer comped it since we lease 2 different 2021 VW Passats and they both needed their rear wheels replaced at sub 20k miles
NHTSA complaint 11542363
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 51; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Passat year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Passat problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lane assist (42%), brakes (33%) and lights (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?
1 safety recall (latest: wheels). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat get?
28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Passat year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2018 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works