2021 Volkswagen Passat
The Verdict
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has no owner complaints on file with NHTSA. With a Klunk Score of 100/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating.
This is the cleanest year on record. Nice pick.
Klunk Score: Smooth Ride
This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 1
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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.
Risk
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 Volk...
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 104 | 199 | 55 | 145 | 20 |
| 2001 | 114 | 58 | 101 | 141 | 33 |
| 2002 | 113 | 67 | 225 | 219 | 24 |
| 2003 | 155 | 34 | 106 | 318 | 28 |
| 2004 | 66 | 14 | 36 | 131 | 36 |
| 2005 | 37 | 4 | 14 | 84 | 9 |
| 2006 | 138 | 33 | 184 | 176 | 32 |
| 2007 | 33 | 12 | 117 | 97 | 11 |
| 2008 | 22 | 4 | 38 | 104 | 6 |
| 2009 | 23 | 4 | 15 | 107 | 3 |
| 2010 | 16 | 0 | 50 | 71 | 26 |
| 2011 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2012 | 43 | 10 | 331 | 77 | 11 |
| 2013 | 124 | 7 | 424 | 160 | 14 |
| 2014 | 74 | 7 | 363 | 114 | 25 |
| 2015 | 54 | 17 | 97 | 67 | 7 |
| 2016 | 21 | 15 | 34 | 35 | 1 |
| 2017 | 40 | 17 | 34 | 13 | 3 |
| 2018 | 3 | 13 | 12 | 15 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Complaints
No complaints match your filters.