2021 VOLKSWAGEN Arteon

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon exhibits a mixed reliability profile, evidenced by four recalls that notably impact critical components such as brakes and back over prevention systems. Despite these issues, the absence of consumer complaints indicates a certain level of operational satisfaction.

Key Factor:Multiple recalls present

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of multiple recalls in the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is significant, particularly concerning critical components like the hydraulic brakes and rear view camera. The potential for brake failure due to loose connections or malfunctioning safety systems could pose serious risks to drivers and passengers, highlighting the importance of adhering to Volkswagen's recall notices. A vehicle in this class should ideally reflect impeccable safety standards given its positioning in the luxury segment.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (3.0)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary: Year-over-year analysis shows some upward trends in safety concerns for Volkswagen models, as reflected by the Arteon's recalls. While the overall complaint rate is low, which suggests limited widespread consumer dissatisfaction, the nature of the identified issues presents a more concerning risk profile than what might typically be expected for a luxury vehicle.

Safety & Reliability Score

59/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-4
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Arteon

Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelArteon
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Mar14
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
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No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Arteon. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICTIRESBACK OVER PREVENTION

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service Brakes

Issue: Potential detachment of pressure input rod connection on brake booster.

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Schedule brake system inspection immediately to ensure safety.

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Verify any completed recall repairs related to brake systems before purchasing.

2

Back Over Prevention System

Issue: Malfunctioning rear view camera leading to safety visibility concerns.

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Check camera functionality regularly; report any malfunctions to a dealer.

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Ensure rear view camera is operational during test drive; inquire about any software updates performed.

3

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Issue: 'Incorrectly calibrated TPMS sensors may fail after tire rotation.'

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'Inspect and recalibrate TPMS sensors at your earliest convenience.'

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'Confirm proper sensor operation before finalizing purchase.'

๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 21V695000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Arteon vehicles. The pressure input rod connection on the brake booster may be loose and could detach.

Consequence

A detached pressure input rod will cause the brake pedal to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will tighten the pressure input rod connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R3.

Additional 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.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V274000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Arteon vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors were incorrectly calibrated and may not detect the position of a wheel sensor after tire rotation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

The TPMS may misidentify a tire with low air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheel electronics and tire valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R2.

Additional 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.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V716000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

Additional 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.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V514000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Additional 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.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Arteon.

INV-2021-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Arteon performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 39,288

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What should I know about the reliability of a used 2021 Volkswagen Arteon?'

'When considering a used 2021 Volkswagen Arteon, itโ€™s essential to note that while there are no consumer complaints logged against it, there are four recalls affecting crucial systems like brakes and camera operations. Ensure you check with the seller to confirm whether all recall repairs have been addressed before making a purchase.'

'How do recalls affect my decision when buying a new car?'

'Recalls indicate potential safety or quality issues with specific vehicle components. When buying a new car like the Volkswagen Arteon, understanding these recalls can inform your decision-making process regarding maintenance responsibilities and overall reliability. Always verify if necessary repairs have been made by authorized dealers.'

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“‰Elevated Activity

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new back over prevention components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 100% versus the 2020 version.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified VOLKSWAGEN service centerโ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in VOLKSWAGEN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.