2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified5ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
โœ“Good Reliability

This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the VOLKSWAGEN brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Crack
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (3.0)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary:
Critical Component: Crack

Safety & Reliability Score

92/100
Excellent

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.25
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf

Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelGolf
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul22
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (20% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 5 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸกMedium
1(20%)
๐ŸŸขLow
4(80%)
โœ…Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (1)

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.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
โœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

5 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Golf.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Crack20%
Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight lens assembly of both headlights is cracking excessively. Upon review of online forums, this is happening frequently to many consumers. This impacts headlight output and looks to be manufacturing defect. Recently reported to dealer who indicated they have seen many of these recently and so far most have been handled by warranty but they would take pictures and submit. If this is known mfg defect why are their not proactive remedy/replacement?

Jul 18, 2024Resolved
Brakes๐Ÿ”ต Low
SERVICE BRAKES

I was almost rear ended because Hill hold assist did not disengage quickly. Iโ€™ve driven manual transmission for over 40 years and find this hill hold dangerous!

Feb 3, 2024Resolved
Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The last few months my schedule changed and I'm driving in the dark now. The auto dimming mirror does not function as expected, it is too slow in response to prevent glare and blinding from vehicles behind me. By the time the mirror decides to dim I'm already blinded from the glare and can no longer see what is in front of me. Also, since it does not dim to the edge I still get blinded from the glare around the perimeter of the mirror (there is no way to adjust this to prevent it). Since this mirror is also "rimless" (no plastic cover on the edge) the polished edge causes light refraction thereby blinding me in daylight. Currently the only way to prevent glare from the mirror is point it down to the floor rendering useless and dangerous.

Jan 25, 2024Resolved
Electrical๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

Faulty door wiring harness leading driver side blinkers to stop working, windows randomly rolling down, rear collision detector errors, engine start/stop errors.

Jan 18, 2023Resolved
Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

red power steering system light turned on and flashed/beeped 3X. steering wheel locked up and I could not turn. I was on the freeway in the far right lane and managed to force push the steering wheel to the right and slowly merge over to the shoulder. Volks in Kearny Mesa confirmed issue with steering gear after inspection on 6/21/2022. The steering gear needs to be replaced as the first step. No symptoms prior to malfunction. I could have died if I was in any other lane as there was a lot of cars on the freeway. I got lucky.

Jul 23, 2022Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf?

Yes, the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA.

Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf safe to drive?

The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local VOLKSWAGEN dealer.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

โžก๏ธStable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V716000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.

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.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your VOLKSWAGEN dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.
โš–๏ธ

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.