The 2021 Volkswagen Passat shows a commendable reliability profile highlighted by a single recall concern regarding wheel bearing bolt tightness. Prospective buyers should remain vigilant about this issue, particularly in the first 20,000 miles.
Key Factor:Isolated wheel recall
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Standard Safety Record
The 2021 Passat maintains a standard safety record for VOLKSWAGEN, with 1 recall documented.
1 recall for this vehicle3.0 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
๐Why This Matters
A single recall in a vehicle's initial years of service signals a generally stable engineering approach from Volkswagen. The specific issue pertains to the front wheel bearing bolts, where incorrect tightening could lead to heightened risks of wheel detachment, thereby compromising safety. For a midsize sedan like the Passat, known for its build quality and performance, the absence of broader defects further emphasizes its solid standing in the market.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Better than avg (3.0)
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Summary: Year-over-year, Volkswagen has maintained a reputation for reliability; however, this particular model year presents an isolated concern rather than systemic issues. Compared to previous models, the Passat's risk profile remains favorable as it shows improved management of manufacturing quality and safety protocols.
Safety & Reliability Score
90/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-1.75
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Passat
Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelPassat
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Oct13
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Passat. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
WHEELS
๐ฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Wheels
Issue: Incorrectly tightened front wheel bearing bolts.
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Immediately inspect wheel bearings and consult with a mechanic for torque specifications.
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Request proof of any repairs or inspections related to the wheel assembly.
Campaign:21V191
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (1)
Campaign: 21V812000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
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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.
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.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
The notable recall associated with the 2021 Volkswagen Passat involves incorrectly tightened front wheel bearing bolts which could pose safety risks. It's crucial for potential buyers to verify any corrective actions taken by previous owners to ensure safe operation.
How reliable is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat compared to earlier models?
The reliability of the 2021 VW Passat remains strong when compared to earlier models due largely to improved manufacturing practices. While it does have one recall concerning wheels, overall customer satisfaction and safety ratings suggest that it's a solid choice within its class.
๐Year-over-Year Context
๐Improving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 67%.
๐งญWhat 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 centerโrepairs 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
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific Passat year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.