2021 Volkswagen Golf Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
22/100
#15 most-complained of 19 Golf years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf has 7 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 22 out of 100 — #15 highest of 19 Golf model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is electrical system (4 complaints, 57% of the total).
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32.5
- 29 city / 37.5 hwy
Top 2021 Volkswagen Golf problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System4 (57%)
- Brakes2 (29%)
- Airbags1 (14%)
- Engine1 (14%)
- Other1 (14%)
- Seat Belts1 (14%)
- Steering1 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (14%)
2021 Volkswagen Golf recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V716000Nov 18, 2020Collision Avoidance & Cameras32,048 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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."
Risk: 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.
2021 Volkswagen Golf fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 29 MPG
- Highway
- 37.5 MPG
- Combined
- 32.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Golf years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranks #15 of 19 among Golf model years (Complaint Index 22/100, verdict: Best). It has 7 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), and airbags (1 complaints).
- Does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf, most recently reported 2020, covering collision avoidance & cameras.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- EPA rates the 2021 Volkswagen Golf at 32.5 MPG combined (29 city / 37.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.