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2021 Volkswagen Golf

Verified July 23, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

Compare
Safety
5
of 5 stars
Recalls
1
on record
MPG
32
combined

Open recalls on record

1 safety recall. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer — check the VIN before you buy.

Recalls1
Complaints6
Safety
Fuel

Vehicle Summary

2021 Volkswagen Golf

1 recall
6 complaints
32 MPG combined
5/5 safety rating

Before You Buy

Check all recalls are completed
Review consumer complaints
Verify no crash-related complaints
Get a pre-purchase inspection
Check vehicle history report
Verify title is clean

Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
1
Owner complaints
6
Complaints citing a crash
0

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalised by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

1 Recall on Record

These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign affecting this model year.

  • 20V716000high

    Rear-visibility system issue

    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."

Consumer complaints

6 owner reports filed with NHTSA.

6
Total
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries

Most reported components

  • ENGINE1
  • LIGHTING1
  • BRAKES1
  • OTHER1
  • AIR BAGS1

Normal Range

6 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA.

Most reported problems

engine problems (stalling, power loss, warning lights)1
lighting problems (headlights, taillights)1
brake problems (soft pedal, noise, failure)1

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Sedan
Drive type
FWD
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5

Fuel economy

29

City

36

Hwy

32

Comb

Annual cost
$1,900
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

NHTSA crash ratings

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Data sources

Explore related

Adjacent model years

All Volkswagen Golf years

Common problems

Volkswagen Golf problems

543 owner complaints analysed

Systems recalled

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Recall

    Recall 20V716000

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