2021 Volkswagen GOLF problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

Q: What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF get?

The 2021 Volkswagen GOLF has U.S. EPA estimates of 32–33 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

2021 Volkswagen GOLF at a glance

Safety recalls1

Owner complaints7

Overall safety5 / 5 ★

Combined32–33 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Volkswagen GOLF recalls 1

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera NHTSA Campaign #20V716000 · manufacturer #91BB / 91BC · 18/11/2020

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."

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Volkswagen GOLF common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Seat Belts

Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Exterior Lighting

Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2021 Volkswagen GOLF safety ratings

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Frontal — driver★★★★★

Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Side — front seat★★★★★

Side — rear seat★★★★★

Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 13.4% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2021 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2021 Volkswagen GOLF MPG & running costs

Combined32–33 mpg

City29 mpg

Highway38 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,075

EPA size classCompact Cars

TransmissionAutomatic (S8) or Manual 6-spd

Forced inductionTurbocharged

Engine start-stopOn some versions

Passenger volume93 cu ft

Cargo volume16 cu ft

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,625 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Volkswagen GOLF costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,375

Fuel only$10,375

Per mile$0.14

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length

167.3 in

Width

70.9 in

Height

57.1 in

Wheelbase

103.5 in

Curb weight

2,906–3,038 lb

Front track

60.6 in

Rear track

59.4–59.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 423

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 423.

Suggested fuel additive

Bulletin V0116152014815_20 · Engine · Sep 2026

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

Bulletin SM 39-2026 · Sep 2026

Repair or Replace Information

Bulletin V4622022067177_5 · Service Brakes · Aug 2026

Replacement instruction

Bulletin V4015022033347_8 · Power Train · Aug 2026

Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order

Bulletin TT 00-13-04_7 · Aug 2026

Differences between a leak and seepage

Bulletin V0026012081638_2 · Aug 2026

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive…

Bulletin VOS-26-42 · Electrical System · Jul 2026

Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement

Bulletin V1718062017813_24 · Engine · Jul 2026

Lubricating engine components before reassembly.

Bulletin TT 10-18-02_2 · Engine · Jun 2026

Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.

Bulletin TT 13-20-01_3 · Engine · Jun 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the GOLF FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Visual System

Issue: Under certain conditions, the rearview camera image may not appear on the center screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a cras…

Transport Canada #2022382 · Jul 2022

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display or cause it to freeze. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could…

Transport Canada #2020556 · Nov 2020

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Volkswagen GOLF

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1). The Golf is Volkswagen's bestseller and the third best-selling automobile of all time, with over 37 million units sold worldwide.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2021 Volkswagen GOLF vehicles on record

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW518458

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW511241

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW509954

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW520016

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW515188

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW502506

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW500809

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW005233

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW512755

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW509604

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW504621

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW106776

2021 Volkswagen GOLF3VWG57AU5MM015684

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW510382

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW501405

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW501558

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW512664

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW117175

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW505644

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW008833

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW100517

2021 Volkswagen GOLF3VWG57AU5MM014146

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZMW514174

2021 Volkswagen GOLFWVWZZZCDZNW515975

Other Volkswagen GOLF model years

2021 Volkswagen GOLF — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF?

Across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, seat belts.

What is the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Volkswagen GOLF get?

The 2021 Volkswagen GOLF has U.S. EPA estimates of 32–33 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.