AI Damage2021 Volkswagen Passat: common problems
The maker issued 335 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 335
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 91 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 66 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 65 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 46 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Seat belts | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Suggested fuel additive
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided
- Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair
Foreign bodies into the clock spring.
- Repair or Replace Information
- Replacement instruction
- Differences between a leak and seepage
- Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts…
- This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during…
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…
- Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- Multiple campaign closures dealer communication
- Inquiries
NHTSA lists 335 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 335 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA lists 335 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Volkswagen Passat from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.