2021 Volkswagen Golf recalls and problems

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf has 1 safety recall and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Volkswagen Golf vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Volkswagen Golf recalls

Recall 20V-716: Back Over Prevention

Reported Nov 18, 2020 · 32,048 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

2021 Volkswagen Golf problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	3
Service Brakes	2
Steering	1
Air Bags	1
Unknown or Other	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Engine	1
Power Train	1
Seat Belts	1

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Volkswagen Golf complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Apr 27, 2026

Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced intermittent drivability and shifting issues along with repeated EPC and check engine warnings. Diagnostic trouble code P0111 (intake air temperature plausibility) has been present along with other electrical and engine management faults. A Volkswagen dealership diagnosis indicated that the intake air temperature sensor and an additional engine insulation âhood blanketâ component (not originally installed on the vehicle) are required to address the issue. These components were presented as necessary to correct the fault and resolve…

Exterior Lighting · reported Jul 18, 2024

Headlight lens assembly of both headlights is cracking excessively. Upon review of online forums, this is happening frequently to many consumers. This impacts headlight output and looks to be manufacturing defect. Recently reported to dealer who indicated they have seen many of these recently and so far most have been handled by warranty but they would take pictures and submit. If this is known mfg defect why are their not proactive remedy/replacement?

Service Brakes · reported Feb 3, 2024

I was almost rear ended because Hill hold assist did not disengage quickly. Iâve driven manual transmission for over 40 years and find this hill hold dangerous!

Unknown or Other · reported Jan 25, 2024

The last few months my schedule changed and I'm driving in the dark now. The auto dimming mirror does not function as expected, it is too slow in response to prevent glare and blinding from vehicles behind me. By the time the mirror decides to dim I'm already blinded from the glare and can no longer see what is in front of me. Also, since it does not dim to the edge I still get blinded from the glare around the perimeter of the mirror (there is no way to adjust this to prevent it). Since this mirror is also "rimless" (no plastic cover on the edge) the polished edge causes light refraction…

Air Bags · reported Jan 18, 2023

Faulty door wiring harness leading driver side blinkers to stop working, windows randomly rolling down, rear collision detector errors, engine start/stop errors.

Other Volkswagen Golf years

2023 202220212020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Volkswagen Golf years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf: 20V-716 (back over prevention). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (3 reports), followed by service brakes (2).

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.