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 free.

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

Combined32–33 mpg

Free: 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 7 Oct 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 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.

2021 Volkswagen GOLF vehicles on record

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 free.

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 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.