NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Golf Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating. This strong performance in federal testing, combined with a single resolved recall, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This model year offers a solid safety profile for those considering a used vehicle.
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranks 52 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 52 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf lands at 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, one point below the 2020 model year's score of 88, both within the Strong band. That single-point dip is modest and traceable to the defect record component, where the one recall campaign touching the back-over prevention camera system nudged the score slightly. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is the dominant driver of this year's index, anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a standout 5-star side result. The 4-star frontal and rollover scores represent the only areas short of maximum protection. On the avoidance technology side, this year's Golf ships with forward collision warning and electronic stability control as standard equipment, earning 7 out of 10 in that sub-category, though the absence of standard lane departure warning prevents a higher avoidance score. The defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 reflects the limited recall footprint. Taken together, the 2021 Golf's safety picture is defined by strong structural performance, competent standard tech, and a narrow recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volkswagen Golf perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf achieved a perfect 5 stars in the side-crash test, its strongest result. NHTSA awarded the vehicle 5 stars overall. Frontal and rollover protection each received 4 stars. The rollover risk was measured at 13 percent, with a dynamic tip test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15572
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf carries one recall campaign, issued for a back-over prevention sensing system camera fault. The campaign covered several Volkswagen models including the Golf GTI. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive was associated with this campaign. Used-market buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V716000
Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
Six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The top components named in these unverified allegations are the Electrical System with three reports, Service Brakes with two, and Power Train and Engine with one each.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
Shoppers considering this 5-year-old Golf should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm the back-over prevention camera recall has been remedied. An unresolved recall on a used vehicle transfers to the new owner, so verification before purchase is a concrete, actionable step.
- The 2021 Golf's Safety Index of 87 dropped one point from the 2020 model year's 88, both in the Strong band, with the single recall campaign on the back-over prevention camera system accounting for the marginal difference in the defect record sub-score.
- NHTSA's side-crash test awarded this model year a perfect 5 stars, the Golf's strongest individual result, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars and rollover risk was measured at 13 percent with a No Tip dynamic result.
- The one recall covering this model year targets the back-over prevention sensing system camera, a safety-critical feature, and used-market buyers must verify by VIN that the remedy has been completed on any specific unit.
- Six unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System the most frequently cited component at three reports, and no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths recorded among those submissions.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volkswagen Golf places
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volkswagen Golf safety questions
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Golf crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volkswagen Golf, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Volkswagen Golf crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volkswagen Golf earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Golf years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15572), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Golf 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 52 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.