NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat presents a genuinely favorable safety picture, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, which places it firmly in the Strong band. This assessment is supported by mostly solid crash-test results published by NHTSA. Only one recall has been issued for this model year, and there have been zero owner complaints reported to the agency.
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, 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 Passat ranks 66 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 66 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat marks a measurable step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising three points to 84/100 from the 2020 model year's 81/100, while remaining in the Strong band. That movement is driven by a near-perfect defect record score of 19 out of 20, which reflects the single-recall footprint and the complete absence of reported owner complaints. The crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 anchors the index, supported by a 5-star side result that stands as the strongest individual rating in the NCAP suite. The 3-star frontal score is the one figure that prevents a higher crash-protection total and deserves honest acknowledgment. Avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10, with forward collision warning and electronic stability control standard on this year's vehicle, though lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard, a distinction that matters when comparing trim levels. Taken together, the 2021 Passat's safety profile is defined less by any single dramatic result and more by a clean, low-noise defect record pairing with adequate crash-test coverage.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volkswagen Passat perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with a perfect 5-star side-crash rating. The frontal crash test, however, yielded a 3 out of 5 stars, marking a significant disparity in its protection profile. Rollover protection registered 4 stars, with an 11 percent rollover risk and a dynamic no-tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16090
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
One recall was issued for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, covering wheels, specifically lugs, nuts, bolts, and studs, related to front wheel bearing concerns. The campaign also applied to 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data. Used-market shoppers should confirm remedy completion by VIN.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS21V812000
Risk: The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
Reported 2021-10-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. No reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths appear in the complaint record. There are no top components to flag. While the absence of complaints is notable, all NHTSA complaint data represents unverified consumer allegations and not established facts.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
Shoppers considering a used 2021 Passat should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the front wheel bearing recall remedy has been completed. An unresolved recall on a 5-year-old vehicle is a concrete, checkable safety item before purchase.
- The 2021 Passat's Safety Index rose three points year-over-year to 84/100, a measurable improvement from the 2020 model's 81/100, driven largely by a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a 5-star side-crash rating, the strongest single result in its NCAP suite, while the 3-star frontal rating is the weakest and the most important figure to weigh for occupant protection.
- One recall was issued for this specific model year targeting front wheel bearing components, shared with the 2021 Atlas lineup. Used-market buyers must verify by VIN whether this remedy has been performed.
- Zero owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Passat, an unusually clean complaint record, though the absence of complaints does not constitute a safety guarantee and all NHTSA complaint data represents unverified allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volkswagen Passat places
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volkswagen Passat safety questions
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Passat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 Passat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 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 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Volkswagen Passat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Passat 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 16090), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Passat 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 66 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.