Model year record

2021 Volkswagen GTI recalls & problems

The 2021 Volkswagen GTI has 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (3 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints4filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentJul 20, 2022

Electrical › Infotainment › Software

Recall 22V51400043,091 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Components: Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software; Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

GTI

27mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM-S7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

GTI

26mpg combined

City / highway	23 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical system	3	1	—
Power train	1	0	—
Engine	1	1	—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking	1	1	—
Air bags	1	0	—
Unknown or other	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: The MIB3 Infotainment Head Unit (specifically the internal eMMC memory chip) and the motorized rearview camera trunk emblem assembly.Inspection: Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?Risk: The backup camera screen completely freezes or goes black when reversing, causing a total loss of rear visibility that violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 and creates an immediate pedestrian strike hazard. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer…
May 19, 2026
Air bags
At around 38,000 miles (4 years into my lease), the airbag warning light came on in my 2021 Volkswagen GTI. Pasadena Volkswagen inspected the vehicle and confirmed the airbag control module had failed due to water intrusion from a clogged A/C drain tube, with a repair estimate of $1,974. Because the module is damaged, the airbag system is disabled and will not deploy in a crash, which puts my safety and the safety of passengers at risk. Volkswagen Customer Care (Case #07065500) reviewed the issue but declined assistance, stating my VIN is not part of Recall 21V-892, even though the defect matches the recall description exactly. The failed part remains in the vehicle and can be inspected…
Sep 12, 2025
Electrical system1 injury
My car has, on several occasions, slammed the breaks on while Iâm reversing, while suggesting that I am about to hit something, even though there is nothing there. It is very scary because I have no way of knowing when this will happen. Also it turns off the head unit and goes black while I am in reverse or trying to follow the directions. And finally the key sensor keeps saying my keys are not in the car while they are right there (had the battery replaced and that wasnât the problem) additionally the wipers are dangerous and go off for no reason constantly.
Mar 17, 2021
Power train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE FORWARD AND ROLLED INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER TOMS RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 256 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.
Jan 30, 2021 · 300 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.