Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Volkswagen Passat
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Safety at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The Passat nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.0/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.6/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $25,743–$30,832, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Passat sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2021 Volkswagen Passat sits in the middle of the field. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $25,743 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 7%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Passat Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Volkswagen Passat scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Volkswagen Passat (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Volkswagen Passat that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
We rate the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's reliability 8.8/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #687 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 48% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat cost?
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat starts at $25,743 and ranges up to $30,832 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Passat years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Passat years we've rated are 2014 (6.9/10), 2013 (6.9/10), 2012 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Volkswagen Passat have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Wheels (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Passat
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More Volkswagen Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year