2021 Volkswagen Passat Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 6%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,995miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,995 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the engine stalled. The low oil pressure and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the piston ring and engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,995.”
NHTSA complaint #11678501, filed 2025-08, 37,995 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10250798Feb 22, 2024VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10245607Nov 22, 2023VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10242898Sep 5, 2023Flushing an R1234YF A/C circuit using a flush machine
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10239653Jul 10, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10238305Jun 26, 2023Correct engine oil level during Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI)
- 10238307Jun 20, 2023Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.
- 10238306Jun 20, 2023Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.
- 10238300Jun 15, 2023Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.
- 10238297Jun 15, 2023Diagnostic Aid for engine misfire.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 32 | 12% |
| 2006 | 66 | 11% |
| 2005 | 50 | 34% |
| 2004 | 59 | 21% |
| 2003 | 131 | 21% |
| 2002 | 135 | 21% |
| 2001 | 92 | 21% |
| 2000 | 94 | 19% |
| 1999 | 86 | 13% |
| 1998 | 39 | 12% |
| 1997 | 7 | 19% |
| 1996 | 5 | 13% |
| 1995 | 19 | 20% |
| 1994 | 9 | 36% |
| 1993 | 18 | 26% |
| 1992 | 17 | 44% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 12 | 35% |
Other parts of the 2021 Volkswagen Passat
5 complaintsLane departure
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology