repaired · 2024 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Volkswagen GTIProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen GTI, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 22V-514 the manufacturer reports only 87% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Volkswagen GTI has problems
4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
1Air bags
1Engine1 crash/fire/injury
1Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
1Power train
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2021 Volkswagen GTI recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other GTI year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GTI median. How we score
'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What GTI owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
My car has, on several occasions, slammed the breaks on while I’m 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…
Own a 2021 GTI?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.