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1VWSA7A35MC0153442021 VOLKSWAGEN PassatSE

Risk Score
3
LOW RISK
out of 100
Safety Recalls
1 Found
1 campaign
NHTSA Complaints
None
No complaints filed
Safety Rating
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
Vehicle Age
5 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
Safety Grade
C+
Score: 78/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2021 VOLKSWAGEN Passat was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase.

  • ▸1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • ▸Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
3/100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts
Title Brand CheckMined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Vehicle SpecificationsDecoded from NHTSA vPIC database
Make
VOLKSWAGEN
Model
Passat
Year
2021
Trim / Series
SE
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.0L 174 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
Assembly
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant QualityVolkswagen Chattanooga Assembly
B+Quality74/100
Good📍 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

Builds Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4 EV. Strong initial quality scores.

Safety
Safety IntelligenceComposite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
Overall Safety Grade
C+
Score: 78/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

Modern Safety Index
84/100
Comprehensive
15 of 20 safety features detected
Shared Platform Risk

2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented

Also affects: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, A3, Q3
Driver Assistance FeaturesADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Forward Collision Warning✓Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB✓Standard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist✓Standard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert✓Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control✓Standard
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification~Optional
Dynamic Brake Support✓Standard
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls
Deferred Failure RiskComponents and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
33/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
4 component(s) approaching service intervals within the next 20,000 miles. Factor routine maintenance costs into your ownership budget.
⚠No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~60,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
MONITORCriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~60,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Water Pump service before 100,000 mi
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 5 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 5 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
MONITORModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~60,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) service before 100,000 mi
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
11 RECALL
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~68%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

68%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

VOLKSWAGEN Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

VOLKSWAGEN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#21V812000
Invalid Date

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceThe bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall IntelligenceDetailed analysis of recall history and severity
Systems Recalled
Suspension/Wheels
Recall Remedy Breakdown
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Complaints
Details & Analysis
Financial
5-Year Total Cost of OwnershipEstimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
$34,084
~$568/mo over 5 yrs
$0.6/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$8,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $34,084 (~$568/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation AmmunitionUse these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
Total recommended deduction−$500
Pre-Purchase Inspection ChecklistTailored for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Passat — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
HIGH
Verify recall WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
Recall Probability ForecastEstimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance ScheduleOEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official VOLKSWAGEN Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Insurance Cost EstimateEstimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 5-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty HistoryFederal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

VOLKSWAGEN has been fined $19000M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2017: Criminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate.

2016$14700MDieselgate settlement — defeat device software in TDI engines to cheat EPA emissions tests
2017$4300MCriminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate
State-Specific Legal ProtectionsWhat consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data TableAll decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1VWSA7A35MC015344
Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelPassat
TrimSE
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeFWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.0
Horsepower174

Manufacturer

ManufacturerVOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
Assembly CityCHATTANOOGA
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1VW
Check Digit (Char 9)5
Model Year Code (Char 10)M
Plant Code (Char 11)C
Sequence (Chars 12–17)015344

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count0
VIN Structure DecodeISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
1
1
V
2
W
3
S
4
A
5
7
6
A
7
3
8
5
9
M
10
C
11
0
12
1
13
5
14
3
15
4
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
V
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
W
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
SA7A3
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
5
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
M
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
C
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
015344
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"M" → 2021
Could also be 1991
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all VOLKSWAGEN VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/15/2026, 5:56:17 AM.