VIN REPORT

3VW6T7AU9MM0067802021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTIS / SE / Autobahn

0of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
Clear
No open recalls
Safety Grade
B-
80/100 composite
Complaints
10
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
5 yrs
Made in MEXICO
BUYPurchase Verdict

2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 10 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI

2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 10 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 1 injury reported across 10 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: electrical problems
  • Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
Owner Complaint Intelligence

10 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (60%), Engine/Powertrain (20%), Brakes (10%). Common issues: electrical problems. 1 injury reported.

Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined 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 Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
VOLKSWAGEN
Model
Golf GTI
Year
2021
Trim / Series
S / SE / Autobahn
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.0L 228 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly
PUEBLA, MEXICO
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Assembly Plant Quality

Volkswagen de México (Puebla)

BQuality61/100
Standard📍 PUEBLA, MEXICO

Builds Jetta and Taos for North America. Average quality; some Jetta recall campaigns.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

67/100
Advanced
9 of 20 safety features detected

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

Also affects: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, A3, Q3

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency BrakingStandard
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering AssistStandard
Blind Spot MonitoringStandard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

20/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The electrical system is the most-reported problem for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI — 6 NHTSA complaints (60% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalElectrical
6 owner complaints · 60% of all filings · 1 injury
Inspect the electrical system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI
Owners of the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
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.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
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

CLEAR
0found
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2021 VOLKSWAGEN.
1 in 10

1 injuries reported across 10 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints10

Complaint Intelligence

10 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories

Electrical
1 inj6
Engine/Powertrain
2
Brakes
1
Other
1
2021
2
2022
1
2023
1
2024
3
2025
1
2026
2
50% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Stable -25%
3
Last 24 months
4
Prior 24 months
PEAKS SUMMER (JUN–AUG)

50% of complaints filed in Jul & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Electrical failure2
Engine stalling1
Conditions Reported
Rain/wet (1)Highway/high-speed (1)Startup (1)Parking/low-speed (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

10 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

10found
1
Injury
ODI #11753561ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,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 or independent service center?Confirmation: Yes. The authorized Volkswagen dealership confirmed the system defect, performed the factory safety recall software update, and witnessed the failure continue immediately after the service. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?Inspection: Yes, it was inspected and worked on by the authorized Volkswagen dealership service technicians. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?Symptoms: The infotainment screen repeatedly freezes or turns black, and the motorized rear camera cover physically sticks wide open. Timeline/Details: These issues began during routine operation. The dealership attempted a temporary fix by replacing the electrical fuse, but the short circuit caused the replacement fuses to blow twice in a row, confirming a permanent internal hardware failure that should be covered as a failed recall remedy under manufacturer warranty.

ODI #11733997POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced intermittent drivability and shifting issues along with repeated EPC and check engine warnings. Diagnostic trouble code P0111 (intake air temperature plausibility) has been present along with other electrical and engine management faults. A Volkswagen dealership diagnosis indicated that the intake air temperature sensor and an additional engine insulation “hood blanket” component (not originally installed on the vehicle) are required to address the issue. These components were presented as necessary to correct the fault and resolve intermittent shifting behavior. The shifting issue is intermittent but occurs during normal driving and raises safety concerns due to unpredictable drivability and transmission behavior. The vehicle continues to exhibit warning lights and unresolved performance issues despite multiple repair attempts. The dealership has not identified a clear root cause, and prior repairs including sensor and EVAP-related components have not resolved the condition. Given the involvement of transmission-related drivability concerns and repeated unresolved electronic faults affecting engine performance, I am filing this complaint as a potential safety-related defect affecting normal vehicle operation.

ODI #11690962ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,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 upon request.

ODI #11603172EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight lens assembly of both headlights is cracking excessively. Upon review of online forums, this is happening frequently to many consumers. This impacts headlight output and looks to be manufacturing defect. Recently reported to dealer who indicated they have seen many of these recently and so far most have been handled by warranty but they would take pictures and submit. If this is known mfg defect why are their not proactive remedy/replacement?

ODI #11569730SERVICE BRAKES

I was almost rear ended because Hill hold assist did not disengage quickly. I’ve driven manual transmission for over 40 years and find this hill hold dangerous!

ODI #11567687UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The last few months my schedule changed and I'm driving in the dark now. The auto dimming mirror does not function as expected, it is too slow in response to prevent glare and blinding from vehicles behind me. By the time the mirror decides to dim I'm already blinded from the glare and can no longer see what is in front of me. Also, since it does not dim to the edge I still get blinded from the glare around the perimeter of the mirror (there is no way to adjust this to prevent it). Since this mirror is also "rimless" (no plastic cover on the edge) the polished edge causes light refraction thereby blinding me in daylight. Currently the only way to prevent glare from the mirror is point it down to the floor rendering useless and dangerous.

ODI #11502342ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

Faulty door wiring harness leading driver side blinkers to stop working, windows randomly rolling down, rear collision detector errors, engine start/stop errors.

ODI #11475447STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

red power steering system light turned on and flashed/beeped 3X. steering wheel locked up and I could not turn. I was on the freeway in the far right lane and managed to force push the steering wheel to the right and slowly merge over to the shoulder. Volks in Kearny Mesa confirmed issue with steering gear after inspection on 6/21/2022. The steering gear needs to be replaced as the first step. No symptoms prior to malfunction. I could have died if I was in any other lane as there was a lot of cars on the freeway. I got lucky.

ODI #11430839ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1 INJURY

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 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 wasn’t the problem) additionally the wipers are dangerous and go off for no reason constantly.

ODI #11394825POWER 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.

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI — recall years marked in red
023050100202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 10 NHTSA complaints on file for the VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI — a relatively low volume that spans from 2021 to 2026.

The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 96/100 in 2024.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$30,084
~$501/mo over 5 yrs
$0.5/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $30,084 (~$501/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Golf GTI — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
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 Forecast

Estimated 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 Schedule

OEM-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.

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

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 3VW6T7AU9MM006780. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated 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 History

Federal 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 Protections

What 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 Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN3VW6T7AU9MM006780
Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelGolf GTI
TrimS / SE / Autobahn
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.0
Horsepower228

Manufacturer

ManufacturerVOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly CityPUEBLA
Assembly CountryMEXICO

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)3VW
Check Digit (Char 9)9
Model Year Code (Char 10)M
Plant Code (Char 11)M
Sequence (Chars 12–17)006780

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count10

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

3
1
V
2
W
3
6
4
T
5
7
6
A
7
U
8
9
9
M
10
M
11
0
12
0
13
6
14
7
15
8
16
0
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
3
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
V
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
W
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
6T7AU
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
9
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
M
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
M
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
006780
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Mexico
From VIN position 1 (3)
Model Year Character
"M" → 2021
Could also be 1991
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

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: 8/2/2026, 8:14:13 AM.