Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
No recalls on record for this model
No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
3
Most reports here involve fire. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
Date: March 9, 2026 FORMAL COMPLAINT: Safety Concern Regarding Unintended Acceleration** Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon VIN: [XXX] Purchased From: Clay Cooley Volkswagen (October 2024) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a series of escalating electrical and mechanical failures regarding my 2021 Volkswagen Arteon. While the vehicle initially presented minor electrical glitches, the situation has recently devolved into a severe safety hazard that puts my life, and the lives of others, at risk. Timeline of Issues: Since my purchase in October 2024, I have experienced the following: * Infotainment Failure: The radio display frequently fails to render images or remains unresponsive. * Key Recognition Issues: The vehicle intermittently fails to recognize the key fob is present, leading to ignition delays. * Unintended Acceleration: Most critically, as of today, [XXX], the vehicle has spontaneously accelerated three times immediately upon being shifted from Park into Drive, without any input on the accelerator pedal. Urgent Safety Request The sudden, unexpected acceleration is a catastrophic failure of the vehicle's drive system. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle, nor do I feel comfortable allowing my family to use it. This is a critical liability that must be addressed before an accident results in property damage, injury, or loss of life. I am requesting an immediate investigation into these malfunctions. I expect a prompt response regarding: 1. A safe method for transporting the vehicle to a certified technician (towing). 2. A comprehensive diagnostic review of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and throttle assembly. 3. The provision of a safe loaner vehicle while these life-threatening defects are remediat INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11723077 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
2
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
The infotainment system begins to lag after being connect for >30 minutes. The touch screen stops responding to immediate inputs and takes up to 15 seconds to respond. Soon after, the screen will go black and not display any information when connected to CarPlay. Controls become very slow to respond and the map colors and images becomes scrambled making the driver spend a much longer period of time trying to navigate safely. To correct the issue, the vehicle must be turned off.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11506738 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
8
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
Several of the tires showing delamination according to the dealership. Extremely hazardous to drive on tires as is. Manufacturer (Continental) advised me on 9/25/2025 they would replace 5 tires (car purchased new, came with full size spare). Continental representative give me their contact information and stated that they would have to deal directly with the dealership in order to complete the process. Dealership is stating to me at this point I will have to purchase the tires, the manufacturer will reimburse used them and they in turn will reimburse me. The dealer is in possession of my vehicle since Friday, 9/26/25 because they told me Ithe vehicle had to be on their premises before they could initiate the work order. Additionally on the evening of 9/26/25, the dealership personnel left the sunroof of my car fully open, there was a downpour of rain for several hours, causing water to enter the car (what the damages are as a result has not been relayed to me nor has the dealership order the tires to replace the defective ones.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11690832 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
1
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
In differing lighting conditions, the forward-looking sensor that controls my frontal assist becomes disabled. The system automatically retests itself occasionally, and sometimes straightens itself out but on other occasions, it just makes a bell sound, and reminds me that my frontal assist is not available at this time. I have brought this to the attention of my Volkswagen dealer in Kalispell Montana on multiple occasions and they have yet to fix the issue. The front glass or windscreen has been replaced two times and neither time were they able to correct the issue.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11538398 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov