MODEL
Volkswagen Arteon Sel Premium R-Line Safety
NHTSA safety across every Volkswagen Arteon Sel Premium R-Line model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Volkswagen Arteon Sel Premium R-Line we cover (2021 to 2023), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line is a fastback four-door sedan occupying the upper end of the midsize near-luxury segment. Positioned as a sleek, European-flavored alternative to more common crossovers, it targets style-conscious buyers who want a sophisticated driving experience with premium appointments. The R-Line trim adds a sport-forward aesthetic that distinguishes it further from conventional family sedans.
For the 2021-2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line, critical crash-test data from NHTSA is absent. No federal star ratings are available, nor is a Safety Index score computed for these model years. This lack of independent crash-test validation represents a significant information gap for consumers considering a vehicle in this segment. The Arteon's recall record is limited, with only one recall issued across the 2021-2023 model years. This modest figure suggests a period free from widespread manufacturing or design defects. Owner complaints submitted to NHTSA total 31 for the same period. While this number is low, likely reflecting the Arteon's sales volume, it includes one report of a crash and one report of a fire. These remain unverified allegations, but the fire report specifically warrants careful consideration. No injuries or fatalities are noted within the complaint data. The safety assessment for the 2021-2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line is constrained by the absence of crash-test results. Buyers should recognize they are proceeding without the federal safety assurance that published crash-test data provides for other vehicles.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Arteon as one of the more refined and visually distinctive entries in its segment, praising its upscale interior materials, composed highway ride, and fastback proportions. Driving dynamics are described as polished and confidence-inspiring. Some reviewers note that the limited model availability and modest dealer network in the United States make the overall ownership proposition feel niche, though the premium feel is broadly acknowledged.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the Arteon for any model year from 2021 to 2023, so there are no federal star ratings available. Shoppers cannot compare its structural performance against rivals using government data.
- One recall has been issued across the 2021-2023 model years. Buyers should verify their specific VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm whether any open recall work has been completed.
- Among 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, one references a fire. While this is an unverified allegation, it is worth researching further before purchase, particularly for the specific model year of any vehicle you are considering.
- The Arteon's low complaint count reflects its limited U.S. sales volume rather than necessarily indicating a cleaner safety record. Fewer vehicles on the road means fewer data points, so the complaint picture should be interpreted with that context in mind.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Volkswagen Arteon Sel Premium R-Line with 1 recalls.