MODEL
Volkswagen Arteon Sel Premium R-Line
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.
From a pure safety-data standpoint, the 2021-2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line presents a notably thin picture, and shoppers deserve to know that upfront. NHTSA has not crash-tested this model during any of the years we cover, meaning there are no federal star ratings or Safety Index scores to reference. That absence of independent crash-test validation is a real gap for a vehicle in this price class, and it is the single most important safety caveat we can offer. On the recall side, the Arteon carries just one recall across the 2021-2023 span, which is a relatively modest figure for a three-year window. That is not a green light, but it does suggest Volkswagen has not faced cascading manufacturing or design crises with this generation. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA total 31 across those model years, a low absolute count that reflects the Arteon's limited sales volume in the United States. Among those filings, one complaint references a crash and one references a fire. These are unverified allegations, but the fire report in particular warrants attention from any prospective buyer. No injuries or deaths appear in the complaint record. The bottom line is straightforward: the Arteon is a visually compelling car with a thin safety-data footprint. The lack of crash-test results is not a condemnation, but it does mean you are buying without the safety assurance that tested competitors can provide.
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.