MODEL
Volkswagen Arteon Sel R-Line
NHTSA safety across every Volkswagen Arteon Sel R-Line model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Volkswagen Arteon Sel 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 R-Line is a sleek, fastback-style four-door that slots into the near-luxury midsize sedan segment. Positioned above the Passat and aimed at style-conscious buyers who want European refinement without a premium badge premium, the Arteon competes on design and driving character rather than sheer volume, making it a niche but genuinely distinctive choice in the American market.
Here is the uncomfortable truth about the Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line from a pure safety standpoint: for the 2021 through 2023 model years we cover, NHTSA has not crash-tested this vehicle. That means there is no Safety Index, no star ratings, and no federal crash-test data for shoppers to lean on. In a segment where competitors often carry full federal or IIHS scores, that absence is a real gap and buyers deserve to know it upfront. On the recall front, the Arteon carries a single recall across our covered window, which is a relatively contained number for a three-year span. That is not cause for alarm, but it should prompt any shopper to verify the recall has been addressed on any specific vehicle they consider. Owner complaints through NHTSA total 31 across 2021 to 2023, with one reported crash and one reported fire among those unverified allegations. The complaint volume is modest given the model's low sales numbers in the US, but the fire allegation in particular is worth noting. No injuries or fatalities are reported in that data. The bottom line is straightforward: the Arteon is an appealing, low-volume fastback, but the complete absence of crash-test data leaves a meaningful blind spot in its safety profile. Shoppers who prioritize verified crash protection should weigh that gap carefully before signing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Arteon for its striking fastback styling, composed and refined driving dynamics, and an interior that punches above its price point with quality materials and a polished, upscale feel. Most find the driving experience genuinely engaging for the segment. Common criticisms tend to center on rear passenger space given the sloping roofline and the model's limited US dealer footprint.
- The Arteon SEL R-Line has not been crash-tested by NHTSA for any of the 2021 to 2023 model years covered here, meaning there are no federal star ratings to guide your safety comparison against rivals.
- One recall is on record across the 2021 to 2023 model years. Before purchasing any used example, confirm through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that the recall remedy has been completed.
- Owner complaints filed with NHTSA across those three years total 31, including one reported crash and one reported fire. These are unverified allegations, but the fire report in particular is worth investigating further before purchase.
- The Arteon's low US sales volume means the complaint and recall dataset is inherently small, which can make safety trends harder to detect. Treat the lack of negative data with appropriate caution rather than reading it as a clean bill of health.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Volkswagen Arteon Sel R-Line with 1 recalls.