MODEL
Volkswagen Arteon Sel R-Line Safety
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.
For the 2021 through 2023 model years, the Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line has not been subjected to federal crash testing. This means no NHTSA star ratings or Safety Index are available, leaving a significant gap in objective crash protection data. In a market where many competitors have full federal or IIHS safety scores, this absence is notable. The Arteon's recall record is contained, with a single recall issued across the 2021 to 2023 model years. This modest count suggests no widespread safety defects, but any prospective buyer should ensure this recall has been addressed on a specific vehicle. Owner complaints submitted to NHTSA total 31 for the 2021-2023 period. These unverified allegations include one reported crash and one reported fire. The complaint volume is modest given the model's low sales, but the fire allegation warrants attention. No injuries or fatalities are reported within these complaint data. The absence of crash-test data for the Arteon presents a blind spot in its safety profile. Buyers prioritizing verified crash protection should consider this lack of information before purchase.
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.