NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz Safety Ratings
The 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz achieves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in its overall NHTSA crash-test rating. This strong performance in federal testing contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it squarely in the "Strong" safety band for its debut year. The vehicle enters the market with two recorded recalls and 12 unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The available data indicates a well-performing vehicle on safety metrics.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz ranks 87 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz?
The 2025 ID.Buzz debuts with a NHTSA Safety Index score of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This inaugural score reflects a robust crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, alongside a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology. The ID.Buzz is equipped with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Its defect-record sub-score of 17 out of 20 was impacted by two recall campaigns. One recall addresses the instrument cluster, citing concerns that a malfunctioning brake warning light could obscure critical brake-system alerts. The second recall addresses a structural seating configuration issue in the third row. These early-production corrections are typical for a new model year, and neither recall necessitates a park-outside advisory. While the 12 reported owner complaints are a modest volume for a new launch, the two alleged crash reports and the specific cluster of complaints related to Service Brakes will require ongoing monitoring.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz perform in crash tests?
The 2025 ID.Buzz earned an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact performance was a standout, securing a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 stars. The ID.Buzz registered a 13-percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing. All crash-test categories for this model year are rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20378
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued in April, targets the electrical system instrument cluster, specifically a brake system warning light fault. The second, issued in May, addresses the mid and rear seat assembly, flagging a third-row rear bench width concern. Neither campaign has been designated a park-outside or do-not-drive order based on available NHTSA data.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY25V269000
Risk: In the event that more than two passengers sit in the rear bench seat, there would not be enough seat belts, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install trim to adjust the width of the third-row rear seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72LC.
Reported 2025-05-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V233000
Risk: An incorrectly displayed warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90A2.
Reported 2025-04-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz?
Twelve unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 ID.Buzz. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other components leading at four reports, followed by Structure and Service Brakes at two each, with single allegations touching the Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control, and Back Over Prevention. Two complaints allege crash involvement.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz?
Prospective owners of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz must verify the completion of two significant safety recalls. The first addresses a malfunctioning brake warning light, a critical indicator of braking system integrity. The second recall concerns the third-row seat assembly, a component vital for passenger safety in the event of a collision. Before purchasing any 2025 ID.Buzz, buyers should confirm with a Volkswagen dealer that both corrective actions have been applied to the specific vehicle's VIN.
- The 2025 ID.Buzz is the model's first indexed year, scoring 88/100 in the Strong band with no prior-year baseline for comparison.
- An NHTSA recall targets the instrument cluster brake warning light on this specific model year, a safety-relevant electrical fault that should be verified as remedied by VIN.
- A second 2025-specific recall covers the third-row rear bench seat assembly width, requiring confirmation of repair before carrying rear-row passengers.
- Twelve unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, with Service Brakes appearing as a reported concern alongside Structure and an unclassified Other category, making this a complaint cluster worth tracking as the file matures.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz places
The 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz safety questions
Was the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Id.Buzz. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20378), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Id.Buzz 2025.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 87 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.