NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Safety Ratings
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 40 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
An exceptional safety profile defines the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100. This sedan entered the market with no recalls on file, a rare distinction for a new model year. The strong crash-test performance reported by NHTSA further solidifies its standing.
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI ranks 45 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 133% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 40 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 45 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The 2022 model year represents a meaningful safety step forward for the Jetta GLI. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed nine points to 91 out of 100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band it occupied in 2021 at 82 out of 100 into the Exceptional band. That jump is driven by a near-perfect defect record score of 19.5 out of 20, which reflects the complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 aligns with the NHTSA star picture: a 5-star overall, a perfect 5-star side rating, and 4-star results in frontal and rollover. The avoidance-tech component scores a full 10 out of 10, supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment. The 40 owner complaints on file, while worth monitoring, are unverified allegations and did not trigger any recall action. The concentration of alleged reports around brakes, engine, and electrical systems is worth noting for any prospective buyer, but the absence of a federal remedy campaign means no established defect has been confirmed by NHTSA for this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly robust, also earning 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle exhibits a rollover risk of 13.3 percent, with dynamic testing indicating no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16509
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have any recalls?
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
NHTSA has logged 40 unverified owner complaints against this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 12 reports, Engine with 11, and Electrical System with 10. Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure also appear, with 8 and 7 alleged reports respectively. All are unverified consumer allegations.
40 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI has no open recalls on file with NHTSA. Prospective owners should always check a specific vehicle's VIN for any campaigns issued after this analysis. Verifying that any applicable recall remedies were performed prior to sale is a critical step for any used vehicle purchase.
- The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a distinction that directly contributed to its near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 and separates this model year from many competitors.
- The nine-point Safety Index gain from 82 in 2021 to 91 in 2022 is one of the larger single-year jumps in this segment, driven primarily by the clean recall record rather than a change in crash-test hardware.
- NHTSA logged 40 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with Service Brakes the most frequently alleged category at 12 reports, followed closely by Engine at 11 and Electrical System at 10.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this model year, earning a full 10 out of 10 in the avoidance-tech component of the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI places
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI safety questions
Was the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 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 133%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 40 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. 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.
Other Jetta GLI years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16509), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2022.
- 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 45 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.