NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Safety Ratings
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 21 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating underpins the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI's Strong band placement in the NHTSA Safety Index, where it scored 87 out of 100. Standard crash-avoidance technology also contributes to this assessment. However, two active recall campaigns warrant careful consideration for prospective buyers.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI ranks 67 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 | 87 / 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 | 21 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The 2025 Jetta GLI posts a Safety Index of 87 out of 100, a two-point retreat from the 2024 model year's 89. The drop is modest but traceable: the defect record sub-score lands at 15.8 out of a possible 20, pulled down by two recall campaigns that both arrived in early 2026. Crash protection at 61 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10 remain clear strengths for this year specifically. The five-star overall NHTSA rating, anchored by a perfect five-star side-protection result, gives the 2025 GLI a credible structural safety foundation. What distinguishes this model year from its predecessor is precisely that dual-recall burden on the electrical system, one involving wiring at the transmission ground and one involving instrument panel display failure. Those two campaigns account for the softening in the defect record component and are the primary reason the 2025 index trails 2024. With 21 reported complaints and three of them touching forward collision avoidance, a system that otherwise scores at maximum in the avoidance-tech category, buyers should watch whether remedy completion addresses those allegations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Jetta GLI earned NHTSA's strongest overall rating: five stars. This top mark was matched by its side protection assessment. Frontal impact protection was rated at four stars, as was rollover protection. The measured rollover risk for the Jetta GLI stands at 13 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20380
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns have been issued for this model year. The first, from Volkswagen, addresses the electrical system wiring, specifically a transmission ground wire that may not have been properly installed. The second targets the instrument cluster and panel, which may fail to display properly. Neither has been flagged as a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, but both remain active concerns.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V185000
Risk: An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90Z5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 22, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING26V138000
Risk: An open circuit may draw a higher current and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair transmission ground wire as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97TC. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 13, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
Owners have filed 21 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain with 6 reports, followed by fuel and propulsion system issues and unknown or other concerns at 4 each, plus 3 alleged electrical system and 3 forward collision avoidance concerns. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
21 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The 2025 Jetta GLI carries a notable concern regarding two open recalls: a transmission ground wire issue and a separate instrument panel recall. Prospective owners of this model year should verify, via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, that both of these critical safety-related items have been addressed. Resolution of open recalls is performed at no cost to the owner by any authorized dealer.
- Two electrical system recalls were issued for the 2025 Jetta GLI, one covering a potentially improperly installed transmission ground wire and one covering an instrument panel that may fail to display correctly, both issued in early 2026.
- The 2025 Safety Index of 87 out of 100 represents a two-point decline from the 2024 model year's 89, driven by a defect record sub-score of 15.8 out of 20 tied directly to those two recall campaigns.
- NHTSA awarded the 2025 Jetta GLI five stars overall and five stars for side protection, with four-star ratings in frontal and rollover categories and a rollover risk of 13 percent.
- Three of the 21 unverified owner complaints specifically allege concerns with the forward collision avoidance system, a notable pattern given that the system is rated standard equipment and contributes to the model's perfect avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI places
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI safety questions
Was the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 Jetta GLI crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 13%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 21 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20380), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI 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 67 of 90 in the Sedan 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.