NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 51 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2020 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta achieved a genuinely strong performance in NHTSA's crash-test regimen. This solid performance, however, is offset by six separate recall campaigns and a modest suite of crash-avoidance technologies, culminating in a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, placing the vehicle squarely in the Average safety band. The 2020 Jetta represents a meaningful safety improvement over its 2019 predecessor.
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 88 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.1% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 51 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 88 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta marks a notable recovery in MotorCaliber safety scoring, climbing 13 points to 79/100 from the 2019 model's 66/100, moving the vehicle from the Below Average band into the Average band. That jump is driven largely by a strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, anchored by NHTSA's overall 5-star rating and a perfect 5-star side-impact result. The rollover sub-score of 4 out of 5 stars, combined with a 13 percent rollover risk and a clean No Tip dynamic result, adds further credibility to the structural picture. Where the 2020 Jetta gives ground is in crash-avoidance technology, scoring only 4.5 out of 10 in that sub-category. Forward collision warning is listed as optional rather than standard, and lane departure warning is absent entirely, while electronic stability control is standard. The defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 reflects the weight of six recall campaigns spanning the fuel system, ignition switch, tire pressure monitoring, air bag control module, seats, and related components. The air bag control module recall, specific to 2020 and 2021 Jetta models, is the most targeted campaign in this set and carries direct occupant-safety implications.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Jetta earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with its side-impact protection receiving a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash and rollover protection each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for this model year is assessed at 13 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14746
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover the 2020 Jetta. Components addressed include the fuel system, the electrical ignition switch, tire pressure monitoring systems, the air bag and restraint control module, and vehicle seats. The air bag control module recall is Jetta-specific and warrants priority attention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE24V110000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously
Reported 2024-02-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH23V604000
Risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
Reported 2023-08-30
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE21V492000
Risk: Incorrect positioning of the air bag control module can cause the vehicle's air bags to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CK.
Reported 2021-06-30
SEATS20V505000
Risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Reported 2020-08-26
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER20V359000
Risk: If a brake caliper bolt comes loose, it may affect the vehicle's brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace all four front brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47Q2.
Reported 2020-06-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
Fifty-one unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 16 reports, Unknown Or Other with 13, and the Engine with 12. Service Brakes and Power Train each carry 7 alleged reports. These are unverified allegations, not established defects.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
For a used 2020 Jetta, prospective owners should prioritize checking the VIN for recall completion. Six separate recall campaigns are on record for this model year, and ensuring all necessary remedies have been performed is crucial, as open recalls transfer with vehicle ownership.
- The 2020 Jetta's Safety Index of 79/100 represents a 13-point gain over the 2019 model's 66/100, the single largest year-over-year improvement visible in the immediate model-year comparison.
- An air bag and restraint control module recall issued in 2021 applies specifically to 2020 and 2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles, making VIN verification of remedy completion a direct safety priority for this model year.
- Forward collision warning is only optional on the 2020 Jetta and lane departure warning is not available, producing a crash-avoidance technology sub-score of just 4.5 out of 10, the weakest component of the Safety Index for this year.
- Fifty-one unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year include alleged reports across the Electrical System, Engine, and Service Brakes, with the most recent alleged report logged in 2026, indicating the complaint record for this vehicle remains active.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta places
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Volkswagen Jetta safety questions
Was the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta 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 13.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14746), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta 2020.
- 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 88 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.