NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 40 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta presents a notably solid safety profile, as evidenced by its five-star overall NHTSA crash rating. This sedan further secures its standing with a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in the Strong band. Its record includes a single resolved recall.
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 52 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- 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 | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 40 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 52 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2022 Jetta represents a meaningful step forward in safety performance relative to its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index rose 12 points, from 76/100 (Average) in 2021 to 88/100 (Strong) in 2022, a shift driven largely by the crash protection sub-score of 61/70 and a five-star overall NHTSA result. The side-crash rating of five stars is the headline figure, while the four-star frontal and rollover scores keep the overall picture honest rather than perfect. The avoidance technology score of 8.5/10 reflects forward collision warning as standard equipment, though lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard - a distinction worth noting for buyers comparing trim levels. The defect record sub-score of 18.5/20 aligns with the single-recall history, which targets the rearview camera sensing system rather than a structural or powertrain safety issue. The 40 reported complaints include one alleged crash, and the concentration of allegations around brakes, the engine, and the electrical system - alongside eight reports touching the forward collision avoidance system - are patterns a prospective buyer should weigh against the strong crash-test foundation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Jetta earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, a standout result attributed to a perfect five stars achieved in side protection. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each received four stars. The calculated rollover risk for the Jetta stands at 13 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" designation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16508
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
The 2022 Jetta carries one recall campaign: a back-over prevention issue affecting the rearview camera sensing system, issued by Volkswagen Group of America. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is present in the data for this campaign. Shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V514000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Reported 2022-07-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta?
Forty unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes (12 reports), Engine (11), and Electrical System (10), followed by alleged concerns with Forward Collision Avoidance (8) and Lane Departure (7). These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
40 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta?
A notable recall affects the Jetta, concerning the rearview camera. This issue impacts a critical safety feature. Prospective buyers of this four-year-old model must verify remedy completion through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, as open recalls remain with the vehicle.
- The 2022 Jetta's Safety Index jumped 12 points over the 2021 model year - from 76 (Average) to 88 (Strong) - making this a notably stronger safety year within the nameplate's recent history.
- NHTSA's side-crash test produced a perfect five-star result for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at four stars, with a 13 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The sole recall for this model year targets the back-over prevention camera sensing system; buyers should confirm via VIN lookup that this remedy has been completed on any specific unit.
- Forty unverified complaints reported to NHTSA for this model year include alleged concerns with the Forward Collision Avoidance system (8 reports) and Lane Departure system (7 reports), which is notable given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on this year's Jetta.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta places
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Volkswagen Jetta safety questions
Was the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 2022 Volkswagen Jetta crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 40 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (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 16508), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta 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 52 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.