NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 41 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating distinguishes the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, which achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. Its clean recall record and solid avoidance-tech coverage contribute to a compelling safety profile for used-market shoppers.
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 54 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 41 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 54 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta distinguishes itself from its immediate predecessor in two measurable ways: the NHTSA Safety Index ticked up one point to 89/100 from the 2022 model's 88/100, and the recall ledger for this model year is completely clean, a meaningful contrast to years when even minor campaigns can drag the defect-record sub-score downward. That clean defect record contributed a near-perfect 19.5 out of 20 to the Index. Crash protection added 61 out of a possible 70, anchored by the five-star overall and five-star side ratings from NHTSA. The four-star frontal result is the one area where the Jetta does not reach the ceiling, and the four-star rollover score, paired with a 13 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, rounds out a picture of a car that performs well but not flawlessly across every test axis. Avoidance technology scored 8.5 out of 10; forward collision warning is standard equipment, while lane departure warning is only optional, which is the gap that keeps this sub-score from being higher. The 41 unverified complaints on file, concentrated in brakes, engine, and electrical, are worth monitoring but do not reflect any confirmed defect at this time.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, anchored by a perfect five stars in the side-impact test. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance category each earned four stars. Rollover risk was assessed at 13 percent, with the dynamic tip test indicating no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18303
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no components under active recall, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check to confirm no campaigns have been added after this data was compiled.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has received 41 unverified consumer complaints for the 2023 Jetta. Alleged problem areas include Service Brakes (11 reports), Engine (10), Unknown or Other (10), Electrical System (9), Forward Collision Avoidance (5), and Vehicle Speed Control (3). One crash is alleged; no fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
41 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta?
Before purchasing a used 2023 Jetta, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no campaigns have been opened since this data was compiled. If any recall is found, verify that the remedy was completed by a franchised dealer before finalizing the transaction.
- The 2023 Jetta is the only model year in the recent Jetta lineup to carry zero NHTSA recall campaigns, contributing a near-perfect 19.5/20 defect-record sub-score to its Safety Index.
- NHTSA's side-impact test produced a perfect five stars for this model year, while the frontal and rollover tests each returned four stars, meaning the five-star overall rating reflects a blend rather than a sweep.
- Forward collision warning is standard on the 2023 Jetta, but lane departure warning is listed as optional equipment, which is the primary reason the avoidance-tech sub-score sits at 8.5/10 rather than a higher figure.
- Forty-one unverified complaints on file with NHTSA include alleged issues in Service Brakes, Engine, and Electrical System; these are consumer allegations only and do not represent confirmed or remedied defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta places
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Volkswagen Jetta safety questions
Was the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2023 Volkswagen Jetta crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Volkswagen Jetta have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2023 Volkswagen Jetta?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 41 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18303), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta 2023.
- 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 54 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.