NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan aimed at buyers who want a European-flavored driving experience without stepping up to a premium price point. Competing against stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Jetta targets commuters and young professionals who prioritize a composed, refined cabin over outright sportiness. Our 2019-to-2025 coverage spans a generation that has been largely consistent in its positioning and safety hardware.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Jetta as one of the more polished and upscale-feeling options in the compact sedan segment, praising its composed ride, mature interior presentation, and highway refinement. Most note that it competes respectably against higher-volume rivals while delivering a distinctly European character, though some suggest its feature content and powertrain options lag slightly behind segment leaders.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20379
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
21 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.