NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Ratings
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 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
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta presents a generally favorable safety profile, supported by its strong crash-avoidance technology suite and federal crash-test performance. This model year earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band. While its NHTSA crash-test results contribute positively to this assessment, two recalls and 21 unverified owner complaints slightly reduce its overall score compared to the 2024 model, by two points.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta received a 5-out-of-5-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 ranks 66 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 | 66 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2025 Jetta achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, backed by a clean No Tip dynamic result in rollover testing. This strong performance in crash protection earned 61 out of 70 possible points. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, contributing to a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. The vehicle's Safety Index stands at 87 out of 100, a two-point decrease from the 2024 model's 89. This decline stems from the defect record component, which scored 15.75 out of 20 points. Two recall campaigns, both concerning the electrical system, were issued. While neither recall presents a fire or structural hazard, their shared timing and system domain suggest a pattern that warrants monitoring as remedy completion rates become available. Owner reports include 21 unverified complaints, with 4 alleged crash events and 1 alleged injury. These figures will be observed as the model matures in the market.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Jetta achieved a 5 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA, anchored by a flawless 5-star score in side-impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a 13 percent rollover risk, with dynamic tip testing confirming a "No Tip" result.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2025 Jetta. The first targets the electrical system instrument cluster or panel, where the instrument panel may fail to display properly. The second addresses electrical system wiring, specifically a transmission ground wire that may not have been correctly installed. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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?
Twenty-one unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently cited components are Power Train with 6 alleged reports, followed by Unknown or Other and Fuel or Propulsion System with 4 each, and Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance with 3 each. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
21 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta?
Prospective owners of a 2025 Jetta should verify recall completion directly with NHTSA, using the vehicle's specific VIN. Both electrical-system recalls issued for this model year are recent, and it is crucial to confirm that these safety campaigns have been addressed by an authorized dealer. Purchasers should secure written documentation of all completed recall remedies from the selling party.
- The 2025 Jetta's Safety Index fell two points year over year, from 89 in 2024 to 87, driven by two electrical-system recalls issued in early 2026 covering the instrument cluster or panel and the transmission ground wire.
- NHTSA's 2025 NCAP results show a 5-star overall rating with a notably strong 5-star side-impact score, while frontal and rollover protection each sit at 4 stars and rollover risk is measured at 13 percent.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this model year, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech score in the Safety Index calculation.
- Twenty-one unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with Power Train the most frequently alleged problem component at 6 reports, and the most recent allegation filed in June 2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta places
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Volkswagen Jetta safety questions
Was the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Volkswagen Jetta have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 21 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (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 20379), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Jetta 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 66 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.