NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat enters the market with a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating. This strong performance in federal testing contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, positioning the model in the Strong safety band. The vehicle's defect record is near-perfect, scoring 19 out of 20, though one active recall remains pertinent for prospective owners.
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Volkswagen Passat ranks 55 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat stands out within its generation primarily because of how cleanly its Safety Index components align. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 anchors the 86/100 overall Index, reflecting the five-star side result and solid frontal performance, even as the four-star frontal and rollover scores leave a modest gap from a perfect profile. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects a real limitation specific to this configuration: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard, meaning buyers of base or lower trims may not have those systems equipped. Electronic stability control is standard across the board, which protects the floor of the avoidance-tech score. The defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 is the clearest year-specific strength, driven by a single recall campaign tied to headlight obstruction across a broad multi-year population rather than a fault isolated to 2019 hardware. No prior-year Index is on file for comparison, so directional movement cannot be stated. The complaint volume of 12 reports is low in absolute terms, though the Electrical System leading that tally is worth noting for any used-market shopper.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Volkswagen Passat perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including a perfect five stars in the side-crash test. Frontal impact protection was rated at four stars, as was rollover protection. The Passat's rollover risk is assessed at 11 percent, and it passed the dynamic tip test without incident.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13684
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. It involves exterior lighting, specifically the headlights, and was issued covering certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles for a blocking condition. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the DATA block for this campaign. Prospective buyers should confirm remedy completion by VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS19V389000
Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Reported 2019-05-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
Twelve owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. The top alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (4 reports), Service Brakes (3), Engine (2), and Power Train (2). All are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as facts.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
A specific concern exists regarding the Passat's headlights, for which a recall has been issued. Prospective owners of this model year should prioritize checking the vehicle's VIN against NHTSA's recall database to confirm remedy completion. Unaddressed recalls, particularly those affecting critical safety components like headlights, transfer with ownership, and it remains the seller's responsibility to provide documentation of any recall service.
- The 2019 Passat carries one open recall campaign covering headlight obstruction, issued across a broad multi-year Passat and Atlas population. VIN-level verification is required to determine whether the remedy has been applied to any specific unit.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional on this model year, meaning the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6/10 may not reflect the actual equipment on every 2019 Passat on the used market. Buyers should confirm which safety features are physically installed.
- The side-crash result of five stars is the strongest single score in the 2019 Passat's NHTSA profile, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at four stars, the latter accompanied by an 11 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result.
- Twelve unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with the Electrical System accounting for four of those alleged reports, the largest concentration among all reported components.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Volkswagen Passat places
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Volkswagen Passat safety questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Passat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Volkswagen Passat, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2019 Volkswagen Passat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Volkswagen Passat 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 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Passat years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13684), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Passat 2019.
- 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 55 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- 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.