NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Volkswagen Passat
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Passat is a midsize family sedan that occupied the heart of VW's American lineup through its final generation, targeting buyers who wanted European driving character without the premium price tag. Positioned against stalwarts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Passat leaned on a spacious cabin and composed road manners to make its case. MotorCaliber covers the 2019 through 2022 model years here.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Passat for its composed, refined driving character and genuinely roomy interior, particularly rear-seat space that punches above its class. Most acknowledge that it trails segment leaders in outright technology and driver-assist feature content, and some note that its powertrain options feel modest by competitive standards. Overall, professional opinion tends to view it as a sensible, understated choice rather than a segment leader.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15025
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION20V533000
Risk: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
Reported 2020-09-02
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
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW19V218000
Risk: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
Reported 2019-03-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.