NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This score reflects solid performance in NHTSA's crash tests. However, a limited suite of advanced driver assistance systems and three active recall campaigns for this model year temper its overall standing. The Passat presents a credible safety choice, with its defect history openly documented and verifiable.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
A five-point decline to 81 out of 100 places the 2020 Passat in the Strong band of our Safety Index, a notable drop from the 2019 model's 86. This regression is not due to crash protection. The 2020 Passat achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with a 5-star score in the side impact test, placing it among the better performers in its segment. Its crash protection sub-score, 61 out of 70, is the strongest component of its overall Safety Index. The vehicle's lower standing derives from two other areas. Its avoidance technology scores only 3.5 out of 10. This reflects the lack of standard forward collision warning and the optional status of lane departure warning, both increasingly common features in the 2020 model year. The defect record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20, while acceptable, is not without concerns. Three recall campaigns were issued for the 2020 Passat, addressing potential air bag folding errors and a headlight component issue. The air bag recalls are particularly significant, as they involve restraint systems critical to crash occupant protection. The 2020 Passat thus presents strong passive safety but a notable weakness in its active-safety technology for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Volkswagen Passat perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Passat achieves a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, distinguished by a perfect 5-star side-impact performance. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both earned 4 out of 5 stars. The Passat recorded an 11 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two involve air bags: one addresses a passenger frontal air bag that may have been incorrectly folded, and a second concerns an incorrect driver and/or front passenger side or window air bag. A third recall targets the headlight blocking component on 2012-2020 Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Fifteen unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with alleged issues spread across Unknown or Other components, the Engine, Air Bags, and Forward Collision Avoidance, each drawing four reports. Steering drew two alleged reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Shoppers considering this model should verify the status of three distinct recall campaigns. These campaigns address potential safety issues with the airbags and headlights. It is imperative that buyers confirm, in writing, the completion of all recall remedies before finalizing any purchase of this six-year-old vehicle.
- The 2020 Passat's Safety Index fell five points to 81 compared with the 2019 model's 86, driven by a weak avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 rather than any decline in crash-test results.
- Three distinct recall campaigns are on record for this specific model year, two targeting air bag components and one addressing a headlight blocking part shared with 2012-2020 Passat models.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave this model year a 5-star side-impact result and a 5-star overall, with frontal and rollover each at 4 stars and a recorded rollover risk of 11 percent.
- Forward collision warning is absent as standard equipment on the 2020 Passat, and lane departure warning is listed as optional only, both of which directly suppressed the avoidance-tech portion of the Safety Index for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Volkswagen Passat places
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Volkswagen Passat safety questions
Was the 2020 Volkswagen Passat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2020 Volkswagen Passat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Volkswagen Passat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Passat years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15025), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Passat 2020.
- 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 81 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.