NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat presents a strong safety profile, evidenced by its NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100. This score is supported by a perfect sub-score in avoidance technology and the absence of any recalls on file with NHTSA. The singular mitigating factor is the frontal crash rating, assessed at 3 out of 5 stars.
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a 3-out-of-5-star frontal rating from NHTSA, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 derived entirely from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat ranks 62 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 | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 62 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat represents a two-point improvement in the NHTSA Safety Index over the 2021 model, moving from 84 to 86 out of 100 while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is meaningful in context: the defect-record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 reflects the complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year, a clean slate that directly lifts the overall index. The avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment rather than optional add-ons. Where the 2022 Passat loses ground is in crash protection, scoring 56 out of 70. The 3-out-of-5-star frontal rating is the single biggest factor holding that sub-score back, and it is the number a safety-focused buyer should weigh most carefully. The 5-star side result and 4-star rollover score are genuine strengths. With 11 unverified owner complaints on file, the complaint volume is low, though the reported concentration in Engine, Service Brakes, and Lane Departure is worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the used market.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Volkswagen Passat perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Passat earned an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash performance stands out with a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating. Rollover protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with an 11 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" designation in the dynamic test. However, the frontal protection rating was notably weaker, at 3 out of 5 stars, serving as the main detractor for the crash-protection sub-score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16510
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open safety defect actions, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check directly through NHTSA's recall database before purchase, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has received 11 unverified consumer complaints for the 2022 Passat. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine, Service Brakes, and Lane Departure system, each with multiple reported concerns, followed by unverified allegations touching the Power Train, Steering, and Electrical System. One alleged crash has been reported; no fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
As the 2022 Passat enters the used market, prospective buyers should prioritize a VIN search through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. This critical step ensures that no additional safety campaigns have been initiated since the vehicle's original sale and, equally important, that any required remedy work has been completed by the selling party.
- The 2022 Passat is the only model year in recent memory to carry zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a fact directly reflected in its near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20.
- The frontal crash rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the weakest result in the 2022 NHTSA test suite for this vehicle and is the primary reason crash protection scores 56 out of a possible 70 points.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, which are forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2022 Passat, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Eleven unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with Engine and Service Brakes each drawing three alleged reports, making those systems the ones a used-market buyer should ask a pre-purchase inspector to evaluate.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Volkswagen Passat places
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Volkswagen Passat safety questions
Was the 2022 Volkswagen Passat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 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 2022 Volkswagen Passat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Volkswagen Passat earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 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 2022 Volkswagen Passat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16510), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Passat 2022.
- 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 62 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.