MODEL
Volkswagen Taos
NHTSA safety across every Volkswagen Taos model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Volkswagen Taos we cover (2022 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 79. 9 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover SUV slotted below the Tiguan in VW's lineup, aimed squarely at buyers who want a European-flavored driving experience in a practical, right-sized package. It competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market, appealing to urban commuters and small families who prioritize composed handling and interior refinement over outright cargo volume.
At MotorCaliber, we assess the Volkswagen Taos across model years 2022 through 2025, and the safety picture is genuinely mixed in ways worth unpacking before you sign anything. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded lands at 91 out of 100 for the 2024 model year, which falls in the Exceptional band and represents a meaningful high-water mark for this generation. Crash-test geometry tells a more nuanced story: the Taos earns a strong 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact testing, which is exactly what you want to see, but frontal and rollover protection both clock in at 4 out of 5 stars. Those are solid, not spectacular, results, and shoppers should not mistake a 91 Safety Index for perfection across every test category. The recall count across the covered model years stands at 8, which is a number that warrants attention in a vehicle that has only been on the US market since 2022. Eight recalls in roughly three model years signals that Volkswagen has been actively identifying and correcting issues, but it also means buyers of early examples should verify their VIN is clear. Owner complaints total 453, including 8 reported crashes and 2 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is worth monitoring. The honest bottom line: the 2024 Taos represents the strongest safety case in this lineup, and earlier model years carry more uncertainty.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Taos for its composed, car-like driving dynamics and well-finished interior relative to its price point in the compact crossover segment. Most find it engaging to drive but note that cargo space and rear-seat room lag behind some rivals. Overall, the sentiment leans positive, with the driving experience cited most consistently as a standout quality.
- The 2024 Taos achieved the highest NHTSA Safety Index in this generation at 91 out of 100, earning an Exceptional band rating, making it the strongest model year for safety performance in our covered range.
- Side-impact crash protection earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, but frontal and rollover ratings both sit at 4 out of 5 stars, so the safety profile is not uniform across all crash scenarios.
- Eight recalls have been issued across the 2022 to 2025 model years, which is a relatively high count for such a short production window. Prospective buyers should run their VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all open recalls have been remedied.
- Owner complaints total 453 across covered years, with 8 reported crashes and 2 reported injuries noted in the unverified filings. While these are allegations and not confirmed findings, the complaint volume is worth factoring into your due diligence, particularly on earlier model years.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Volkswagen Taos with 6 recalls.