NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Volkswagen Taos Safety Ratings
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 301 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos demonstrates strong side-impact protection and a no-tip rollover result, notable strengths in its safety profile. However, six recall campaigns and a modest score in avoidance technology temper these positives. With a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, the Taos sits in the Average safety band.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos AWD SUV holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos ranks 110 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 301 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 110 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos?
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, in its debut year for NHTSA data, achieved an Average Safety Index score of 79 out of 100. This score is supported by a robust crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, anchored by a 5 out of 5-star rating in side-impact tests and a clean dynamic rollover test result. The Safety Index score is softened by its avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional features, indicating not all Taos models in the used market will be equipped with these safety systems. The defect record sub-score, 11.75 out of 20, reflects a notable recall history. Six recall campaigns have been issued for the 2022 Taos. Two distinct recalls target the fuel system: one addresses a potential fuel pump failure, and the other concerns a quick-connector separation risk. An additional recall addresses AWD-specific ECU software, a critical point for owners or prospective buyers of all-wheel-drive variants to ensure has been remedied. The 301 reported owner complaints, predominantly citing alleged engine concerns, further indicate a significant defect footprint for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Volkswagen Taos perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Taos AWD SUV achieved a perfect 5-star rating in the side crash test, a significant factor in its overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Frontal protection and rollover resistance each received 4 stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 15 percent, with the dynamic tip-test showing No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16518
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Volkswagen Taos have any recalls?
Yes. Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include the fuel delivery pump, a fuel supply quick-connector that may detach underhood, the engine control module software on AWD units, the rearview camera sensing system, and a suspension secondary component. No data in this record designates a do-not-drive or park-outside directive, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V214000
Risk: A sudden engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DV.
Reported 2023-03-29
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE22V687000
Risk: An engine that stalls may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iL.
Reported 2022-09-14
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V514000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Reported 2022-07-20
SUSPENSION22V176000
Risk: A broken rear suspension knuckle can cause a loss of stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both rear suspension knuckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42L8.
Reported 2022-03-23
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V651000
Risk: A fuel leak may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connection and replace the fuel supply line and connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DB.
Reported 2021-08-20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE21V615000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 5, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24HH.
Reported 2021-08-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos?
Owners have filed 301 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 136 reports, followed by Service Brakes at 63, Electrical System at 56, Fuel/Propulsion System at 49, and Power Train at 48. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
301 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos?
Six recall campaigns were issued for the 2022 Taos, a notable figure for a single model year. Any shopper considering a used 2022 Taos should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Remedy completion is not guaranteed on any individual used vehicle; confirm in writing which campaigns have been closed.
- The 2022 Taos received six NHTSA recall campaigns, including two separate fuel-system actions covering a pump failure risk and an underhood quick-connector detachment risk - both of which must be verified as remedied by VIN.
- The AWD variant carries its own dedicated recall for engine control module software, meaning four-wheel-drive buyers face an additional open-campaign check that front-wheel-drive buyers do not.
- NHTSA's 5-star side-impact rating is the strongest single data point for this model year, while the 4-star frontal and rollover scores, paired with a 15 percent rollover risk, represent solid but not top-tier protection.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment on this model year, so used-market shoppers should confirm whether a specific vehicle was actually equipped with those systems before assuming crash-avoidance coverage.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Volkswagen Taos places
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Volkswagen Taos safety questions
Was the 2022 Volkswagen Taos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Volkswagen Taos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Volkswagen Taos earned 4 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 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Taos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 301 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. 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 Taos years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16518), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Taos 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 110 of 135 in the SUV 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.