NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Volkswagen Taos Safety Ratings
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 98 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong band. This assessment is supported by a robust NHTSA crash-test performance across all evaluated categories and a notable absence of recalls on file. The 2023 Taos demonstrates a commendable safety profile based on federal data.
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos received a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-impact crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos ranks 58 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 98 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 58 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
For the 2023 Taos, a zero-recall record stands out, directly contributing to a nine-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, which reached 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This marks a notable improvement from the 2022 model's 79/100, which was in the Average band. Crash protection earned 61 out of 70 points, while avoidance technology contributed 8.5 out of 10. The defect record component scored 18.75 out of 20, bolstered by the absence of recalls. The NHTSA crash-test results reinforce this positive assessment. The vehicle achieved a 5-star rating in side-impact protection. Frontal and rollover categories each received 4-star scores, leading to an overall 4-star rating. A 15 percent rollover risk, paired with a "No Tip" dynamic result, is a credible outcome for a compact SUV in this segment. While 98 unverified complaints have been filed, primarily concerning engine and brakes, these do not currently impact the defect-record score given the lack of corresponding recall actions. The combination of strong crash-test results and a clean recall record makes 2023 a distinctly cleaner year for the Taos.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Volkswagen Taos perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos AWD SUV achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and rollover protection each rated 4 stars, side-impact protection is a standout, earning a full 5 stars. The rollover risk, measured at 15 percent, concludes with a dynamic tip test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18306
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Volkswagen Taos have any recalls?
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No recall components are on record, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as campaigns can be added after a vehicle enters service.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
NHTSA has logged 98 unverified consumer complaints for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos. The top alleged problem areas are the Engine (40 reports), Service Brakes (32), and Electrical System (21). These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA, not confirmed defects.
98 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
No recall campaigns are currently on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos. Buyers of any used vehicle should nonetheless verify through NHTSA's VIN search tool that no open recalls exist for the specific vehicle, and that any necessary remedy work has been completed by an authorized dealer at no cost.
- The 2023 Taos Safety Index of 88/100 (Strong) is a nine-point improvement over the 2022 model year's 79/100 (Average), making 2023 the stronger safety year between the two.
- Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for the 2023 Taos, which directly contributed to a near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating is the single strongest crash-test result for this model year, while frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 stars.
- NHTSA has received 98 unverified complaints for the 2023 Taos, with Engine (40) and Service Brakes (32) as the most frequently alleged problem areas - these remain unconfirmed allegations and no recall action has been linked to them.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Volkswagen Taos places
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Volkswagen Taos safety questions
Was the 2023 Volkswagen Taos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2023 Volkswagen Taos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Volkswagen Taos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos 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 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 98 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18306), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Taos 2023.
- 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 58 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.