MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Volkswagen Taos

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
98Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN TAOS

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.

VERDICT

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18306

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record18.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos at NHTSA as of 2026-07-03. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

98 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 40Service Brakes 32Electrical System 21Power Train 12Unknown Or Other 10Fuel/Propulsion System 9

Other Taos years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18306), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Volkswagen Taos 2023. Class rank 59 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure