NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Volkswagen Taos Safety Ratings
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 47 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This high score is underpinned by a strong NHTSA crash-test profile and a perfect avoidance-tech score. Notably, there are zero recalls on file for this model year, a fact that contributes to its standing as one of the stronger safety cases in its segment.
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos received a 5-star side-crash rating and a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Volkswagen Taos ranks 35 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 47 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 35 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Volkswagen Taos?
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos represents a meaningful step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index rose from 88/100 in the Strong band for the 2023 model year to 91/100 in the Exceptional band for 2024, a 3-point gain that pushed the vehicle into a higher classification tier. That improvement is anchored by a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20, which reflects the complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year. The avoidance-tech sub-score is a flawless 10 out of 10, supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. Crash protection came in at 61 out of 70, consistent with the 4-star overall NHTSA rating and the 5-star side result that stands as the year's clearest strength. The 47 unverified owner complaints, while worth monitoring, did not materially drag on the index. The brake-related complaint cluster is the one area safety shoppers should watch, as 15 of 47 reported concerns involve Service Brakes.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Volkswagen Taos perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos achieved a 4 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-crash performance stands out, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Both frontal impact and rollover resistance were assessed at 4 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Taos is 15 percent, with dynamic testing showing no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19101
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Volkswagen Taos have any recalls?
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall filings can be added after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Volkswagen Taos?
Owners have filed 47 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes (15 reports) and Electrical System (7 reports), followed by Engine (7), Fuel/Propulsion System (5), and Forward Collision Avoidance (3). One alleged crash has been reported. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
47 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Volkswagen Taos?
A free VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov is recommended for potential 2024 Taos buyers. This check confirms all recall campaigns, including those issued after initial manufacture, and verifies that any necessary remedy work has been completed and documented. Recall status can change over a vehicle's lifespan, making this step crucial for ensuring safety.
- The 2024 Taos is the first model year in the current data set to reach the Exceptional band, climbing 3 points from the 2023 model year's score of 88/100 in the Strong band.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this specific model year, contributing a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20 to the Safety Index.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-crash result is the strongest individual test score for this model year and stands above the 4-star frontal and rollover ratings.
- Fifteen of the 47 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA target Service Brakes, making that component the most frequently alleged concern for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Volkswagen Taos places
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Volkswagen Taos safety questions
Was the 2024 Volkswagen Taos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Volkswagen Taos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Volkswagen Taos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Volkswagen Taos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 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 2024 Volkswagen Taos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 47 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19101), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Taos 2024.
- 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 35 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.