NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Volkswagen Taos Safety Ratings
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 7 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two active recalls currently require attention for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos. For prospective buyers who verify recall completion, the vehicle presents a reasonable safety picture, supported by its full suite of crash avoidance technology and its NHTSA crash test profile. This model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos ranks 80 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 7 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 80 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos posts a Safety Index of 89 out of 100 in the Strong band, a notable step down from the 2024 model year's 91 out of 100 Exceptional rating. That two-point decline is traceable primarily to the defect record component, which scores 17.5 out of a possible 20, reflecting the two recall campaigns issued for this model year. Crash protection remains a genuine strength at 61 out of 70, anchored by the 5-star side result and supported by a 15-percent rollover risk with a clean No Tip outcome. The avoidance tech component achieves a full 10 out of 10, consistent with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment on this year's vehicle. The instrument cluster recall is particularly worth flagging because a panel that may fail to display warnings could affect a driver's awareness of safety-relevant alerts, directly intersecting with the avoidance tech that otherwise bolsters this vehicle's score. The fuel system pressure sensor recall adds a crash-scenario concern. Together, these two campaigns are the defining safety story of this specific model year and the clearest reason the index retreated from Exceptional to Strong.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Volkswagen Taos perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos achieves an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, a rating notably bolstered by its performance in side impact scenarios. Protection in this category was perfect, earning 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the assessment for rollover risk both yielded 4-star ratings. The rollover risk, specifically, was measured at 15 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20382
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Volkswagen Taos have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2025 Taos. The first targets the fuel system pressure sensor, with Volkswagen noting a rear-end crash could affect fuel delivery. The second covers the electrical instrument cluster, where the panel may fail to display warnings properly. Neither has been designated a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, but both warrant prompt remedy verification.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:PRESSURE SENSOR26V258000
Risk: A fuel tank with a dislodged or separated fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel after a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fuel pressure sensor wiring harness extension, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97TH. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 29, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V185000
Risk: An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90Z5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 22, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
Seven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Taos, including one alleged crash. Top components cited in unverified allegations are the Electrical System and Engine, each with three reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control, each with two alleged issues.
7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
Two active recall campaigns for the 2025 Taos necessitate careful attention from prospective buyers. One addresses the fuel pressure sensor, and the other concerns the instrument cluster display. Buyers should verify that both recalls have been remedied by the prior owner, ideally with documentation of the completed repairs.
- The 2025 Taos Safety Index dropped two points to 89 from the 2024 model year's 91, a shift driven by two recall campaigns issued for this specific model year.
- The instrument cluster recall, affecting certain 2025 Taos vehicles, involves a panel that may fail to display warnings, which directly concerns the effectiveness of the vehicle's standard safety alert systems.
- The fuel system pressure sensor recall flags a risk specific to rear-end crash scenarios on 2025 and 2026 Taos vehicles, making VIN-level remedy verification essential for used-market buyers.
- Side crash protection earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA for this model year, representing the strongest single result in the 2025 Taos crash-test profile.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Volkswagen Taos places
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Volkswagen Taos safety questions
Was the 2025 Volkswagen Taos crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2025 Volkswagen Taos crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Volkswagen Taos have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 7 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20382), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Taos 2025.
- 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 80 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.