Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about 5-Star Safety Ratings. arrow icon indicating more information
Print

2012 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD

question mark icon

The 5-Star Safety Ratings Program encourages manufacturers to design safer vehicles by giving them safety ratings that can be used by consumers to compare vehicles when shopping for a new car.

Overall Rating  five star rating
frontal crash
five star rating
side crash
five star rating
rollover crash
four star rating
Photo of 2012 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD

Vehicle Test Weight: 3203 lbs.

Images/Videos

question mark icon

Recommended Advanced Technology Features

Only versions of advanced technologies that meet NHTSA performance tests get check marks. Technologies listed elsewhere (i.e. ads, labels, etc.) may not meet NHTSA's tests.

Electronic Stability Control: Standard Recommended View Video
Forward Collision Warning: No Not available View Video
Lane Departure Warning: No Not available View Video

Safety Issues

Recalls

Yes

Recalls

close popup

Select a vehicle to view recalls.
Investigations

No

Complaints

Yes

Complaints

close popup

Select a vehicle to view complaints.
Service Bulletins

No

Safety Features

Seat Belts and Head Restraints
  • Dynamic Head Restraint: Not Available
  • Progressive Load Limiting: Standard
  • Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage: Driver, Front Passenger
  • Head Restraints: Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat
Air Bags
  • Head Protection: Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat
  • Torso Protection: Driver, Front Passenger
  • Pelvis Protection: Driver, Front Passenger
  • Knee Protection: Not Available
  • Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Testing: Yes
Child Passenger Features
  • LATCH Locations: Rear Seat
  • Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch): Standard
  • Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations: Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat
test # 7526
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating five star rating
Driver (Male)
male driver at the wheel.
Rating: five star rating

Learn more about the
Driver Rating question mark icon

Average-sized adult male dummy in 35-mph crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs.

Passenger (Female)
female passenger.
Rating: five star rating

Learn more about the
Passenger Rating question mark icon

Small-sized adult female dummy in 35-mph crash into fixed barrier. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, neck, chest, legs.

 
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD after frontal crash test
View Frontal Crash Test
Tested with: FRONTAL AIR BAG
Note: The frontal safety ratings assigned to this vehicle apply to those that were manufactured after November 27, 2011 or have received repairs under Volkswagen Customer Service Action Notice 72D9/V7. Owners of vehicles manufactured on or before November 27, 2011 should check to be sure their vehicles have been serviced under this service campaign as those that have not may not earn the same frontal safety ratings.
Side Crash Rating five star rating
test # 7479
Side Barrier Rating five star rating
Driver Front Seat (Male)
male driver at the wheel.
Rating: four star rating

Learn more about the
Driver Rating question mark icon

Average-sized adult male dummy in 38.5-mph intersection-type crash. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, chest, abdomen, pelvis.

Passenger Rear Seat (Female)
female passenger.
Rating: five star rating

Learn more about the
Passenger Rating question mark icon

Small-sized adult female dummy seated behind driver in 38.5-mph intersection-type crash. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, pelvis.

 
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD after side crash test
View Side Crash Test
Tested with: CURTAIN AIR BAG,TORSO/PELVIS AIR BAG
test # 7474
Side Pole Rating five star rating
Driver Front Seat (Female)
female passenger.
 

Learn more about the
Driver Rating question mark icon

Small-sized adult female dummy in 20-mph crash to simulate hitting narrow, fixed objects such as utility pole or tree. Rating is evaluation of injury to head, pelvis.

 
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD after side pole crash test
View Side Pole Crash Test
Tested with: CURTAIN AIR BAG,TORSO/PELVIS AIR BAG
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings
Front Seat Rating:4
Rear Seat Rating: 5
Rollover Rating four star rating
Dynamic Test Result: No Tip question mark icon

Dynamic (moving) test results (Tip or No Tip) and measured rollover-related properties determine vehicle's risk of rollover in single vehicle crash and its rollover rating.

Risk of Rollover 10.7% Roll-over risk
Roll-over ilustration
View Illustration
View Animation
New Search
Search by Model (year optional)