Volkswagen Reliability & Safety

Volkswagen reliability has been part of what makes the brand's vehicles so appealing for years now. With many models being named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and receiving excellent J.D. Power reliability ratings, the Volkswagen brand is at the forefront of reliability and everyday practicality. After reviewing our guide, the specialists at Tom Wood Volkswagen can give you a thorough in-person tour of the model you feel is right for you.

What Contributes to Volkswagen Reliability?

Volkswagen models are built to last, and the brand backs that up with its iconic suite of driver assistance features, safety features, and warranty coverage. Here, we outline the general perks that most Volkswagen vehicles benefit from, which provide peace of mind mile after mile.

Volkswagen Safety Features

Every Volkswagen model is different and may include a unique selection of standard safety features, but these can vary depending on which model you've chosen. However, you can always count on an array of airbags, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a crisp Rear View Camera System that keeps you abreast of debris, pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles as you reverse. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) systems are also standard and assist with buckling in infant car seats and toddler boosters.

You can get a complete list of the standard safety features that come with the model that most interests you at our Volkswagen dealership in Indianapolis, IN.

IQ.DRIVE & Driver Assistance

Part of what enhances Volkswagen reliability is its IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features. This selection makes driving a more seamless experience, keeping you aware of your surroundings while providing intuitive semi-autonomous features that behave like a co-pilot.

IQ.DRIVE includes these helpful features:

• Travel Assist: Assists with steering support, acceleration, and deceleration.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Keeps your speed consistent and smooth while taking into account the speed of cars ahead.
• Active Blind Spot Monitor: Alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot and adjusts the steering system to avoid collision.
• Rear Traffic Alert: Monitors and alerts you when a vehicle or motorcycle crosses behind you while reversing.
• Front Assist: Keeps a virtual eye on the road ahead to prevent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Emergency Assist: Safely halts the vehicle in the case of a collision and contacts emergency services.
• Lane Assist: Uses a camera system to keep a robotic eye on traffic lines and adjust, if necessary.

Typically, Volkswagen models get more driver assistance features on higher-level trims. These include an Overhead View Camera that shows a bird's view of the vehicle, a Head-Up Display that casts information directly against the windshield so you never need to glance away, and a Dynamic Road Sign Display system.

Volkswagen Safety Rating Information

Part of what makes a Volkswagen reliable is how it ranks with safety. When a vehicle is safe, you know you can rely on the model to do what it must to keep you and your passengers from harm. Here, we'll defer to some experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which named these VW models and model years Top Safety Picks¹:

• 2024 & 2025 VW Atlas
• 2024 & 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport
• 2024 Volkswagen ID.4

Warranties & Carefree Coverage

Volkswagen reliability is enhanced by its selection of warranties and driver-centric services. Every new Volkswagen model you purchase comes with a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty² that covers everything from bumper to bumper. Roadside assistance is also included for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first³ – a service that helps you no matter the day or time.

On top of robust warranty coverage, you also have included with your purchase the Carefree Coverage service. It's the place where precision engineering blends with long-lasting results. With this standard package, your vehicle is covered for two years or 24,000 miles and will receive its first two years of recommended maintenance services at no additional cost to you.⁴

Volkswagen Reliability Rating by Model

The Volkswagen lineup is made up of many different models, many of which get rated by J.D. Power for their reliability and quality. Here is what you can expect from a few popular vehicles available in our Volkswagen inventory:

• J.D. Power 2024 VW Tiguan Reliability Score: 81 out of 100⁵
• J.D. Power 2025 VW Atlas Reliability Score: 70 out of 100⁶
• J.D. Power 2025 VW Taos Reliability Score: 80 out of 100⁷
• J.D. Power 2025 VW Jetta Reliability Score: 79 out of 100⁸

As you can see above, the Volkswagen Tiguan reliability rating and the VW Taos reliability score are among the most impressive, but every model scores more than 70 points for Quality & Reliability. The Volkswagen Jetta reliability score skews toward the 80-point mark, ensuring all VW models enhance peace of mind and tackle the daily grind well.

Some models haven't been rated by J.D. Power for their reliability quite yet. We're still waiting for a 2024 & 2025 VW ID.4 reliability score and a 2024 & 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport reliability score.

Our Tom Wood Volkswagen specialists will be happy to review some of what makes your preferred VW models special and reliable. Call or schedule a visit with our team for these details – and more – today.

Volkswagen Reliability Gives You Smart Engineering & Lasting Results

Your next peace-of-mind-inducing drive can be yours with one of our Volkswagen models. The level of Volkswagen reliability plugged into every model in the lineup ensures that no matter which model you get, you're getting a user-centric cabin and features that will put your driving anxieties at ease – every day. Contact us to end your hunt and bring home your favorite VW model today.

We'll also help you with Volkswagen financing or leasing, depending on your preferred method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Volkswagen a reliable car?

Volkswagen vehicles are reliable, often lasting more than 200,000 miles before being retired. Plus, they're usually highly rated by the IIHS; the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport were 2024 IIHS Top Safety Picks.^9,10 Volkswagen reliability doesn't end there; you also get two complimentary maintenance service appointments with Carefree Coverage⁴ and top-tier driver assistance features with standard IQ.DRIVE on every new model.

Are Volkswagen vehicles reliable after 100k miles?

Volkswagen vehicles are reliable even after 100,000 miles. To hit and exceed this milestone, your Volkswagen should get care from an authorized dealership at regular intervals. This will mean staying current on oil changes, brake service, tire care, battery checks, and more. If you have questions or need repairs, Tom Wood Volkswagen is here to assist you. Call or visit us to get started.

Is a Volkswagen a safe car?

Volkswagen vehicles are safe due to their strong construction and safety features. All new models are equipped with standard IQ.DRIVE, which includes:

• Active Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Front Assist
• Emergency Assist
• Lane Assist

Select Volkswagen models also include a Head-Up Display that projects pertinent data to your windshield so you can stay alert without glancing away from the road.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2024/all/volkswagen

²4 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all new MY25 vehicles. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.

³3 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance on all new MY25 vehicles provided by a third party. May require additional payment for services rendered. See owner’s literature or dealer for limitations and details.

⁴Carefree Coverage available on all new MY25 vehicles. For vehicle eligibility details, visit vw.com/coverage. VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program provides 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance services or scheduled maintenance services for two years (whichever occurs first) as stated in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet. Does not include tire rotations, or other services or parts not specified in the owner’s literature. 3 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance provided by a third party. 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty, maintenance program, and roadside assistance details, exclusions, and limitations. Car-Net Remote Access services require cellular connectivity, GPS signal, and acceptance of Terms of Service. Not all Car-Net services and features are available on all vehicles. Other Car-Net services require a trial or paid subscription. See additional important information at carnet.vw.com.

⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2024/volkswagen/tiguan

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/volkswagen/atlas

⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/volkswagen/taos

⁸Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/volkswagen/jetta

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/atlas-4-door-suv/2024

¹⁰Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/atlas-cross-sport-4-door-suv/2025