NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport scores 65 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 14 recalls, and 156 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A critical park-outside recall for fire risk significantly impacts the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's safety profile, despite its strong crash-test performance. This model year receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 65 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average category. The vehicle's overall safety assessment is heavily influenced by a substantial 14 recall campaigns and a near-zero score for avoidance technology, a factor that demonstrably compromises its protective capabilities on the road.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 65 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ranks 115 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 65 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 14 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 156 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 115 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport receives a Safety Index score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. This represents a slight decline from the 2020 model year's score of 66. While the crash protection score remains strong at 61 out of 70, aligning with its robust NHTSA star ratings, other areas present significant concerns. The vehicle's avoidance-technology score is a low 3.5 out of 10. This is attributed to the absence of standard forward collision warning and the optional status of lane departure warning for this model year. Furthermore, the defect record scores 0 out of 20, reflecting the 14 recall campaigns issued for this model. Notably, one of these recalls carries a park-outside or do-not-drive severity level, indicating a critical safety risk. Specific recalls for the fuel injectors and the occupant classification sensor stand out for their potential to compromise safety. The 156 unverified owner complaints, which include 9 alleged crashes and 7 injuries, predominantly involve the electrical system and airbags, categories that directly relate to active recall issues. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport demonstrates that strong crash-test star ratings do not fully encompass a vehicle's overall safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport AWD SUV achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety assessments, anchored by a perfect 5-star side impact rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle registered a 15 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" outcome, an encouraging detail within its 4-star rollover classification.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15582
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport carries 14 NHTSA recall campaigns. One is a park-outside or do-not-drive directive. Named campaigns cover the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, tire pressure monitoring, the backup camera sensing system, long fuel injectors in the gasoline injection system, and side and window air bags. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V464000
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Reported 2024-06-20
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V514000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Reported 2022-07-20
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS22V245000
Risk: Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
Reported 2022-04-13
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW22V152000
Risk: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
Reported 2022-03-28
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS22V086000
Risk: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
Reported 2022-02-16
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM21V892000
Risk: A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.
Reported 2021-11-17
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS21V812000
Risk: The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
Reported 2021-10-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS21V616000
Risk: A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.
Reported 2021-08-06
WHEELS:RIM21V132000
Risk: An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.
Reported 2021-03-03
STEERING21V026000
Risk: A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.
Reported 2021-01-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V716000
Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
Reported 2020-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
NHTSA has received 156 unverified owner complaints for this model year, including alleged reports of 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 52 reports, Air Bags with 36, Service Brakes with 35, Engine with 31, and Forward Collision Avoidance with 27. All are unverified allegations.
156 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
For the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, the most critical safety consideration is its substantial recall history. With 14 campaigns on record, prospective owners must verify that all remedial actions have been completed by a franchised dealer. One recall, in particular, advised owners to park affected vehicles outside, highlighting the severity of some issues. This due diligence is not optional; it is an essential step to ensure the vehicle meets safety standards.
- The 2021 model year carries 14 NHTSA recall campaigns, one of which is a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, making recall verification by VIN a critical step for any prospective buyer of this specific year.
- The avoidance-technology score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects a configuration where forward collision warning is not standard and lane departure warning is only optional, distinguishing this year's safety profile from its otherwise strong crash-test star ratings.
- The defect record component of the Safety Index scores 0 out of 20 for this model year, a figure driven entirely by the volume and severity of its 14 recall campaigns, including actions covering fuel injectors, air bag sensors, and the backup camera system.
- NHTSA has logged 156 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System alone accounting for 52 alleged reports, a concentration that aligns with active recall subjects and warrants attention when reviewing a specific used unit's service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport places
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport safety questions
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 65 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned 5 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 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 14 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 156 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Atlas Cross Sport years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15582), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2021.
- 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 115 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.