NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row midsize SUV aimed at buyers who want the commanding presence and cargo space of a larger vehicle without the full three-row footprint. Positioned as a style-forward alternative to more utilitarian family haulers, it targets couples and small families who prioritize interior refinement and road presence. It competes in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Atlas Cross Sport for its upscale interior, composed ride quality, and spacious two-row cabin. Most consider it a comfortable and well-appointed choice in the midsize SUV segment. Handling and driving dynamics tend to receive more measured assessments, and some reviewers note that it prioritizes comfort and style over outright performance or cargo versatility.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18298
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
SERVICE BRAKES25V434000
Risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Reported 2025-06-30
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
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS22V807000
Risk: Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
Reported 2022-10-26
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL22V753000
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Reported 2022-10-07
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS22V718000
Risk: A brake fluid leak may increase the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 23, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T2.
Reported 2022-09-26
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.