MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

7Recalls
87Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS CROSS SPORT

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.

VERDICT

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

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

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19093

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record10.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

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

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V334000

Risk: A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.

Reported 2025-05-21

ENGINE25V100000

Risk: A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.

Reported 2025-02-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER24V723000

Risk: An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Additionally, vehicles that were added to the population on November 21, 2024, their letters were mailed on December 2, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen Customer Relations at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 471F.

Reported 2024-09-27

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE24V480000

Risk: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.

Reported 2024-06-27

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL23V593000

Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, engine failure may cause an oil leak which can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 13i6.

Reported 2023-08-23

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

87 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
1reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 27Unknown Or Other 22Forward Collision Avoidance 16Engine 14Visibility/Wiper 10Service Brakes 8

Other Atlas Cross Sport years

Rivals in SUV (2024)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 19093), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2024. Class rank 115 of 144 in SUV 2024. Methodology · Disclosure