MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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

4Recalls
16Complaints
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 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 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 15.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20370

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record16/20
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

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION25V081000

Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38CX.

Reported 2025-02-12

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 8Unknown Or Other 7Power Train 5Engine 5Forward Collision Avoidance 2Vehicle Speed Control 1

Other Atlas Cross Sport years

Rivals in SUV (2025)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 20370), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2025. Class rank 99 of 153 in SUV 2025. Methodology · Disclosure