NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row midsize SUV aimed squarely at families who want European refinement without sacrificing real passenger and cargo space. Positioned against domestic and Japanese heavyweights in a competitive segment, the Atlas has been a cornerstone of VW's American lineup since its debut, offering seating for up to seven and a distinctly road-trip-ready character.
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Atlas for its spacious, family-friendly interior and composed, easy driving manners that suit its target audience well. Most acknowledge it as a practical choice in the three-row segment, though professional testers have at times noted that its overall refinement and powertrain performance trail some rivals in the class.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14750
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER23V215000
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 March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
Reported 2023-03-29
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
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.