NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Ratings
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 167 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas presents a mixed safety profile. While its crash-test performance was robust, contributing significantly to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, the vehicle is hampered by its recall history. Seven distinct recall campaigns were issued for this model year, resulting in a defect-record sub-score of 9/20. These factors collectively position the 2022 Atlas within the Average safety band. The presence of these caveats means its selection as a safety-conscious choice requires careful consideration of its documented issues.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas ranks 109 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 167 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 109 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas represents a notable safety turnaround from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed 14 points, from 65/100 and a Below Average band in 2021 to 79/100 and an Average band here. That jump is driven largely by the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, anchored by the 5-star overall and 5-star side-impact NHTSA results. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is only optional on this year. Where the 2022 model gives back ground is on its defect record: a sub-score of just 9 out of 20 reflects the weight of seven recall campaigns, touching components as varied as suspension fasteners, engine internals, trailer hitch hardware, and the occupant classification system for the front passenger air bag. That combination of strong crash-test results and a crowded recall ledger defines the safety story of this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Atlas achieved an overall 5 out of 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly noteworthy, earning a perfect 5-star result. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle carries a 16 percent rollover risk, with dynamic tip-test results indicating no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16515
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, suspension critical fasteners, internal engine hard parts, trailer hitch bolts, and a backup camera sensing system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
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
TRAILER HITCHES22V657000
Risk: Loose bolts may fall out, causing the remaining bolts to break, which could lead to separation of the trailer hitch and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N8.
Reported 2022-08-31
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
A total of 167 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged incidents involving 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently reported components are Engine, Service Brakes, Electrical System, Air Bags, and Forward Collision Avoidance.
167 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
Seven recall campaigns are on record for the 2022 Atlas. Any shopper considering this model year should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase, confirming that every remedy has been completed at a dealership. This is the single most important safety step for the 2022 Atlas.
- The Safety Index rose 14 points year over year, from 65/100 on the 2021 model to 79/100 here, the largest single-year gain visible in the Atlas data provided.
- Seven recall campaigns are tied to this model year, with suspension critical fasteners and internal engine hard parts among the most mechanically significant components named.
- The front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor recall spans a wide production window and is shared with other Atlas model years, making VIN-specific remedy verification especially important.
- The defect-record sub-score of 9 out of 20 is the weakest component of the Safety Index for this year, pulling the overall band down despite strong crash-test performance.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas places
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Volkswagen Atlas safety questions
Was the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 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 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 167 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16515), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Atlas 2022.
- 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 109 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.