NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 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 2023 Volkswagen Atlas earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 5 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 18296
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
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
113 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.