NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Ratings
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 113 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, placing it in the Strong band. That is a two-point gain over the 2022 model year's Average-band 79. Five NHTSA crash-test recalls and a solid overall star rating round out a generally strong but not perfect safety picture.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 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 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas ranks 104 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 113 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 104 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas achieves an 81/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a two-point increase that moves it into the Strong safety band. This improvement is primarily driven by a robust crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, reflecting the 5-star overall and 5-star side-crash ratings published by NHTSA. The Atlas also scores well in avoidance technology, with an 8.5 out of 10, attributed to standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. However, the optional status of lane departure warning prevents a higher score in this area. The defect record sub-score, at 11.5 out of 20, represents the weakest aspect of the Atlas's safety profile. This score is consistent with five active recall campaigns. These recalls encompass critical safety systems, including brake hydraulics, engine internals, and two distinct issues related to the airbag system. The broad scope of these recalls, affecting both braking and occupant restraint systems, is the primary factor preventing the Atlas from reaching the upper echelon of the Strong safety band. Further detailing the defect picture are 113 reported owner complaints, predominantly citing concerns with the engine and electrical systems. For used-market consumers, the 2023 Atlas offers strong crash test performance, but its recall and complaint history warrants close scrutiny.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Atlas achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, anchored by a perfect 5 stars in the side-crash evaluation. While robust in side impacts, its frontal crash and rollover assessments each yielded 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the Atlas stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording a "No Tip" outcome.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
Yes, five recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved include service brakes, hydraulic brake lines and fittings, engine internal hard parts, side and window air bags, and the front passenger occupant classification sensor. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied campaign data, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?
A total of 113 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged involvement in 4 crashes and 6 injuries. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently cited components are the Engine, Electrical System, and Air Bags, followed by Service Brakes and Exterior Lighting.
113 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2023 Atlas has been subject to five recall campaigns. Potential buyers of a used model should verify the status of these recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's lookup tool. This is particularly important for open recalls involving critical safety systems like brakes or airbags, which directly impact occupant protection and vehicle control.
- The 2023 Atlas improved two index points over the 2022 model year, moving from the Average band to the Strong band, driven primarily by its 61/70 crash-protection sub-score.
- Five recall campaigns are associated with this model year, covering hydraulic brake lines, engine internal hard parts, side and window air bags, and the front passenger occupant classification sensor, all safety-critical systems.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on this model year, which distinguishes its avoidance-tech profile from vehicles that bundle the feature as standard equipment.
- NHTSA received 113 reported complaints for this model year, with Engine, Electrical System, and Air Bags as the three most frequently alleged problem areas, all unverified.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas places
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Volkswagen Atlas safety questions
Was the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Volkswagen Atlas have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 113 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Atlas years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18296), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Atlas 2023.
- 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 104 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.