NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Ratings
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 153 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas presents a mixed safety profile, indicated by a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, which falls into the Average band. This score represents a three-point decrease from the 2023 model year. While the Atlas achieved strong crash-test results from federal evaluations, these are significantly counterbalanced by a substantial recall record, with seven distinct campaigns issued for the model.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas ranks 127 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.6% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 153 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 127 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2024 Atlas earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including a perfect 5-star score in the side impact test. The dynamic tip test recorded no tip, indicating a low rollover risk. This strong crash performance is bolstered by a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the model line. Despite these positive attributes, the 2024 Atlas received an overall Safety Index score of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band, a decline from the 2023 model year's Strong rating of 81/100. This reduction is primarily attributable to its defect record, which scored only 7 out of a possible 20 points. Seven recall campaigns have been issued for the 2024 model year. One recall specifically addresses the brake master cylinder in 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport units, targeting a critical safety component. Another recall, for rearview camera software, affects both 2024 and 2025 Atlas vehicles. The 153 owner-reported complaints for this model year frequently cite issues with the Electrical System and Service Brakes, mirroring the themes identified in the recall campaigns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas achieved an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, driven significantly by its performance in side impact assessments. Side protection for the Atlas garnered a perfect 5-star rating. Both frontal crash protection and the vehicle's resistance to rollover each earned 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model year stands at 14 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19091
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
Yes, the 2024 Atlas carries seven recall campaigns. Documented components include service brakes, a brake master cylinder, a rearview camera software error that may impair back-over prevention, an engine cover concern, and a separate back-over prevention software issue shared with Golf R and GTI models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the supplied data, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V473000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-07-22
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER24V723000
Risk: An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Additionally, vehicles that were added to the population on November 21, 2024, their letters were mailed on December 2, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen Customer Relations at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 471F.
Reported 2024-09-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE24V480000
Risk: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
Reported 2024-06-27
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/MECHANICAL23V593000
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, engine failure may cause an oil leak which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 13i6.
Reported 2023-08-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas?
Owners have filed 153 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 39 reports, Service Brakes with 35, Forward Collision Avoidance with 27, and the Engine with 23. Alleged consequences include 6 reported crashes and 9 reported injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
153 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas?
Seven recall campaigns are on record for the 2024 Atlas, making VIN verification crucial for prospective buyers. Shoppers should confirm remedy completion, particularly for the brake master cylinder and camera software issues, before purchase.
- The 2024 Atlas Safety Index dropped three points to 78/100 compared to the 2023 model year's 81/100, a band change from Strong to Average driven by a defect record sub-score of just 7 out of 20.
- A brake master cylinder recall specific to 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles was issued in September 2024, targeting a core hydraulic braking component unique to this model year pairing.
- Two separate rearview camera and back-over prevention recalls affect 2024 Atlas units, one tied to a software error and one to a broader back-over sensing system issue, both requiring VIN-level verification of remedy completion.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA total 153 for this model year, with Electrical System allegations (39) and Service Brakes allegations (35) leading all categories, closely mirroring the active recall themes for this specific year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas places
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Volkswagen Atlas safety questions
Was the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 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 2024 Volkswagen Atlas crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 13.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 153 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19091), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Atlas 2024.
- 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 127 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.