NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 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 2024 Volkswagen Atlas earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- 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 19091
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
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
153 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.