NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Ratings
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 35 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas marks a notable improvement in safety performance. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 positions it firmly in the Strong band, reflecting a significant 9-point increase over the 2024 model. This gain is attributable to a complete suite of crash test results and a perfect score in avoidance technology assessments. While four active recalls introduce a degree of concern, they do not diminish the substantial safety advancements observed for this model year.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas ranks 98 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 | 86 / 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 | 35 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 98 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas represents a measurable step forward on the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 78/100 in the Average band for 2024 to 87/100 in the Strong band for 2025. That 9-point gain is not cosmetic. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology anchor the improvement, reflecting a vehicle equipped with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all as standard features. The 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side result are the headline figures. The defect record sub-score of 15.5 out of 20 reflects the weight of four active recall campaigns, which span brakes, a rearview camera software error, an engine cover, and a transmission assembly concern. That recall count is the primary safety caveat for this model year. The 35 unverified NHTSA complaints, led by alleged electrical system and powertrain issues, add texture but are not established facts. Taken together, the 2025 Atlas earns its Strong designation while carrying a recall profile that prospective owners must resolve before driving.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Atlas earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is a clear high point, also achieving 5 stars. Frontal and rollover protection are each rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Atlas is 16 percent, with the dynamic tip-test resulting in No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20368
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2025 Atlas. The components involved are service brakes, a back-over-prevention camera system with a software error, an engine cover, and an automatic transmission that may have been improperly assembled. None of the four campaigns carries an explicit park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data provided, but owners should verify 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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION25V081000
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38CX.
Reported 2025-02-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
Thirty-five unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2025 Atlas. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (14 reports), Power Train (9), Unknown or Other (7), Forward Collision Avoidance (6), and Engine (5). One reported crash is included; no fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
35 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
All four recall campaigns for the 2025 Atlas, addressing issues with brakes, camera software, the engine cover, and the transmission, should show a completed remedy before purchase. An unresolved recall transfers with the vehicle, and consumers should verify the status of these recalls through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2025 Atlas Safety Index of 87/100 (Strong) is a 9-point increase over the 2024 model year score of 78/100 (Average), the largest single-year Index movement in the recent Atlas record.
- Four recall campaigns are active for this specific model year, covering service brakes shared with 2023-2025 Atlas vehicles, a rearview-camera software error, an engine cover fitment issue, and a transmission that may have been improperly assembled.
- The NHTSA side-impact star rating is a perfect 5 out of 5, while frontal and rollover ratings each sit at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Fourteen of the 35 unverified NHTSA complaints allege electrical system problems, and 6 specifically allege issues with the forward collision avoidance system, making those two areas the most reported concerns unique to this model year's complaint profile.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas places
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Volkswagen Atlas safety questions
Was the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2025 Volkswagen Atlas crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Volkswagen Atlas have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 35 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20368), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Atlas 2025.
- 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 98 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.