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Volkswagen · NHTSA safety record

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 171 safety complaints about the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas with the US government. Of those, 6 describe a crash, 2 mention a fire, 10 people were injured and no death is recorded. 8 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 43 complaints, 25% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 13,164 miles, the median across the 8 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers October 2023 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

171 complaints on file

171

Complaints

6

Describe a crash

2

Mention fire

10

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 43 · 25%
SERVICE BRAKES 36 · 21%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 29 · 17%
ENGINE 28 · 16%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 27 · 16%
POWER TRAIN 21 · 12%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 11 · 6%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 9 · 5%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9 · 5%
AIR BAGS 8 · 5%
LANE DEPARTURE 7 · 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6 · 4%
0 19 38

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 171.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 73.

80 60 40 20
23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2023 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2024 Volkswagen ATLAS, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 15.9% 13.6%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

8 on file

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

26V473000 · July 22, 2026

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions. As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display as intended.
The 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.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 57,851 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES

25V434000 · June 30, 2025

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
The risk
A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 546 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

25V334000 · May 21, 2025

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 171,381 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE

25V100000 · February 17, 2025

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
The risk
A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 177,493 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

24V723000 · September 27, 2024

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
The risk
An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 1,591 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

24V480000 · June 27, 2024

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The 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.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 84,432 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

24V464000 · June 20, 2024

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
The risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 271,330 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

23V593000 · August 23, 2023

The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
The 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.
The 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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 2,018 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · towed · 15,327 miles

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer that jumped in the middle of the roadway impacting the vehicle on the front driver's side. The contact was attempting to pull over when another vehicle rear-ended her vehicle while driving at an unknown speed, fatally wounding the driver of the other vehicle. The other vehicle had the driver as the only occupant and succumbed to their inquiries on the scene. No air bags were deployed. The "Crash Detected" and "Air Bag Malfunction" messages were displayed. Several unknown warning lights were

NHTSA complaint 11622684, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

Accident on 8.23.2024, and my driver or passenger airbags did not work, in my 2024 Volkswagen ATLAS SEL. The accident totaled my truck. The safety of myself and daughter at the time was very serious, but thankful, we came out with scratches and bruises. The problem has not been reproduce as I no longer have the truck. I sent an email (9/18/2024), to the dealer (Heritage Volkswagen Cantonsville, Manger Christopher Meagher), and he has not replied. There were no warning lights on in my truck prior to the accident.

NHTSA complaint 11618039. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 injured · crash

I was driving on the freeway in the right lane and the lane assist forced my steering wheel to turn right causing me to collide into a concrete guard rail. Previous to that my car had been having electrical malfunctioning issues with the screen and radio.

NHTSA complaint 11691464. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEATS

1 injured

during a low speed parking lot stop the 2nd row bench came unlatched, the seat bottom dropped and slid forward. my [XXX] son who was in his forward facing car seat slammed into the back of the driver seat. then the bench seat was jammed in this position, he was smashed and stuck between his car seat and the driver seat, the bench seat would not move, it was stuck and my child was trapped, screaming and bleeding from his face. i had to use the driver power seat functions to move it forward to get my child un trapped. once out we tended to his medical needs as he was bleeding from his face and screaming. the seat is still stuck in this forward/dropped position and will not move. the seat

NHTSA complaint 11684955, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
While driving at 5 mph, the vehicle suddenly revved up and shifted into neutral. The vehicle then stopped abruptly and would not shift. The gear shifter showed neutral but the vehicle could not be moved as it was in park. The tow truck driver had to manually override the transmission to get it onto the flatbed tow truck. The dealer diagnosed a problem with the selector shifter and replaced it. When picking up the vehicle at the dealer, the same issue occurred as I was pulling it out of the parking spot. The dealer brought the car back in for further inspection. I am waiting to hear from them. I believe this is a serious safety issue due to the sudden stopping of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint 11768033. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
. Brake Master Cylinder Failure: The brake pedal feels soft and spongy and produces hydraulic groaning noises, indicating a failure of the master brake cylinder consistent with NHTSA Recall 24V-723. The dealership has declined to replace it. 2. Suspension Defect and Improper Repair: The vehicle exhibits premature and abnormal tire wear due to faulty suspension components. Although Recall 42HX mandates the replacement of affected suspension bolts, the dealership merely retightened existing hardware. 3. Water Leak and Airbag Wiring Hazard: Water is leaking into the cabin on the passenger side through the sun visor headliner. This threatens the Passenger Occupant Detection System wiring

NHTSA complaint 11765744, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
The problem is the car has moments of stalls/not accelerating. From a stop, like at a stoplight, I have to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and even though the RPMs go up, the car doesn't move or barely moves for several seconds before it finally goes. The engine is clearly running and revving the power just isn't getting to the wheels and it stalls in thr middle of traffic.I don't know exactly which part is failing because after four repair attempts, the dealership still hasn't found it. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. Me, my kids, and other drivers safety have been put at risk more than once. The most dangerous one was on XXX when I was merging on the highway

NHTSA complaint 11764505, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 injured

Sunroof spontaneously imploded while driving down an empty highway. Glass fell down on us and our three kids in the backseat. Remaining glass is pointing upward and outward.

NHTSA complaint 11763688. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
While accelerating, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas hesitates and drags before responding to throttle input. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen Cypress (Houston, TX) on 08/25/2026 for a scheduled service appointment that included this concern as well as recall 24V480. As of 08/27/2026 - two days later - the vehicle has not been inspected or touched by a technician. The dealer has confirmed they are approximately 3 days behind and offered no resolution. The acceleration hesitation presents a safety concern, particularly when merging onto highways or crossing intersections. Recall 24V480 remains unaddressed.

NHTSA complaint 11760008. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VISIBILITY/WIPER
I purchased this car brand new in 2024. As of today I have had 7 chips in my windshield. The first one which resulted in a replacement was February/ March 2025. I have replaced it once and filled 2 chips, but I currently have 4-5 chips in my windshield which needs to be replaced due to 2 of them being large. I am holding off on this replacement until I absolutely need to because the fear of replacing and then getting another chip. Some of the chips are small, but it seems to me anything that hits the windshield chips it. I have had several cars over the year and drive a lot of miles and have never had this issue with windshields. Another problem that I had when replacing was finding the

NHTSA complaint 11758444, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Volkswagen Atlas

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 9 2 —
2025 49 5 —
2023 133 5 —
2022 183 7 —
2021 475 17 —
2020 27 4 —
2019 480 12 —
2018 464 17 —

Other 2024 Volkswagen models

Every Volkswagen on this site — 155 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst