Atlas (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The 1st-generation Atlas carries one of the highest recall counts in Track B at 45 campaigns across eight model years, and the pattern matters more than the number. The recalls cluster on manufacturing-quality issues: bolts torqued incorrectly, welds missing, parts assembled in the wrong orientation. The Atlas is built at VW's Chattanooga plant, and the campaign log reads as a long process of catching line-assembly errors after they reached customers. Across 2018-2025, the SUV accumulates 1,726 NHTSA complaints, 5 fires, 30 crashes, 48 injuries, and zero deaths.
The 3.6L FSI V6 (276 hp, 2018-2025) is the dominant powertrain and owns 1,496 of 1,726 complaints, or 87%, at 174.1 complaints per year. The rating algorithm grades it "caution" at 2.2. Safety systems lead the complaint distribution at 514, electrical follows at 380, and brakes contribute 312. The mix suggests both software-driven driver-assistance complaints and the manufacturing-quality issues showing up in real-world ownership. Engine complaints sit at 273, transmission at 72, modest figures for a V6 of this volume.
The 2.0L EA888 turbo I4 (235 hp) offered through 2023 reads as the cleaner powertrain choice in the data, combining 188 complaints across the two VIN-decoded entries the engine appears under. Volkswagen dropped the 2.0T for the 2024 mid-cycle refresh, leaving the 3.6L V6 as the only engine in current production. That removes the cleaner powertrain option from new-buyer consideration but leaves it available in 2018-2023 used cars.
The recall log is where the Atlas story lives. Eight separate airbag campaigns cover sensor manufacturing defects (20V057), tearing inflators (18V375), incorrect side-impact units (19V218), door wiring harness electrical failures (22V152), missing welds on impact bags (23V671), and the passenger occupant detection system. The PODS recall sits as another re-recall pattern: 23V215 covered 2018-2021 cars, and 24V464 re-issued for 2021-2024 cars with the same defect class. Manufacturing-quality recalls hit bolts at multiple structural points: brake caliper bracket (18V536), front steering knuckle fracture (21V026), wheel lug bolt holes (21V132), wheel bearing bolts (21V812), trailer hitch (22V657), rear trailing arm (22V807), and 2024-2025 brake master cylinder assembly (24V723). The most recent campaigns continue the pattern: 25V100 (engine cover improperly installed), 25V081 (2025 transmission manufactured incorrectly), and 25V434 (multi-component chassis and brake bolts on 2023-2025 Atlas and ID.4).
For shoppers, the math leans toward the 2.0L turbo on 2018-2023 cars if a used 2.0T can be found, or against the Atlas entirely if shopping new. The Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Kia Telluride all carry cleaner reliability profiles in the same Midsize 3-row segment. Within the VW family, the smaller Tiguan and the Audi Q5 share platform technology without the Chattanooga assembly issues. Both are built in Mexico or Germany. The Atlas is the brand's most ambitious U.S.-market product and the recall record reflects the cost of standing up a new assembly line at scale.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Volkswagen Atlas Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
TSI
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 235 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0 TSI
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 235 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
FSI
3.6L 6-cyl / 276 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
TSI/FSI
2.0L 4-cyl / 235 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volkswagen Atlas regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
The Atlas data points used buyers toward the 2.0L EA888 turbo on 2018-2023 cars, which combined 188 complaints across the two VIN-decoded entries it appears under and ran roughly half the per-year complaint rate of the V6. Volkswagen dropped the 2.0T for the 2024 mid-cycle refresh, so any new-Atlas shopper is buying into the 3.6L FSI V6 by default. If reliability is the priority and the brand is non-negotiable, the cleanest period for a used Atlas is 2020-2022 with the 2.0T: after the worst of the 2018-2019 manufacturing-quality recalls had been issued and addressed, and before the 2024 refresh changed the model platform.
Inspection priorities before buying any Atlas: verify all the manufacturing-quality recalls have been performed (the 2018-2019 cluster is especially long, including 18V536 brake caliper bracket, 18V375 air bag, 17V766 fuel tank wall, 18V904 rear coil spring suspension, and 18V537 air conditioning drain tube); check the passenger occupant detection system on 2018-2021 cars per 23V215, and again on 2021-2024 cars per the 24V464 re-recall; look at the front steering knuckle area on 2021 cars covered by 21V026; verify wheel lug bolt holes on 2021 cars per 21V132; and check the brake lines for leaks at threaded connections on 2023 Atlas FL builds per 22V718. For 2024-2025 cars, the most recent items are 24V723 brake master cylinder, 25V100 engine cover installation, and 25V081 transmission manufacturing on 2025 cars; confirm all open campaigns have been performed via the VIN lookup at NHTSA.
The Atlas Cross Sport variant shares most recalls with the standard Atlas and runs on the same powertrain choices. Cross-shop the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Kia Telluride for cleaner reliability profiles in the same three-row segment. Within VW the smaller Tiguan (Mexico build) and Audi Q5 (Germany build) sidestep the Chattanooga assembly issues that drive most of the Atlas recall stack.
Recalls (45)
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.
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."
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The transmission may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
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.
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."
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side impact air bag may be missing a weld at the side air bag housing.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The trailer hitch bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 model year Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Certain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrectly manufactured air bag sensor, which can delay or disable air bag deployment when necessary.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have been over cured.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The suction jet in the fuel tank may have been welded in the incorrect position allowing fuel to leak. Additionally, the vehicle may stall due to uneven fuel distribution.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. During production, the air conditioning system drain tube may have been twisted, causing water to drain into the air bag control module.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswaen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The owner's manuals provided with the affected vehicles do not inform the customers about the child restraint size limitation/restrictions for the second row center seating position. As a result, the center and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles on the second row can become damaged it a child seat base is installed that is wider than 12.6 inches.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan vehicles. In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank on these vehicles may leak fuel due to a manufacturing error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank may have been manufactured with insufficient wall thickness, potentially resulting in the tank leaking fuel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas problems?
The 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas has accumulated 1,726 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volkswagen Atlas engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas a good used car?
The 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,726 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas have?
The 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas has 1,726 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
There are 45 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2025 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Atlas?
Before buying a used Volkswagen Atlas, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Atlas?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,726 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.