The verdict
A struggling mid-size suv, strong on space and held back by efficiency.
The 2021 Atlas is the refresh year of VW's first-generation three-row SUV. Its third row really does fit adults, it holds 96.8 cu ft of cargo, and it started at just $32,565, so few mainstream rivals give you more usable space for the money. The trade-offs are a 235 hp volume engine that needs about 8 seconds to reach 60 mph, 22 MPG combined, only 4 years/50,000 miles of powertrain warranty, and 17 recall campaigns for this model year. Buy it for the room, and check a used one's recall work carefully.
Jump to scoresStrengths
- A third row adults can actually use
- Huge, flexible cargo hold
- Built around family logistics
What holds it back
- Underpowered volume engine
- Thirsty for its class
- Short powertrain warranty and weak resale
Top alternatives
Cars shoppers cross-shop with the Volkswagen Atlas
2.79B-
Kia TellurideMid-Size SUVBetter at: Resale valueNearly the same space and towing for similar money, but with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and roughly 56% five-year resale that erase the Atlas's ownership-cost problem.
Compare
3.03B
Hyundai PalisadeMid-Size SUVBetter at: Long-term valueA fresher, better-equipped three-row with an eighth seat, stronger warranty coverage and a much better depreciation curve — worth the smaller discount.
Compare
2.88B-
Toyota Grand HighlanderMid-Size SUVBetter at: Fuel efficiencyDelivers an equally usable third row with a hybrid option in the high-30s MPG, cutting the Atlas's roughly $2,350/yr fuel bill close to half.
CompareHow it's evolved
9 scored model years · 2018–2026
Subject scores by year
Hover or tap a score to see what moved it versus the year before. A corner mark flags a big swing.
| Year | Performance | Efficiency | Safety | Space | Cost | Reliability | Tech | Use-case | Driving | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 46 | 39 | 80 | 71 | 48 | 55 | 66 | 69 | 61 | 66 |
| 2025 | 45 | 33 | 77 | 71 | 46 | 52 | 68 | 68 | 59 | 66 |
| 2024 | 45 | 39 | 77 | 69 | 46 | 48 | 64 | 64 | 55 | 67 |
| 2023 | 42 | 38 | 64 | 71 | 51 | 54 | 54 | 61 | 58 | 59 |
| 2022 | 42 | 38 | 64 | 70 | 53 | 51 | 53 | 60 | 58 | 58 |
| 2021 | 42 | 38 | 66 | 70 | 53 | 51 | 54 | 60 | 58 | 61 |
| 2020 | 44 | 22 | 62 | 69 | 52 | 55 | 45 | 59 | 58 | 60 |
| 2019 | 44 | 23 | 62 | 69 | 56 | 48 | 45 | 59 | 58 | 62 |
| 2018 | 44 | 23 | 58 | 68 | 57 | 44 | 43 | 58 | 58 | 63 |
Compare two years
Best fit & conditions
Higher scores mean a better fit for that use case. Learn more about use-case fit →
Subject profile
Trims & configurations
5 trimsScores above reflect the volume trim. Per-trim specs and scores are rolling out — the full lineup:
Academic Probation · NHTSA safety recalls
Jun 20, 2024Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerThe passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 24V464000 ↗Manufacturer no. 69PZ271,330 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 30, 2024Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMar 29, 2023Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerThe passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Defect
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.
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 March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
NHTSA campaign 23V215000 ↗Manufacturer no. 69FB143,053 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 22, 2024Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASOct 31, 2022Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systemsThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
NHTSA campaign 22V815000 ↗Manufacturer no. AU:45J7,VW:45J6,45J8296,044 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 18, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJul 20, 2022Back over prevention: sensing system: camera · Equipment: electrical: infotainment: softwareThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
NHTSA campaign 22V514000 ↗Manufacturer no. 91DV43,091 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 2, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASApr 13, 2022Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectorsThe long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Defect
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.
Risk
Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
NHTSA campaign 22V245000 ↗Manufacturer no. 24iD1,382 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jul 20, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMar 28, 2022Air bags: side/windowThe 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.
Defect
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.
Risk
A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
NHTSA campaign 22V152000 ↗Manufacturer no. 97GF222,892 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jun 22, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASFeb 16, 2022Equipment: other: labelsThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
NHTSA campaign 22V086000 ↗Manufacturer no. 09D93,648 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 31, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASNov 17, 2021Air bags: air bag/restraint control module · Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac systemThe air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
Defect
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.
Risk
A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.
NHTSA campaign 21V892000 ↗Manufacturer no. 87H454,429 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jan 14, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASOct 15, 2021Suspension: front: wheel bearing · Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studsThe front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Defect
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.
Risk
The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
NHTSA campaign 21V812000 ↗Manufacturer no. 40R730 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 2, 2021Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 6, 2021Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers · Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoidsDamaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
Defect
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.
Risk
A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.
NHTSA campaign 21V616000 ↗Manufacturer no. 97FR33 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 27, 2021Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMar 3, 2021Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs · Wheels: rimThe lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.
Defect
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.
Risk
An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.
NHTSA campaign 21V132000 ↗Manufacturer no. 44Q9128 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 12, 2021Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJan 27, 2021SteeringThe front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
Defect
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.
Risk
A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.
NHTSA campaign 21V026000 ↗Manufacturer no. 40Q710,303 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Feb 16, 2021Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASNov 18, 2020Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
NHTSA campaign 20V716000 ↗Manufacturer no. 91BB / 91BC32,048 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Dec 11, 2020Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASNov 17, 2020SteeringOne or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.
Defect
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.
Risk
A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q6. Note: Owners are advised to DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the vehicle has been inspected and repaired if necessary.
NHTSA campaign 20V712000 ↗Manufacturer no. 40Q6776 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 19, 2020Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASNov 13, 2020Tires: sidewallThe tires may have been over cured.
Defect
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.
Risk
Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.
NHTSA campaign 20V702000 ↗Manufacturer no. 44Q5760 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 30, 2020Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 26, 2020SeatsParts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Defect
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.
Risk
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
NHTSA campaign 20V505000 ↗Manufacturer no. 72L1, 72K8, 72K95,376 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 11, 2020Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 26, 2020Exterior lighting: headlightsThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
A headlight aimed incorrectly aimed reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the driver's side headlight, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94N7.
NHTSA campaign 20V504000 ↗Manufacturer no. 94N711 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 9, 2020Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLAS
31 recalls on other model years of the Atlas (2018–2019, 2022–2026)
Sep 11, 2026SteeringOne of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Risk
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V590000 ↗Manufacturer no. 48LG, 48VT208,724 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJul 22, 2026Back over prevention: softwareVolkswagen 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.
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.
Risk
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driverâs 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.
NHTSA campaign 26V473000 ↗Manufacturer no. 91TV57,851 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 4, 2026Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASDec 3, 2025Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studsThe incorrect wheel bolts may have been installed during vehicle manufacturing.
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2026 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4 vehicles. The incorrect wheel bolts may have been installed during vehicle manufacturing.
Risk
Incorrect wheel bolts can allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wheel bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44BW. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 5, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V835000 ↗Manufacturer no. 44BW27 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Dec 12, 2025Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJun 30, 2025Service brakes · SuspensionCertain 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.
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 25V434000 ↗Manufacturer no. 42HX546 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jul 25, 2025Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMay 21, 2025Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraA 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."
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign 25V334000 ↗Manufacturer no. 91QE171,381 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jun 5, 2025Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASFeb 17, 2025EngineThe engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 25V100000 ↗Manufacturer no. 10X5177,493 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 7, 2025Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASFeb 12, 2025Power train: automatic transmissionThe transmission may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Defect
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 25V081000 ↗Manufacturer no. 38CX19 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 12, 2025Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASSep 27, 2024Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderThe brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 24V723000 ↗Manufacturer no. 471F1,591 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Oct 21, 2024Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJun 27, 2024Back over prevention: softwareThe 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."
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."
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.
NHTSA campaign 24V480000 ↗Manufacturer no. 91US84,432 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jul 15, 2024Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASOct 4, 2023Air bags: side/window: curtainThe driver's side impact air bag may be missing a weld at the side air bag housing.
Defect
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.
Risk
The driver's side impact air bag could deploy improperly or detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's side impact air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FK.
NHTSA campaign 23V671000 ↗Manufacturer no. 69FK2 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Oct 19, 2023Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 23, 2023Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalThe engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign 23V593000 ↗Manufacturer no. 13i62,018 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 28, 2023Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASOct 26, 2022Suspension: critical fastenersThe driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Defect
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.
Risk
Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
NHTSA campaign 22V807000 ↗Manufacturer no. 42M233 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 22, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASOct 7, 2022Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalThe engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Defect
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.
Risk
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
NHTSA campaign 22V753000 ↗Manufacturer no. VW: 13i4, Audi: 13i576,515 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 8, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASSep 26, 2022Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCertain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections.
Defect
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.
Risk
A brake fluid leak may increase the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 23, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T2.
NHTSA campaign 22V718000 ↗Manufacturer no. 47T2555 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 22, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 31, 2022Trailer hitchesThe trailer hitch bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Defect
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.
Risk
Loose bolts may fall out, causing the remaining bolts to break, which could lead to separation of the trailer hitch and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N8.
NHTSA campaign 22V657000 ↗Manufacturer no. 66N83,184 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 16, 2022Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMay 5, 2021Unknown or otherThese 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.
Defect
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.
Risk
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
NHTSA campaign 21V321000 ↗Manufacturer no. 01F146 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified May 20, 2021Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMar 5, 2021Tires: sidewallOn the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Defect
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.
Risk
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R1.
NHTSA campaign 21V142000 ↗Manufacturer no. 44R12,535 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 24, 2021Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASSep 16, 2020Unknown or otherThese 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.
Defect
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.
Risk
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
NHTSA campaign 20V561000 ↗Manufacturer no. 01E923 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Oct 6, 2020Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJan 31, 2020Air bagsThe vehicles may be equipped with an incorrectly manufactured air bag sensor, which can delay or disable air bag deployment when necessary.
Defect
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, a delayed or disabled airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag crash sensor, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AL.
NHTSA campaign 20V057000 ↗Manufacturer no. 69AL7 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Feb 21, 2020Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 21, 2019Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyThe 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.
Defect
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.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BU.
NHTSA campaign 19V614000 ↗Manufacturer no. 20BU6 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 30, 2019Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMay 22, 2019Exterior lighting: headlightsThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
NHTSA campaign 19V389000 ↗Manufacturer no. 94L9662,185 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jul 16, 2019Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMar 20, 2019Air bags: side/windowAn incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Defect
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.
Risk
In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
NHTSA campaign 19V218000 ↗Manufacturer no. 69Y83 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Apr 24, 2019Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASDec 19, 2018Suspension: rear: springs: coil springsThe rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Defect
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.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
NHTSA campaign 18V904000 ↗Manufacturer no. 42J2/42J36,322 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jan 31, 2019Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASNov 26, 2018Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
NHTSA campaign 18V824000 ↗Manufacturer no. 90L3 / 90L473,549 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Dec 13, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 20, 2018Air bags: air bag/restraint control moduleDuring production, the air conditioning system drain tube may have been twisted, causing water to drain into the air bag control module.
Defect
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.
Risk
The wet air bag control module may result in an unintentional deployment of the air bags, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain tube, and if it is twisted, the drain tube and air bag control module will be replaced, free of charge. Some of the affected vehicles have had their drain tube previously replaced but did not receive a new air bag control module; the airbag control module will be replaced in these vehicles. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87F9.
NHTSA campaign 18V537000 ↗Manufacturer no. 87F99,685 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 14, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASAug 15, 2018Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperThe brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Defect
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.
Risk
The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
NHTSA campaign 18V536000 ↗Manufacturer no. 46H68,416 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 13, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJun 7, 2018Seat belts: rear/other: buckle assemblyThe 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.
Defect
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.
Risk
A damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the center and left outboard seat belt buckles, and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Volkswagen will also provide an owner's manual supplement addressing child safety and child restraints. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X1.
NHTSA campaign 18V380000 ↗Manufacturer no. 69X154,729 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jun 29, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJun 6, 2018Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleIn the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment.
Defect
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.
Risk
If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69W8, and 69W9.
NHTSA campaign 18V375000 ↗Manufacturer no. 69W8 69W9821 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jul 19, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASJun 1, 2018Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperThe brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Defect
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.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
NHTSA campaign 18V369000 ↗Manufacturer no. 47N8, 47N9, 47N610,225 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jun 29, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASMay 2, 2018Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AW. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-766.
NHTSA campaign 18V284000 ↗Manufacturer no. 20AW278 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jun 22, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLASNov 29, 2017Fuel system, gasoline: storageThe 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."
Defect
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."
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AQ.
NHTSA campaign 17V766000 ↗Manufacturer no. 20AQ58 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jan 10, 2018Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Filed as ATLAS
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall database, model years 2018–2026. Recalls are listed by model year as the manufacturer filed them; whether a specific car is affected depends on its VIN — check a VIN at nhtsa.gov ↗. NHTSA model names matched to this page: ATLAS.
Detailed scoring by subject
1Performance & PowertrainOne of the Atlas's weakest categories.0.81F
2021 is the first-generation Atlas's refresh year, a styling and feature update that kept both engines. The volume trims use the 235 hp 2.0T, which is low for a three-row mid-size SUV when most rivals carry 280-295 hp V6s.
The turbo four's 258 lb-ft arrives low in the rev range and is close to the VR6's 266 lb-ft.
A roughly 4,400 lb three-row SUV with 235 hp is slow by class standards, trailing V6 rivals that run 0-60 in the high 6s to low 7s.
The 2.0T is smooth around town but sounds strained on highway merges or with a full load. The VR6 is smoother but barely quicker and uses more fuel.
The 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly in normal driving but can be slow to kick down, which makes the modest 2.0T feel more sluggish than it is.
The VR6 is rated to tow 5,000 lbs, in line with mid-size three-row rivals. The volume 2.0T is rated for only 2,000 lbs.
New for 2021, 4Motion AWD can be paired with the 2.0T, so all-wheel drive is now available with both engines across the trims. It includes Snow and Off-Road drive modes but has no low range and no torque vectoring.
With about 8 inches of ground clearance and no off-road trim, skid plates or lockers, the Atlas is a pavement-oriented family hauler. The Basecamp appearance package adds no hardware.
Two gas engines, each offered with FWD or AWD. That is a real choice, but there is no hybrid or electrified option.
2Efficiency & RangeThe Atlas's lowest-graded category.0.52F
The volume 2.0T 4Motion is rated at 22 MPG combined, below the class's efficient V6 rivals. The VR6 drops to 18-19 MPG.
City economy is the Atlas's weakest area because the heavy body leans hard on the small turbo engine.
24 MPG highway is poor for the class, where many rivals reach the high 20s.
The large 18.6-gallon tank makes up for the mediocre fuel economy, giving mid-pack range for a three-row SUV.
This is EPA's annual fuel-cost estimate at 15,000 miles a year on regular gas. It is high for the class because of the modest MPG.
Both engines run on regular unleaded. VW quotes the 2.0T's 235 hp on premium, but premium is not required.
3SafetyOne of the Atlas's strongest categories.2.45C+
NHTSA tested both drivetrains of the 2021 Atlas and gave each a 5-star overall rating. The 4-star frontal and rollover sub-ratings keep it from being a clean sweep.
The 2021 Atlas, the first year of the facelift, rates Good in every crashworthiness test IIHS ran in that cycle: both small-overlap tests, the original moderate overlap, side (original and updated), roof and head restraints. It earned no 2021 Top Safety Pick, because pedestrian AEB is only Basic and the volume-trim headlights are Marginal. Strong crash structure with no award puts it at the top of the middle band.
Front Assist AEB with pedestrian monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert are standard on every 2021 trim. The volume SE w/ Technology adds ACC Stop and Go. Lane Assist, Travel Assist lane centering, Active Side Assist and Emergency Assist (the full IQ.DRIVE bundle) are reserved for SEL and above, so the core suite is present but lane keeping is optional below SEL.
Vehicle-to-vehicle AEB rates Superior, but daytime pedestrian detection rates only Basic. That leaves the overall result at the bottom of the middle band.
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert are standard on all 2021 trims, before the chip-shortage deletions that hit 2022–23 SE builds. Active steering intervention (Active Side Assist) comes only with SEL IQ.DRIVE, and there is no trailer-aware coverage or safe-exit alert, so on the volume trim it is alert-only.
The volume SE w/ Technology has no lane departure warning or lane keeping at all, because Lane Assist is part of IQ.DRIVE on SEL and up. Where fitted, Travel Assist centering works but reviewers note wander on curves and frequent hands-on prompts.
ACC with Stop and Go is standard on the volume SE w/ Technology. Combined highway assist (Travel Assist) is reserved for SEL and above, and reviewers note somewhat abrupt braking in traffic. Capable, with rough edges.
Volkswagen offered no hands-free highway driving in the US for 2021. Travel Assist is explicitly hands-on and uses a capacitive steering wheel to check for the driver's hands.
The headlights on the S/SE/SE w/ Technology trims (the volume range) rate Marginal. The Good-rated curve-adaptive LED projectors with high-beam assist come only on the SEL trims, matching the 'Good on upper trims, Marginal on volume' description at the bottom of the middle band.
The Atlas's boxy body, tall glass area and upright pillars give it some of the best natural sightlines among three-row mid-size SUVs, and the 2021 facelift did not change the greenhouse. The Area View 360-degree camera is limited to the top trim.
The roomy second row, large rear doors, full LATCH hardware in all three second-row positions and a second-row seat that tilts and slides with a child seat installed are real family strengths. However, IIHS rates LATCH ease of use only Marginal.
4Space & ComfortThe Atlas's best-graded category.2.73B-
Three-row seven-seater with a 60/40 second-row bench standard; captain's chairs (SE w/ Technology and up) drop it to six.
Tall, upright cabin gives generous front headroom for the class.
Front legroom is ordinary for a mid-size three-row SUV; the Atlas's space advantage is in rows two and three.
Second-row headroom is at the top of the segment.
Good second-row legroom, with a 7.7-in fore-aft slide to trade space with the third row.
One of the few mid-size three-rows whose third row genuinely seats adults, and the tilt-and-slide second row gives access even with child seats installed.
Large cargo hold for the segment; even 20.6 cu ft behind the third row is usable luggage space.
Near the top of the mid-size class for maximum cargo.
Competitive everyday storage with charge ports and cup holders in all three rows and fold-flat rows two and three, but nothing innovative.
Supportive front seats with 10-way power adjustment from SE, and a reclining sliding second row; the volume SE w/ Technology lacks a power passenger seat and memory.
Generally compliant, well-damped ride; 20-in wheels on SE w/ Technology and 21s on R-Line trims add some firmness over broken city pavement.
Average for the class: the boxy body and big tires let in some wind and tire noise at highway speed, and the 2.0T sounds strained when pushed.
Tri-zone automatic climate and heated front seats from SE and remote start from SE w/ Technology; the heated wheel needs SEL, and ventilated front plus heated rear seats are SEL Premium only.
5Cost of OwnershipGrades below the middle of the scale.1.57D
The refreshed 2021 Atlas kept a low entry price. The 2.0T S FWD undercuts most three-row mainstream rivals.
SE w/Technology is the volume trim, and most buyers add 4Motion for $1,900 on top of the $37,915 FWD price.
VW parts and labor cost more than Japanese and Korean rivals, and Edmunds' projections for the first-generation Atlas are at the high end of the class. CarEdge's lower figure only covers scheduled maintenance.
The Atlas loses value a little faster than the mid-size SUV average, and well behind its Toyota, Honda and Kia rivals.
VW's 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty beats the 3/36 offered by Toyota, Honda and GM, but falls short of Hyundai and Kia's 5/60.
VW offers no separate, longer powertrain warranty, so the engine and transmission are covered for only 4 years/50,000 miles. That is the shortest powertrain coverage among mainstream three-row SUVs.
VW Carefree Coverage includes 2 years/20,000 miles of scheduled maintenance, 3 years of roadside assistance and 5 years of Car-Net Remote Access. That is useful, but the mileage cap is tight.
$39,815 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (48% retained, or about $19,111) leaves about $20,704 in depreciation. Add the projected $7,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $28,204 in total.
6Reliability & QualityOne of the Atlas's weakest categories.1.43D
2021 is the first year of the Atlas's mid-cycle refresh (new front end, rear lights, steering wheel) on the mature 2018-launched first generation. Consumer Reports rates the 2021 about average for its model year, while J.D. Power scores its Quality & Reliability only Fair — weaker than the 2023 carry-over — so it sits in the lower half of the average band.
Volkswagen has sat in the lower third of Consumer Reports' brand reliability rankings and below the industry average in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study across recent study years, with electronics and infotainment the most-cited problem areas — a persistent multi-year pattern.
The 2021 Atlas carries 17 NHTSA campaigns — an unusually heavy first-year-of-refresh record — including two steering-knuckle fracture recalls, two wheel-attachment recalls, three separate air-bag campaigns (passenger occupant detection twice, side-curtain harness corrosion), an HVAC drain leak that can damage the air-bag module, and a fuel-injector leak fire risk. Most are small-population assembly defects, but the volume and the steering/air-bag severity are well beyond typical.
The volume 2021 Atlas uses the 235-hp 2.0L EA888 turbo-four with an 8-speed automatic (the 3.6L VR6 remained optional) — a high-volume, broadly durable engine family with known water-pump/thermostat-housing and carbon-buildup service items. Unlike 2022-2023, the 2021 is not in the 2.0T connecting-rod-bearing engine-failure campaign; the small fuel-injector leak recall is the only powertrain campaign.
The 2021 refresh brought a new steering wheel but kept the roomy, logically laid-out cabin with abundant hard plastics on doors and lower dash, which reviewers called plain for the price — competitive for a mainstream three-row but behind the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
Chattanooga-built Atlases are generally solid structurally, but the first year of the refreshed build had a cluster of assembly-quality recalls — misaimed headlights, mis-machined wheel lug holes, under-torqued wheel-bearing bolts, damaged steering knuckles and wrong relays — plus a Fair J.D. Power quality rating.
Volkswagen's US network of roughly 600-650 dealers is about half of Toyota's, leaving gaps in rural markets where three-row SUVs sell well; metro coverage is adequate and owners rate the dealership experience middling.
VW parts and labor price above mainstream Japanese and domestic rivals, and repair-cost indices place the brand above average for annual repair spend, but the shared MQB/EA888 parts pool and a large aftermarket keep availability good. 2021 models came with 4yr/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.
7Technology & InfotainmentGrades below the middle of the scale.1.59D
The volume SE w/ Technology uses the 8-in MIB3 Composition Media unit, small against rivals' 9–12 in displays.
The new MIB3 capacitive unit with swipe and pinch-zoom was a step forward for the mid-year update, but reviewers still found it small and occasionally slow, with fiddly capacitive steering-wheel and volume controls.
Wireless App-Connect standard on every trim from SE up; the base S has wired CarPlay/Android Auto only.
Native navigation (Discover Media) is reserved for SEL and up, so the volume trim relies on phone projection; MIB3's natural-language 'Hello Volkswagen' needs a paid Plus Speech subscription.
Six-speaker base audio is ordinary; the 480-watt, 12-speaker Fender system is good but limited to SEL Premium.
The 10-in configurable Digital Cockpit is good but standard only from SEL; the volume SE w/ Technology keeps analog gauges (Digital Cockpit Pro reached SE w/ Technology only for 2023).
No whole-vehicle OTA; online map and traffic updates are available only through a paid Plus Nav subscription on navigation-equipped trims.
Car-Net Remote Access (remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle status, last parked location) is free for five years, but there is no phone-as-key and safety services cost $99/yr.
USB-C throughout with five ports from SE (two data, three charge-only including two in the rear) and a wireless charging pad on 8-in-screen trims.
KESSY proximity entry from SE, remote start and the kick-to-open Easy Open liftgate from SE w/ Technology; no phone-as-key.
The volume trim gets front/rear Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking and a guided rear camera; Area View surround camera and automated Park Assist are SEL Premium only.
No head-up display offered on any 2021 Atlas trim.
8Use-Case FitMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.07C
Big door openings, an adult-usable third row and a second row that tilts and slides forward with a child seat installed make daily family logistics easy; IIHS rates LATCH ease of use only Marginal.
5-star NHTSA overall and Good IIHS crash results with Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert standard, but lane keeping, Travel Assist and the good headlights wait for SEL; no 2021 IIHS award.
Tri-zone climate, rear USB-C charging, a reclining second row and a real third row, plus 20.6 cu ft behind row three, suit long family trips; no rear entertainment and heated rear seats only on SEL Premium.
Light, easy controls, good visibility and a smooth ride make it relaxed around town, but the 2.0T's hesitant downshifts and the sheer size add minor friction.
22 MPG combined on regular fuel is below-average for a 2021 three-row SUV, and the VR6 is worse at 18–19 MPG.
A 200.7-in-long, 78.4-in-wide body and 40.5-ft turning circle make it large in tight spaces, offset by good sightlines and front/rear sensors on the volume trim.
The volume 2.0T is rated to tow only 2,000 lbs; 5,000 lbs needs the VR6 with factory hitch. The 96.8-cu-ft cargo hold helps with bulky loads.
A unibody MQB family crossover with leatherette interiors and no fleet program of note; reliability record is mixed.
Standard roof rails and a factory hitch on VR6 trims, but no onboard power or work-oriented features.
Comfortable, roomy highway cruiser with ACC Stop & Go on the volume trim and ~400+ miles per tank, but some wind and tire noise and Travel Assist only on SEL.
4Motion with Active Control offers Snow and Offroad modes with Hill Descent, but 8.0 in of ground clearance, road tires and a 2,000-lb rating on the 2.0T keep it a gravel-road vehicle.
Class-leading cargo numbers, fold-flat second and third rows, a sliding split second row and standard roof rails make bulky gear easy.
9Driving ExperienceMid-pack among this car's ten categories.1.91C-
Composed and predictable with good body control for a large three-row; instrumented grip is respectable for the class.
Quick, nicely weighted electric steering with speed-sensitive assist, but little feedback.
Large discs give confident, progressive stops; the measured 70–0 distance is typical for a 4,500-lb three-row.
The 8-speed shifts smoothly but hesitates on kickdown, and the 235-hp 2.0T feels strained moving a full load; stop/start is standard on both engines.
Quiet at a cruise, but the four-cylinder becomes buzzy and audible under hard acceleration.
A wide turning circle that reflects the Atlas's long wheelbase.
Commanding, adjustable driving position with clear sightlines and a logical dash; capacitive steering-wheel controls on the new wheel draw some complaints.
Competent and pleasant but leisurely with the volume 2.0T; little character to tempt the long way home.
10Value & Market PositionOne of the Atlas's strongest categories.2.10C
The 2021 refresh added equipment while prices barely moved. Even the base S gets LED headlights, forward-collision and blind-spot assist, and App-Connect. Adaptive cruise, a hands-free liftgate and remote start still require the SE w/Technology, and the Telluride and Palisade include more at a similar price.
The Atlas offers one of the roomiest third rows and cargo holds in the class at a low entry price. That is offset by a 235 hp volume engine, a plain interior, short powertrain coverage and below-average resale.
There are eight trims from S to SEL Premium R-Line, two engines, and FWD or 4Motion, the latter now available with the 2.0T too. Bench or captain's chairs are offered, and the lineup is evenly spaced from about $32.6k to about $51.7k.
The Atlas is one of VW's two volume models in the US and sells steadily in the mid-pack. It sells well below the Explorer, Highlander and Telluride, and 2021 deliveries were held back by the chip shortage.
Volkswagen has a neutral mainstream image in the US. It carries some European cachet but also lingering doubts about reliability and dealer service, which hold down Atlas resale.
VW offered financing and lease deals on the refreshed Atlas early in 2021. The industry-wide chip shortage and inventory squeeze through the second half of 2021 made discounts much harder to find.
MY2021 is the fourth year of a generation launched for 2018, but it is also the mid-cycle refresh year, with a new front end, lights, wheels and steering wheel, plus 4Motion for the 2.0T. It is current but not cutting-edge, since the interior and infotainment carry over.
Reviewers consistently praise the Atlas's adult-usable third row and huge cargo hold. They criticize its sluggish engines, plain interior and dated infotainment, and it rarely wins comparison tests against the Telluride or Palisade.