Volkswagen Atlas problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,790 owner complaints and 48 recalls on file for the Volkswagen Atlas (2018–2026). The 2021 Atlas has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
1,790
Recalls
48
Model years
9
Worst year
2021

Complaints by model year

296201844220192720204772021183202213520231712024492025102026
NHTSA complaints per Volkswagen Atlas model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Volkswagen Atlas years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas — 477 complaints, 9 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2019 Volkswagen Atlas — 442 complaints, 6 crashes; top problem: Airbags
  3. 2018 Volkswagen Atlas — 296 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Airbags
  4. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas — 171 complaints, 6 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  5. 2022 Volkswagen Atlas — 183 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2020 (27 complaints).

Every Volkswagen Atlas model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Atlas100002Engine
2025 Atlas491005Electrical System
2024 Atlas17162108Electrical System
2023 Atlas1354065Engine
2022 Atlas1833227Engine
2021 Atlas477911217Electrical System
2020 Atlas270004Electrical System
2019 Atlas44260912Airbags
2018 Atlas29640917Airbags

Most common Volkswagen Atlas problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    426 complaints
  • Airbags
    365 complaints
  • Engine
    339 complaints
  • Brakes
    315 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    280 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    143 complaints
  • Lighting
    121 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    97 complaints
  • Steering
    84 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    59 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Volkswagen Atlas received by NHTSA each month.

Volkswagen Atlas recalls

  • Recall 26V590000Sep 11, 2026208,724 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 26V473000Jul 22, 202657,851 vehiclesModel years 2024–2026

    Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V835000Dec 3, 202527 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2026

    Risk: Incorrect wheel bolts can allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V434000Jun 30, 2025546 vehiclesModel years 2023–2025

    Risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V334000May 21, 2025171,381 vehiclesModel years 2024–2025

    Risk: A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V100000Feb 17, 2025177,493 vehiclesModel years 2024–2025

    Risk: A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 25V081000Feb 12, 202519 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V723000Sep 27, 20241,591 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V480000Jun 27, 202484,432 vehiclesModel years 2024

    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.

  • Recall 24V464000Jun 20, 2024271,330 vehiclesModel years 2021–2024

    Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 23V671000Oct 4, 20232 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: The driver's side impact air bag could deploy improperly or detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V593000Aug 23, 20232,018 vehiclesModel years 2024

    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.

  • Recall 23V215000Mar 29, 2023143,053 vehiclesModel years 2018–2021

    Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 22V815000Oct 31, 2022296,044 vehiclesModel years 2019–2021

    Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V807000Oct 26, 202233 vehiclesModel years 2022

    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.

  • Recall 22V753000Oct 7, 202276,515 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    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.

  • Recall 22V718000Sep 26, 2022555 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: A brake fluid leak may increase the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V657000Aug 31, 20223,184 vehiclesModel years 2022

    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.

  • Recall 22V514000Jul 20, 202243,091 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V245000Apr 13, 20221,382 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022

    Risk: Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 22V152000Mar 28, 2022222,892 vehiclesModel years 2019–2023

    Risk: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V086000Feb 16, 20223,648 vehiclesModel years 2018–2021

    Risk: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V892000Nov 17, 202154,429 vehiclesModel years 2021

    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.

  • Recall 21V812000Oct 15, 202130 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V616000Aug 6, 202133 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

Other Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology