2018 Volkswagen Atlas engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 4, 2026GAEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   This vehicle has too many issues. Electrical, enhine, suspension, seat release latches, EPC. Water pump was replaced a week after buying the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11768807 · source
2. Filed Sep 25, 202680,000 miFLEngineSteering

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. Additionally, the vehicle shut off while driving and came to a stop in the middle of the road, nearly causing a crash. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11766987 · source
3. Filed Sep 25, 2026TNEngine

   Dealership diagnosed a #6 cylinder, faulty fuel injector. Error codes: p030000; p030600; p21a100. Technician stated this is a known issue but no recall. Nhtsa closed investigation into this matter in 2022 for 2018-2019 vw atlas's, one reason stated for no recall is the limited numbers of reports for this issue. It has been 4 years since and i want to know how many more have been reported since 2022? It is an obvious engineering problem and the vw mechanics know it. They…

   NHTSA complaint #11766872 · source
4. Filed Jul 16, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The water pump failed catastrophically at 63,100 miles, forcing a complete road-side breakdown and damaging the radiator. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting the 3.6L VR6 composite plastic pumps. Due to the failure of the pump, the radiator tank became hot causing a hole to form in the radiator and needing to be replaced. I still own this car and you may inspect it if needed. My safety was at risk as well as others safely was put at risk because this caused car to…

   NHTSA complaint #11750721 · source
5. Filed May 12, 202640,000 miVATowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, "low coolant" and "overheating" messages and the check engine warning light illuminated. On the first two occasions, the low coolant message appeared. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and inspected, and she observed a leak under the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer twice, where it was diagnosed that the water pump…

   NHTSA complaint #11737402 · source
6. Filed Apr 6, 2026COEngine

   Vehicle has heavy leak from water pump. Most vehicles of this model have extended warentee due to class action lawsuit from failing water pump, primarily the 4cylinder models, but it is a well known issue among the V6 models, and some of those are covered as well. Vehicle has 56K miles at this time.

   NHTSA complaint #11729447 · source
7. Filed Mar 23, 2026CAEngine

   Multiple low coolant alerts. Dealer inspected 3 times and denied problem while vehicle still under warranty. Dealer simply topped off coolant and denied finding leaks or any other issue. Now low coolant again and EPC/ check engine light. Took car to independent owned shop who confirmed 2 water pump failures. Dealer refusing accountability for missing water pump issues that led to possible overheating damage. Big bill but dealer says my vehicle is not part of the ongoing…

   NHTSA complaint #11726493 · source
8. Filed Feb 17, 2026MIEngine

   Dealer maintained with oil changes per the schedule. Cylinder head issue requiring engine replacement at 104,xxx miles. 3.6L VR6. This is unacceptable.

   NHTSA complaint #11718498 · source
9. Filed Jan 27, 2026NJEngine

   My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 116,000 miles. The vehicle has been at a Volkswagen dealership for approximately six months (since July 2025) while repeated diagnostic attempts and repairs were made. I was ultimately informed that the engine requires full replacement. No clear warning was provided prior to failure, and the prolonged diagnosis resulted in the vehicle being unusable for an unreasonable length of time.…

   NHTSA complaint #11713706 · source
10. Filed Nov 6, 2025SCElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    While driving, the vehicle suddenly loses engine power and shuts off without warning. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety hazard because it happen in traffic multiple times . The problem appears to be related to the fuel pump control module and/or electrical wiring failure. Additionally, the power windows stopped functioning due to a failure in the driver door wiring harness, which is a known issue on this vehicle model year. The electrical…

    NHTSA complaint #11697983 · source
11. Filed Sep 12, 2025GAEngine

    Low engine coolant light came on and began overheating all within a short period of time. Mechanic stated is has a blown/defective head gasket. It is currently being repaired by a mechanic as we need the car to drive our young children. A quick Google search has shown this is an ongoing issue as there is a class action lawsuit with law group, Sauder Schelkopf.

    NHTSA complaint #11686812 · source
12. Filed Sep 8, 2025WIEngine

    Our 2018 VW, when extremely hot temperatures would make a very loud grinding/squealing sound. Then the AC would intermittently work, sometimes it would blow cold, and sometimes it would not. Eventually, the AC stopped working altogether. There is a strong, hot, burning smell that comes through the vents during these times. These issues have caused extreme visibility as my windows fog up in humid conditions, causing me to not be able to see. I was almost in a car accident…

    NHTSA complaint #11685782 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology