Volkswagen Atlas years to avoid and best years
Newer Volkswagen Atlas years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2021 has the most complaints per year, at 70 (472 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 4 (from 27 complaints), 2023 at 31 (from 133 complaints), and 2022 at 34 (from 183 complaints). The Volkswagen Atlas 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, 59 of 472 complaints name Exterior lighting.
Data as of .
2020
2023
2022
2025–26
Volkswagen Atlas reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Volkswagen Atlas. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 22 |
| 2025 → Too early | 24 | 47 | 5 | Service brakes | 21.3 |
| 2024 → | 57 | 170 | 8 | Service brakes | 21.8 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 31 | 133 | 5 | Air bags | 21.3 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 34 | 183 | 7 | Service brakes | 21.1 |
| 2021 → Most | 70 | 472 | 17 | Exterior lighting | 20.5 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 4 | 27 | 4 | Air bags | 20 |
| 2019 → | 38 | 480 | 12 | Air bags | 20 |
| 2018 → | 66 | 461 | 17 | Air bags | 21 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- VW 502.00/504.00 5W-30 (VR6 or 2.0T per manual) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/50R20
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 22V152000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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. 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.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- VW 508.00 0W-20 (2.0T per manual) · 5.7 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/50R20
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 23V593000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Atlas years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 4 (from 27 complaints), 2023 at 31 (from 133 complaints), and 2022 at 34 (from 183 complaints).
Which Volkswagen Atlas year has the most owner complaints?
2021 has the most complaints per year, at 70 (472 complaints). On the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, 59 of 472 complaints name Exterior lighting.
How do Volkswagen Atlas owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Volkswagen Atlas years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Volkswagen Atlas years are too early to compare?
The Volkswagen Atlas 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Volkswagen Atlas use?
US Atlas manuals specify VW-approved oil for the VR6 or 2.0T engine in the maintenance section.
What does NHTSA recall 22V-152 cover on the Volkswagen Atlas?
NHTSA safety recall 22V152000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What generation is the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas?
1st generation (2018-2023).