How Reliable Is the Volkswagen Atlas?

The Volkswagen Atlas years to avoid include 2018, 2019, and 2020. The Volkswagen Atlas’ first few production years suffered from many issues, as is the case with Tesla reliability and the reliability of many global automakers. A slew of recalls and poor reliability ratings haunted the Atlas until 2020, even though the 2020 model only accrued three recalls compared to the 16 associated with previous model years. 

The best Volkswagen Atlas years range from 2021 to 2023 models, with 2024 variants to soon join the ranks. Volkswagen ironed out many of the kinks in earlier models, including improving the fuel system, powertrain, and interior and exterior styling. The current refresh for 2024 is a testament to the brand’s dedication to a superior ownership experience. 

A brand-new Volkswagen Atlas will set you back just over $37,000 for the base model and upwards of $50,000 for higher trim levels. This price range is standard among SUV models. For comparison, the smaller Taos starts at $23,995, the Tiguan at $28,505, and Atlas Cross Sport at $36,715. 

Used Volkswagen Atlas models range in price from several thousand to close to new prices. The average used price of a VW Atlas is around $30,000 for a 2022 model. In contrast, 2020 models hover around $23,000 used, while 2018 variants fall somewhere between $18,000 and $20,000 used. You may be able to pay less with available SUV lease deals, but depreciation will be steep for new cars. 

Volkswagen Atlases rank near the middle of the pack in terms of reliability. Overall reliability often stems from an affordable cost of ownership, high safety ratings, above-average fuel efficiency, below-average repair costs, and measured dependability. While reliability can be hard to quantify, many consumers rely on established industry experts to guide their decisions. 

For example, Edmunds’ True Cost to Own® provides insight into long-term ownership figures. Safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can help inform your decision. The U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov details official fuel-efficiency ratings that complement RepairPal’s reliability ratings and reported problems. Dependability information often comes from several sources, including past and current owners.

The cost of owning a Volkswagen Atlas, combined with its safety ratings, gas mileage, average repair costs, and dependability, can unlock insight into its reliability. Read on to find out more about how the Volkswagen Atlas measures up. 

1. Cost of ownership

According to Edmunds, the true cost of owning a Volkswagen Atlas is $61,827. This cost assumes a base price of $47,186 for the base model. If you were to purchase the Peak Edition model at $51,927, the true cost to own jumps to $67,480. 

2. Safety ratings

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a “Good” rating in all categories as tested by the IIHS. In fact, the 2023 model ranked as a Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA posted similar ratings, with five out of five stars overall. Only one recall is listed for the 2024 model, concerning engine failure and a knocking noise on start-up. 

3. Fuel efficiency

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas’ fuel economy varies based on trim and whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive (4Motion in Volkswagen terms). The base SE model with an automatic transmission achieves 20 city and 27 highway miles-per-gallon (MPG) for a combined 23 MPG, the highest MPG rating for the nameplate. The lowest fuel efficiency on this midsize SUV comes from the Peak Edition, which achieves 18 city and 24 highway MPG for a combined 20 MPG. 

4. Average repair costs 

Unfortunately, RepairPal doesn’t have enough data on the Volkswagen Atlas to compile the average repair costs for the Volkswagen Atlas as a model, regardless of model year. However, the site does list several standard repair costs: 

• Cabin air filter replacement: $69 to $80
• Starter replacement: $400+
• Water pump replacement: $1,200 to $1,300

As a brand, Volkswagen earns a 3.5 out of five rating from RepairPal, ranking 12 out of 32 brands overall. The average repair cost across all Volkswagen models is $676 (above average), with 0.5 visits to the repair shop per year and an 11% probability that a repair will be severe. Volkswagen currently has 38 pending recalls. 

5. Dependability 

Measuring the dependability of a car can be challenging. The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas suffered from four recalls concerning a delay in the side airbags deploying during a crash, leaking brake fluid, the engine stalling and failing, and trailing arms that could loosen and detach during use. In addition, the nameplate as a whole suffers from problems with the fuel pump and injectors, a faulty clockspring, unexpected coolant loss, and engine noise on shutdown. While each of these issues may not render the Atlas useless individually, they can cost upwards of several hundred dollars if left unchecked. 

The Volkswagen Atlas suffers from several common problems, including fractured rear coil springs, fuel tank leaks, electrical issues, shattering sunroofs, premature airbag deployments, and a glitchy forward collision-avoidance system. 

1. Leaks

The Volkswagen Atlas can act like a sieve, especially in 2018 and 2019 models. Owners have reported fuel leaks that present a fire hazard and water leaks in the rear storage compartment that can lead to rust. The VW Atlas also baffles owners who measure a significant yet undetectable loss of coolant. 

2. Engine shuts off

The first two model years of the Atlas experienced issues with the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving. This left drivers clutching the steering wheel in an attempt to control the powerless vehicle. At highway speeds, this fault could prove deadly.

3. Fractured rear coil springs

Inferior metallurgical construction of the rear coil springs can cause them to fail prematurely and cause issues with suspension and ride height. The results of rear coil spring failure compound as speed increases should the fault occur under power. 

4. Electrical issues

Volkswagen Atlas models contain several electrical gremlins, from faulty door sensors to glitchy start/stop technology. The 2021 model seems to receive the brunt of these electrical shortcomings. 

5. Braking system problems

Model years 2019 and 2020 often experience brake booster faults and issues with the braking system in general. Excessive noise and an unexpected lack of performance give many VW Atlas owners pause. 

6. Sunroof shatters unexpectedly 

The first few iterations of the Volkswagen Atlas suffered from sunroofs bound to shatter at a moment’s notice. In most cases, no definitive cause could be found. 

7. Forward collision-avoidance system glitch 

In a Tesla-like move, the VW Atlas can contain a glitch in the forward collision-avoidance system and apply the brakes with force without apparent prompting. This issue is most common among 2018 and 2019 Atlas models. 

8. Premature airbag deployment

Airbag inflation module faults plague the 2019 and 2021 VW Atlas models. Besides giving drivers and their passengers a scare they’re not likely to forget, premature airbag deployment can also become a significant issue in the event of a subsequent accident. If the airbags have already deployed, any benefits they provide during a crash are irrelevant. 

The Volkswagen Atlas scores high points in style, affordability, power, safety, and capabilities. However, it does fall a few pegs compared to the competition’s fuel economy, reliability, and handling (including Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, and Honda). If you’re looking for a dependable SUV, Volkswagen typically balances connectivity, creature comforts, and infotainment system features with an affordable price tag and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. As the years go by, the German auto manufacturer will continue to improve the mid-size SUV platform to benefit future consumers.