Is the 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS reliable?

The 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS has 654 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (110 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (100 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (99 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS?

Yes, there are 16 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, AIR BAGS, SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, TIRES:SIDEWALL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Volkswagen dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS?

The 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS is approximately $1,511/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Volkswagen ATLAS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS has 654 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.5x the segment average of 265. The most common issue is electrical problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: the ignition switch, if pressed, will turn off the engine while the car is in motion. the ignition switch is next to the shift gear and may be accidentally pressed, causing the car to stop while in motion. this is a safety risk which may cause injury or death.. There are 16 recalls issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 21 injuries

654

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

110 complaints

17%

• THE IGNITION SWITCH, IF PRESSED, WILL TURN OFF THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS NEXT TO THE SHIFT GEAR AND MAY BE ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED, CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP WHILE IN MOTION. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK WHICH MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
• BRAND NEW 2018 ATLAS BATTERY PROBLEM - BATTERY DRAINS COMPLETELY IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS WHEN CAR IS SWITCHED OFF AND PARKED IN ATTACHED GARAGE. HAPPENED TWICE IN TWO MONTHS. SERVICE RESPONDED BY SAYING THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPUTERS THAT DRAIN BATTERY EVEN WHEN CAR IS SHUTDOWN. SUGGESTED TO DRIVE FOR 30 M
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. WITHIN WEEKS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE STRUT MOUNTED SYSTEM. FURTHERMORE, AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT ASSIST WITH AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THE IGNITION SWITCH, IF PRESSED, WILL TURN OFF THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS NEXT TO THE SHIFT GEAR AND MAY BE ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED, CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP WHILE IN MOTION. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK WHICH MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS

Based on 314 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 17K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

220

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 19K mi · 66 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 46 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 44 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 43 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (16)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER15/08/2018

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Volkswagen ATLAS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,511

Full coverage / month

$126

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1511

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volkswagen ATLAS Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

TSI turbo engines require VW-approved 502/504 spec synthetic oil. DSG transmission service (if equipped) every 40K miles.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volkswagen New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Volkswagen. If you're buying a used 2018 ATLAS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volkswagen dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 654 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: THE IGNITION SWITCH, IF PRESSED, WILL TURN OFF THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS NEXT TO THE SHIFT GEAR AND MAY BE ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED, CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP WHILE IN MOTION. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK WHICH MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON PASSENGER SIDE TIRES HIT CUBS...NO DIRECT DAMAGE WHAT SO EVER TO CAR JUST RIMS. AN ONCOMING CAR WAS COMING TOO CLOSE TO ME. :30 SECONDS LATER (RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY GATED COMMUNITY), EVERY SINGLE AIR BAG DEPLOYED EXCEPT FRONT AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS. THE CAR IS MOTION :30 AF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. USED 1AND 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL AT 3250 MILES(WHICH WAS ADDED BY THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. TODAY 1/2/18) WAS BOUGHT AS A NEW VEHICLE 9/17 WITH ONLY 12 MILES ON ODOMETER.(12/25/17) FIRST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT, THEY SAID IT WAS THE GAS CAP.ONE WEEK LATER THE CHECK OIL LEV
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: I CAME TO A FULL STOP AS I WAS ABOUT TO EXIT A DRIVEWAY. SINCE THERE WERE NO VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM EITHER DIRECTION AND THERE WERE NO OBSTACLES IN FRONT OF ME, I STATED TO PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM SUDDENLY AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED MY VEHICLE WITH NO JUST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 16 recalls have been completed — free at any Volkswagen dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)