Volkswagen ATLAS — Years to Avoid
Which model years have the most problems and which are safe to buy.
Avoid These Years
2021 Volkswagen ATLAS
716 complaints (895% of segment average)
Main issue: ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, I STARTED MY CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE FOR SEVERAL DAYS IN THE RAIN. AFTER BACKING MY CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THEN PROPELLING FORWARD, WATER (EASILY 1.5-2 CUPS) CAME OUT OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ONTO THE PANELING BELOW. THE WATER CAME OUT OF THE BUTTONS AS
2019 Volkswagen ATLAS
693 complaints (866% of segment average)
Main issue: AIR BAG ERROR LIGHT SHOWED UP WHEN I TURNED ON MY CAR, UNDER 3,000 MILES ON CAR CAR WAS DRIVEN THE NIGHT BEFORE AND DRIVER REPORTED AIR BAG ERROR LIGHT FLASHING AND THEN REMAINED STEADY ON.
2018 Volkswagen ATLAS
654 complaints (818% of segment average)
Main issue: 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.
2022 Volkswagen ATLAS
265 complaints (331% of segment average)
Main issue: The vehicles parking brake came on and the car shut off by itself in the middle of the road.
2024 Volkswagen ATLAS
240 complaints (300% of segment average)
Main issue: Driving on a straight road in the rain approximately 45-50 mph with no other cars in front. Automatic braking system went on 3 times within 200 yards. Very scary- could have been rear-ended or hydroplaned.
2023 Volkswagen ATLAS
163 complaints (204% of segment average)
Main issue: While driving down the road at about 50 mph, the vehicle engine shut off. The vehicle lost all power to the engine, dash board, and steering. The vehicle was unable to be moved as it could not be shifted into neutral so as to push it out of the roadway. After approximately 30 minutes, the vehicle wa