The Volkswagen Atlas Years To Avoid
Volkswagen Atlas by Alexander Migl - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Three-row SUVs are some of the most popular vehicles in North America. From their expanded seating capacity to comfortable interiors, three-row SUVs are a hit among families because they perfectly meet their needs. This segment is also among the most competitive markets, with plenty of options for would-be SUV buyers.
With that said, a notable newcomer to the three-row SUV segment is the Volkswagen Atlas – the German company’s first foray into the three-row SUV class. During its release, the Volkswagen Atlas was praised for its cavernous interior, actually roomy third row, and a wide array of standard driver assistance tech and features. The Atlas also stood out for its aggressive styling and practical towing capacity.
But is the Volkswagen Atlas a reliable three-row SUV?
The Volkswagen Atlas debuted with the 2018 model, so used car buyers have several years to choose from. However, not all of the Atlas model years have good long-term reliability; some years are downright problematic.
Today, we take a deep dive into the worst Volkswagen Atlas years to avoid, discuss their issues, and select the ones you can safely buy as used. Let’s get to it.
Which Volkswagen Atlas Years to Avoid?
Although the Atlas is a roomy and comfortable three-row SUV with impressive safety ratings, some models have low reliability scores and must be avoided. Below are the worst Volkswagen Atlas years to avoid:
- 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Most debut models don’t quite deliver in terms of reliability since they tend to have numerous reliability woes – that’s certainly the case with the 2018 VW Atlas. The 2018 Atlas is easily the worst model year in long-term reliability, so it’s an automatic skip for us.
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2018 Atlas has the most number of complaints out of all model years at 470 and a whopping 16 recalls under its belt.
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The most common issue with the 2018 Atlas is the radiator leak. Many frustrated owners have reported having to top up their coolant fluids twice within a span of a week. Apparently, the coolant leaking was a common problem because of faulty bolts that were not correctly torqued on the block. As a result, the SUV suffered from the one-two punch of excessive coolant consumption and leaks. One owner shared their experience:
“Hole or leak in radiator at 3,672 miles. No sign of any outside object hitting grill, headlights, bumper, inner fenders, AC condenser or transmission cooler. The radiator is completely protected by all of those components. VW America and dealership refused to cover under warranty.”
What made this problem worse was the fact that it occurred on basically brand-new vehicles. Thankfully, this particular issue was covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Thus, if you’re buying a used 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, make sure you check for this problem since a warranty won’t cover you. Or you can save yourself a lot of trouble by skipping this Atlas year.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Unfortunately, the following model was another lousy year for Volkswagen’s three-row SUV. While it has fewer complaints than the 2018 model year, the 2019 Atlas has its fair share of significant reliability woes. CarComplaints had racked up over 360 complaints and nine recalls for the 2019 Atlas. On the other hand, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas received a dismal score of 1.0 out of 5.0 in reliability from the consumer guide website Consumer Reports.
The top areas of concern here are design and build-related. For example, Atlas SUVs with large panoramic sunroofs were reportedly prone to shattering. A driver passed a written complaint at the NHTSA website that read:
While driving along the interstate on a clear day, I heard a loud explosion that sounded like a very, very loud pop. It took me a moment to realize that my sunroof had essentially exploded.
However, the most concerning defect of the 2019 Atlas is its service brakes. Out of 226 NHTSA complaints, 58 were about service brake issues. Numerous reports indicated that the “brake booster faulty” warning light came on while driving at varying speeds, and the brakes became spongy and difficult to engage. Needless to say, these unintended stops endanger both the driver and other motorists.
Although it has fewer issues this time, a used 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is a no for us due to the severity of its problems.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is nowhere near as unreliable as the previous years, but it made the cut as one of the Volkswagen Atlas years to avoid due to certain types of recurring issues. As per CarComplaints, the 2021 Atlas had racked up more than 350 complaints and a staggering 16 recalls. Meanwhile, the NHTSA has collected 180 written complaints for this model year.
The 2021 Atlas has gained notoriety for one particular issue: a faulty electrical system. Since the electrical system controls many interior tech and safety features, a flawed system can spell a frustrating or even dangerous driving experience. The NHTSA logged over 90 electric system complaints, including faulty service brakes, defective door sensors, and a wonky stop-start technology.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS
One of the answers to this challenge was the three-row Atlas. If you’re considering a used version, you’ll need to know the most reliable Volkswagen Atlas years.
Another troubling issue you may encounter is the erratic air bags. Several reports claimed the Atlas’ airbags had prematurely deployed despite no accidents or considerable impact on the body. Many drivers have expressed their discontent because Volkswagen refused to fix or cover the issue.
With several significant reliability issues, it’s best to avoid the 2021 VW Atlas if possible.
Which Volkswagen Atlas Years To Buy?
You can start your search with the 2020 Atlas due to fewer complaints and recalls. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, great service brakes (unlike the models mentioned above), and bang for the buck value. Reliability-wise, the 2020 Atlas received only about 20 complaints and three recalls, and many auto review websites scored it with higher predicted reliability ratings.
The VW Atlas is a competent three-row SUV that just keeps improving over the years. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly family hauler, the Atlas is a compelling option – just make sure you avoid the years we outlined above.
Common Volkswagen Atlas Problems
Despite its popularity and moderate starting price, the Volkswagen Atlas has encountered several reliability issues.
- Braking system: The automated emergency brake system (AEB) may activate without cause, raising the risk of accidents. Additionally, brakes may squeal in cold weather.
- Transmission: Owners have reported loud noises from the automatic transmission, particularly when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds.
- Electrical: Models with a start-stop system have experienced battery drainage, sometimes within two months. Faulty electrical systems have also been linked to transmission failures. A clockspring in the steering system made noises when the steering had another complaint.
- Engine & fuel system: Issues include random illumination of the check engine light, engine stalling due to fuel system leaks (increasing fire risk), and faulty fuel injectors that may crack and leak. Faulty fuel pumps causing engine stalling and power loss have also been reported, alongside a grinding noise when the engine shuts down, which the manufacturer claims does not affect the driving experience.
- Coolant: Leaks can lead to engine overheating, signaled by a low coolant light. Causes often include faulty head gaskets, coolant tanks, and water pumps.
These issues have led to recalls and advisories for affected models.
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Are Volkswagen Atlases typically reliable?
Volkswagen finally acknowledged the unique demands of the American consumer with the introduction of the large Atlas crossover for 2018 (it’s not sold in Europe). But this launch was marred by reliability issues during the initial model years.
How much does a used Volkswagen Atlas typically cost?
Given the relative newness of the Atlas to the market, there aren’t huge fluctuations in pricing for used examples. In other words, there’s no way to save a lot of money by looking for old models (they don’t exist). At a minimum, expect to pay $25,370 for a 2018 Atlas, according to CoPilot Price Pulse. A 2022 Volkswagen Atlas sells for $40,055.
Is the Volkswagen Atlas a good car to purchase?
One of the Volkswagen Atlas’ strengths is its generous and versatile interior. But this compelling feature doesn’t outweigh the problems known to occur with the 2018, 2019, and 2021 model years. Steer clear of these examples, and you’ll have much better odds of a good ownership experience with the VW Atlas.
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