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2021 Volkswagen Atlas: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 645 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Atlas, more than any other Atlas model year[1][2]. It also has 17 recalls[2], and each one lists a dealer remedy[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 203 complaints about the electrical system, the biggest group[22]. Brakes come next with 134[23], then the engine with 123[24] and air bags with 103[25]. These are unverified reports, one complaint can name several parts, and the counts are not adjusted for sales.
Among all complaints, 18 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 19 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. Air bag complaints carry 13 crashes and 8 injuries[25]. Forward collision avoidance has 97 complaints with 6 crashes and 4 injuries[26].
We also read a small sample of complaint texts in four groups. Here is what owners describe in that sample, not a measure of how common anything is.
- Electrical. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a door sensor or door wiring fault that sets off dashboard warnings and makes windows lower on their own. Some say the dealer was waiting on parts. The median mileage at failure in this group is 11,141[22].
- Brakes. In the sample we read, owners describe the parking brake applying by itself while driving, often alongside the same door fault. A few other texts describe brake noise or early pad and rotor wear[23].
- Engine. In the sample we read, owners describe the engine shutting off while driving or at a stop, and several tie this to the auto start/stop system. Some mention a check engine light[24].
- Air bags. In the sample we read, owners describe an air bag warning light that stays on. Some voice worry about air bags deploying without a crash or staying shut during one[25].
The air bag recalls below cover some of these concerns. We found no recall in our data that describes the parking brake behavior.
Recalls
Every recall below has a dealer remedy, and the facts describe none as pending. Some name the Atlas Cross Sport or the Atlas FL, so check your own VIN with a dealer or NHTSA.
- Passenger seat sensor (24V464). A wiring fault in the seat occupant sensor can switch off the front passenger air bag when someone is sitting there, which raises injury risk in a crash. Dealers replace the sensor mat and wiring harness at no charge, and letters went out in phases starting September 30, 2024[3].
- Passenger seat sensor (23V215). Same sensor fault and risk as above, covering an earlier group of vehicles. Dealers replace the mat and harness at no charge[4].
- Tire pressure monitor (22V815). The system may be slow to notice pressure loss when all four tires deflate at once, which raises crash risk. Dealers update the software at no charge[5].
- Rearview camera (22V514). A memory module problem in the infotainment system can leave the camera image blank. Dealers update the software at no charge[6].
- Fuel injectors (22V245). Some long fuel injectors may lack filters and could leak fuel, which raises fire risk. Dealers replace them at no charge. The recall covers 1,382 vehicles[7].
- Side air bag wiring (22V152). Corroded door wiring contacts could delay a front side air bag in a side crash. Dealers secure the harnesses and replace any that show a fault code, at no charge[8].
- Side step label (22V086). Vehicles with accessory side steps lack an updated weight rating label, so they could be overloaded. Dealers add the label at no charge[9].
- Air bag control module (21V892). A blocked air conditioning drain tube can let water reach the air bag control module, which could set off an air bag without a crash. Dealers repair the drain tube and replace the module as needed, at no charge. The recall covers 54,429 vehicles[10].
- Wheel bearing bolts (21V812). Front wheel bearing bolts may have been tightened incorrectly and could loosen, which could cause loss of control. Dealers inspect and replace bolts as needed at no charge. The recall covers 30 vehicles[11].
- Horn and starter relays (21V616). Damaged relays could keep the horn or starter running and overheat, which raises fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace relays as needed at no charge. The recall covers 33 vehicles[12].
- Wheel bolt holes (21V132). Wheels machined wrongly may not attach fully and could separate from the car. Dealers inspect all four wheels and replace parts as needed at no charge. The recall covers 128 vehicles[13].
- Steering knuckle (21V026). The front steering knuckle may crack near the strut mount, which can cause loss of control. Dealers inspect and replace one or both at no charge. The recall covers 10,303 vehicles[14].
- Rear camera (20V716). The camera may show a black screen or freeze the infotainment system when backing up. Dealers update the software at no charge[15].
- Steering knuckle (20V712). Production damage could make a knuckle fail and cause loss of steering. Owners were told not to drive until the car is inspected, and dealers replace the part as needed at no charge. The recall covers 776 vehicles[16].
- Tire sidewall (20V702). Certain over cured tires could break at the sidewall or shed tread, which raises crash risk. Dealers check tire codes and replace tires as needed at no charge. The recall covers 760 vehicles[17].
- Seat frame (20V505). Poor welds in the front seat frame could let the backrest adjuster break in a rear-end crash. Dealers inspect and replace seatback frames as needed at no charge. The recall covers 5,376 vehicles[19].
- Headlight aim (20V504). A driver side headlight may be aimed too low, which cuts visibility. Dealers adjust it at no charge. The recall covers 11 vehicles[18].
Fuel economy
EPA lists these combined ratings. All use regular fuel and the transmission listed as Automatic (S8)[27].
| Model and engine | Drive | City / hwy / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas 2.0L turbo 4-cyl[20] | Front-wheel | 21 / 24 / 22 | $3,050 |
| Atlas 4motion 2.0L turbo 4-cyl[28] | All-wheel | 20 / 24 / 22 | $3,050 |
| Atlas 3.6L 6-cyl[27] | Front-wheel | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Atlas 4motion 3.6L 6-cyl[29] | All-wheel | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 |
The Atlas Cross Sport rates 22 combined with the 2.0L turbo in front-wheel and all-wheel drive[30][31]. With the 3.6L it rates 20 combined in front-wheel drive and 19 in all-wheel drive[32][33]. The fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new[27].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the Atlas overall 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crashes, 5 for side crashes and 4 for rollover[21]. The all-wheel-drive rollover risk is 15.9% and the front-wheel-drive risk is 13.6%[21][34]. The Atlas Cross Sport has the same star ratings. Its rollover risk is 15.1% with all-wheel drive and 16.9% with front-wheel drive[35][36].
Engine and size
EPA test cars list 235 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder[37] and 276 hp for the 3.6L 6-cylinder[38]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[39].
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas 4motion 2.0L[39] | 201 in | 78 in | 69 in | 117 in | 4,442 lb |
| Atlas 4motion 3.6L[40] | 201 in | 78 in | 69 in | 117 in | 4,594 lb |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion 2.0L[41] | 196 in | 78 in | 68 in | 117 in | 4,442 lb |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion 3.6L[42] | 196 in | 78 in | 68 in | 117 in | 4,594 lb |
How 2021 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 466 | 17 |
| 2019 | 482 | 12 |
| 2020 | 134 | 11 |
| 2021 | 645 | 17 |
| 2022 | 258 | 7 |
| 2023 | 157 | 6 |
| 2024 | 275 | 8 |
| 2025 | 73 | 5 |
| 2026 | 11 | 2 |
NHTSA counts for each Atlas model year[2]:
- 2018: 466 complaints, 17 recalls
- 2019: 482 complaints, 12 recalls
- 2020: 134 complaints, 11 recalls
- 2021: 645 complaints, 17 recalls
- 2022: 258 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2023: 157 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2024: 275 complaints, 8 recalls
- 2025: 73 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2026: 11 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2027: 0 complaints, 0 recalls
Of every year listed, 2021 has the most complaints, and it ties 2018 for the most recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so read this as a signal and not a score.
Should you buy a used 2021 Atlas?
The 2021 Atlas has the highest complaint count of any Atlas year, led by electrical and brake reports[2][22][23]. Its 17 recalls[2] all list a dealer remedy[3][19], so ask for proof that each one was done on the exact car. Ask about the door sensor and parking brake behavior owners describe, because we found no recall for it in our data. NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall[21]. The facts here do not cover price or long-term reliability, so a pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 VW Atlas?
- Electrical system is the largest complaint group with 203 complaints, then brakes with 134 and engine with 123[22][23][24]. In a small sample we read, owners describe door sensor faults and the parking brake applying by itself[22][23].
- How many recalls does the 2021 Atlas have?
- NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2021 model year[2]. They cover air bags, steering, wheels, tires, fuel injectors and more, and each lists a dealer remedy[3][14][13][17][7].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2021 Atlas?
- EPA rates the 2.0L turbo at 22 MPG combined[20][28]. The 3.6L rates 19 combined in front-wheel drive and 18 in all-wheel drive[27][29].
- Is the 2021 Atlas a good year compared with others?
- It has the most complaints of any Atlas model year on file at 645, and it ties 2018 for recalls at 17[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 645 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas (18 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Atlas model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V464, filed June 20, 2024: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V215, filed March 29, 2023: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V815, filed October 31, 2022: Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V514, filed July 20, 2022: Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V245, filed April 13, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V152, filed March 28, 2022: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V086, filed February 16, 2022: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V892, filed November 17, 2021: Air Bags › Air Bag / Restraint Control Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V812, filed October 15, 2021: Wheels › Lugs / Nuts / Bolts / Studs. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V616, filed August 6, 2021: Electrical System › Wiring › Relays / Solenoids. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V132, filed March 3, 2021: Wheels › Lugs / Nuts / Bolts / Studs. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V026, filed January 27, 2021: Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V716, filed November 18, 2020: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V712, filed November 17, 2020: Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V702, filed November 13, 2020: Tires › Sidewall. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V504, filed August 26, 2020: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V505, filed August 26, 2020: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Atlas, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 203 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,141). NHTSA vehicle records
- 134 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 123 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 103 complaints name the air bags component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 97 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,650). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Atlas, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Atlas 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Atlas 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Atlas Cross Sport 4motion, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 276 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L: length 201 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L: length 201 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 2.0L: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ATLAS SPORT CROSS 4DR SUV 4MOTION 3.6L: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov