NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 487 owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. Most complaints involve air bags (142) and electrical system (76). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side impact air bag may be missing a weld at the side air bag housing.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“This recall was repaired by KEN GARFF [XXX] location - I need this taken off your site before car can be put back into service Thank you, [XXX]”
“Vehicle’s error stop sensor is no longer working: vehicle manages to just completely shut off mid traffic. Also, fuel tank failure. We put gas in it, but it doesn’t show the correct gas level in it. And we’re putting gas in it every day in order to think we have enough gas.”
“Multiple occurrences where forward collision warning goes off with no vehicles Incident 1. 5/15/2026 Road: Highway I-94 Weather: Clear and sunny Condition: Cruise control on, light traffic, nearest vehicle at least 4 cars in front, 2 vehicles behind and to the right (fast lane), driving in the middle left lane. Forward collision warning went off and took cruise control off. No vehicles stopping in front of me. Incident 2. 6/3/2026 Road: Urban side streets Weather: Clear and sunny Condition: Coasting towards a roundabout approximately 200' from the intersection, no vehicle in front, no vehicle behind, no animals, people or objects on the road. Forward Collision Warning went off under no threat of collsion. Incident 3: 6/14/2026 Road: 2 lane urban road. Weather: Dusk, clear, no rain, Condition: paved road, no animals, no vehicle in front, vehicle behind, approaching an intersection, coasting (light was yellow) towards intersection. , evening dusk, clear no rain, no precipitate, clear roads. Fwd. Collision warning went off, going straight.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,750 | 394 |
| Atlas Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 | 454 |
| Atlas 4motion Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 | 461 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
12 safety recalls as of Nov 14, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 487 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (142), electrical system (76), service brakes (76). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas 5 out of 5 stars overall.