NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 186 owner complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. Most complaints involve engine (50) and service brakes (46). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“We were told by Salem County Volkswagent that there is an issue with the hood latch on our 2022 Volkswagent Atlas which may render it impossible to open the hood. The cable/latch/other part(s) is/are nearing failure and will render it impossible to open hood of vehicle.”
“Software update for the vehicle. Since we have completed the update we have had issues with the Radio unit flashing in and out intermittenly and finally the unit went black and will not work at all. This is now showing multiple fault codes including. Engine control module 1 (U105400), Brakes 1(C102D00), Adaptive Cruise Control (U112100), Dash Board (U111000), Gateway (U105400), Telematics Communication Unit (B104914, U112100,B1916f4), Light Control Left 2 (U140700,C123AFA) Light Control Right 2 (C123AFA). None of these codes started till the System update happened.”
“Safety Complaint: Infotainment Control Module Failure Following Volkswagen OTA Update — Loss of Rearview Camera and Safety Functions My 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL experienced a significant electronic system failure following a manufacturer-issued over-the-air (OTA) software update delivered directly by Volkswagen through the vehicle's infotainment system. This was the first OTA update I had received for the vehicle. Following the update, the infotainment system malfunctioned and eventually became completely inoperative. The screen remains black and will not boot. The vehicle simultaneously displayed a Dynamic Road Sign Display malfunction and an Emergency Call Function Limited warning. Most concerning, the factory rearview camera initially continued functioning but subsequently stopped displaying an image entirely, creating a safety concern when reversing. An authorized Volkswagen dealership has diagnosed the infotainment control module located in the glove box as failed and confirmed that neither soft resets nor dealership-level reset procedures can restore functionality. Replacement of the control module is required. I also contacted Volkswagen Orange Park,…”
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 | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 | 387 |
| Atlas 4motion Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | $2,750 | 411 |
| Atlas Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 | 445 |
| Atlas 4motion Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 | 460 |
| 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 |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 186 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (50), service brakes (46), electrical system (45). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 5 out of 5 stars overall.