NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 51 owner complaints for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. Most complaints involve electrical system (18) and power train (13). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions. As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display as intended.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Even after the most recent recall “update” has been completed, my reverse cameras freeze. Infotainment system crashed and goes black. Infotainment system had been issue ever since buying car. Has to be hard reset every other week to make functions work. Dealer says “no issues”.”
“Car would not shift back into drive after dropping child off at school. Multiple warning lights came on about hill assist. Needed towed. Ended up needing a new transmission due to what the dealer said was a mechanical defect.”
“The infotainment system on my 2025 VW Atlas experiences sudden, random total blackouts and complete system reboots while operating the vehicle. This critical software/hardware failure occurs during both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay connections. When the screen goes completely black, all system features instantly shut down, causing a severe safety hazard by completely disabling the rearview backup camera and driver-assist safety displays while maneuvering or driving. The vehicle has already been taken to an authorized dealership (Hiley Volkswagen) for a formal repair attempt, where an MIB3 recovery and software update were performed, but the safety defect persists. Volkswagen of America is aware of this ongoing safety hazard under Corporate Case Number 07809683. The unpredictable shutdown of the central screen and backup camera presents an imminent risk of backing into obstacles or pedestrians, violating federal safety regulations for rear visibility.”
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 | 402 |
| Atlas SE 4motion Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 | 420 |
| Atlas SEL 4motion Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 | 428 |
| Atlas 4motion Peak Edition Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 | 436 |
| 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 |
5 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 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (18), power train (13), forward collision avoidance (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas 5 out of 5 stars overall.