Engine
3.6L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 465 of 466 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 202 of 466 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
111 complaint records1 crash report
"BATTERY KEEPS DYING. SEEMS TO BE A RAMPANT PROBLEM WITH VW ATLAS. HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T73111_DS837472..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
103 complaint records
"BATTERY WILL NOT TURN ON, CAR IS ONLY 12 MONTHS OLD, THERE WERE NO ISSUES FOR THE REASONING FOR THE BATTERY TO NOT WORK...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
100 complaint records2 crash reports
"AIRBAG ERROR MESSAGE AND LIGHT WENT ON- THIS IS A RECALL IN MY SAME MODEL AND YEAR, MY VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE23017 opened Sep 2023 | closed Dec 2024 | Forward Collision Avoidance | Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas... |
| PE21008 opened Mar 2021 | closed Oct 2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Fuel Injector Leak On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V369000DO NOT DRIVE | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. | Normally free |
| 26V590000 | Steering | 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. | Normally free |
| 23V215000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. | Normally free |
| 22V086000 | Equipment | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. | Normally free |
| 21V321000 | Unknown Or Other | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. | Normally free |
| 21V142000 | Tires | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires. | Normally free |
| 20V561000 | Unknown Or Other | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. | Normally free |
| 20V057000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrectly manufactured air bag sensor, which can delay or disable air bag deployment when... | Normally free |
Show 9 more recall campaigns
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V389000 | Exterior Lighting | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. | Normally free |
| 18V904000 | Suspension | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture. | Normally free |
| 18V824000 | Electrical System | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. | Normally free |
| 18V537000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. During production, the air conditioning system drain tube may have been twisted, causing water to drain into the air... | Normally free |
| 18V536000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. | Normally free |
| 18V380000 | Seat Belts | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswaen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The owner's manuals provided with the affected vehicles do not inform the customers about the child restraint size... | Normally free |
| 18V375000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan vehicles. In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment. | Normally free |
| 18V284000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank on these vehicles may leak fuel due to a manufacturing error. | Normally free |
| 17V766000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank may have been manufactured with insufficient wall thickness, potentially resulting in the tank leaking fuel. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026439 2026-09-11 | Steering | 44,303 | Issue: On certain vehicles, one of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe could corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing could break and cause a loss of steering control. |
| 2023183 2023-03-29 | Airbag | 18,235 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction. This could cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even when a passenger is seated. |
| 2021116 2021-03-05 | Tires | 324 | Issue: Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure. |
| 2020353 2020-08-04 | Label | 132,432 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. |
| 2019242 2019-05-23 | Lights And Instruments | 51,987 | Issue: Certain vehicles were built with headlights that may allow horizontal adjustment. This is not allowed under Canadian regulations. |
Show 9 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018717 2018-12-19 | Suspension | 1,755 | On certain vehicles, the rear suspension coil springs may not have been properly manufactured and could break over time. |
| 2018644 2018-11-21 | Lights And Instruments | 15,853 | Certain vehicles do not to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. |
| 2018431 2018-08-16 | Airbag | 1,094 | On certain vehicles, a drain tube for the air conditioner may be twisted and could drain water inside the passenger compartment onto the airbag control module. |
| 2018429 2018-08-15 | Brakes | 774 | On certain vehicles, the brake caliper bracket bolts may not be properly tightened and could loosen, allowing the caliper to move. |
| 2018330 2018-06-15 | Seats And Restraints | 9,396 | On certain vehicles, if a child restraint with a larger than recommended base is installed in the centre position of the second row bench seat, it may damage both the centre and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles. |
| 2018296 2018-06-06 | Airbag | 902 | On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag may not unfold properly or could tear during deployment, which would increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag. |
| 2018292 2018-06-01 | Brakes | 5,120 | On certain vehicles, a problem with the brake system may cause gas bubbles to form in the brake fluid. This could cause a soft brake pedal feel and a reduction in brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or... |
| 2018227 2018-05-02 | Fuel System | 293 | On certain vehicles, the thickness of fuel tank walls may not be adequate due to an issue in the manufacturing process. |
| 2017586 2017-11-29 | Fuel System | 18 | On certain vehicles, the thickness of fuel tank walls may not be adequate due to an issue during the manufacturing process. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEB FAQ May 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Forward Collision Avoidance | These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement |
| VWP-24-04 May 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Forward Collision Avoidance | These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement |
| VWP-25-07 FAQ May 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Seats | Supporting FAQ for the VWP-25-07 Atlas Second Row Seat Latching Mechanism |
| VWP-25-07 May 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Seats | For applicable 2018-2024 Volkswagen Atlas Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty has been extended to cover the repair or replacement of the Second Row Seat Latching Mechanism by an authorized Volkswagen dealer for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs... |
| Turbocharger FAQ Sep 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Power Train | This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen*, 2013 VW Jetta Sedan and GLI*, 2009-2016 VW Eos*, 2008-2010 VW Passat*, 2009-2017 VW... |
| VWP-25-16 Sep 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Power Train | For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized Volkswagen Dealer for 8.5 years or 85,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date. |
| VWP-26-07 FAQ Jul 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | Supporting FAQ for VWP-26-07 Main Engine Wiring Harness Limited Warranty Extension (Class Action) |
| VWP-26-07 Jul 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | For applicable 2018-2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L Settlement Class Vehicles (NA6 warranty key), the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 80% of the replacement of the Water Pump or Water Pump Gasket by an authorized Volkswagen Dealer to 8.5 years or... |
Show 52 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V0116152014815_20 Sep 2026 | Engine | Suggested fuel additive | |
| SM 39-2026 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| VOS-26-52 Sep 2026 | Air Bags | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct airbag basic settings programming. | |
| V4622022067177_5 Aug 2026 | Service Brakes | Repair or Replace Information | |
| V4015022033347_8 Aug 2026 | Power Train | Replacement instruction | |
| TT 00-13-04_7 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order | |
| V0026012081638_2 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Differences between a leak and seepage | |
| VOS-26-42 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result. | |
| V1718062017813_24 Jul 2026 | Engine | Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement | |
| TT 10-18-02_2 Jun 2026 | Engine | Lubricating engine components before reassembly. | |
| TT 13-20-01_3 Jun 2026 | Engine | Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start. | |
| V6919012010479_17 Jun 2026 | Air Bags | Inquiries | |
| VW closures 20260608 Jun 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Multiple campaign closures dealer communication. | |
| V1719012012855_81 Jun 2026 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| V0026012081638_1 May 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage | |
| VOS-26-23 Apr 2026 | Air Bags | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue with Airbag - J706 - Seat Occupant Detection System Control Module Basic Setting error message... | |
| V9419012011521_21 Mar 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Moisture Accumulation | |
| VOS-26-21 Mar 2026 | Engine | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM... | |
| V0018092053065_6 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting | |
| V4521012062957_7 Mar 2026 | Forward Collision Avoidance | customer reports that the vehicle performed an unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). | |
| V9422022066761_4 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors | |
| VOS-26-15 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system... | |
| V5515032021354_9 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color | |
| DC_VW_CF_Airbag Mar 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles. | |
| VOS-26-01 Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output: | |
| V2715032016076_13 Dec 2025 | Electrical System | Diagnosis for Excessive Current Draw. | |
| V0123092071325_2 Dec 2025 | Engine | Update Engine/Motor Control Module J623. | |
| V4016012043146_4 Nov 2025 | Suspension | What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut. | |
| V5718012042955_7 Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Replace Door Lock and Cap. | |
| V4622022067177_4 Nov 2025 | Service Brakes | Warranty Instruction and guidance | |
| V4418012043620_8 Nov 2025 | Service Brakes | Alignment sheet submission. | |
| V2125012077512_2 Oct 2025 | Engine | Turbocharger repair or replace due to stuck wastegate. | |
| WLA-25-11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Coolant Bleed Procedure | |
| V0116132033805_11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Engine misfire diagnostic aid. | |
| V0123022069588_3 Oct 2025 | Engine | EVAP and Leak Detection Pump replacement components. | |
| V1917012022548_15 Oct 2025 | Engine | G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants. | |
| V3718022033975_14 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids. | |
| V1718062017813_23 Oct 2025 | Engine | How to measure engine oil consumption. | |
| V3416022034406_8 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise | |
| V1718032037201_20 Oct 2025 | Engine | Proper engine oil level before leaving the factory. | |
| V0017132033846_25 Oct 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire | |
| V0116152014815_19 Oct 2025 | Engine | A list of suggested fuel stations | |
| V8718102043704_24 Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement | |
| V0017132033846_24 Jul 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive | |
| V4616012043146_3 Jul 2025 | Suspension | How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut | |
| V1719012012855_79 Jun 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only) | |
| V4418012043620_7 May 2025 | Steering | Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form | |
| V8720022061094_9 May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen. | |
| V4521012062957_5 May 2025 | Service Brakes | Steps to perform when a customer states and unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). | |
| V1719012012855_78 Apr 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards | |
| V9124092076241_2 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | When making calls with an Apple device using Car-Play (Wired or Wireless Connection), an echo is heard on the receiving end (not from the incar caller) of the call. No related DTCs are present in the system. | |
| V2125012077251_1 Mar 2025 | Engine | Turbocharger wastegate stuck, DTCs P2563 and or P00AF stored in engine/motor control module. |
Showing 60 of 754 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 17 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 8 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Atlas →