Midsize SUVs · CA1 generation
Think twice Well below average
It scores 2 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $22,213 to own, including $4,705 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Volkswagen Atlas.
Reliability
2/100
Well below average
Repairs, 5 years
$4,705
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$8,870
23 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$30,041
$26,436 – $33,646, estimate
Recalls
8
on record
Owner complaints
277
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
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."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (65/100) and the 2024 worst (2/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | 2/100 |
| 2023 | 19/100 |
| 2022 | 14/100 |
| 2021 | 4/100 |
| 2020 | 65/100 |
| 2019 | 27/100 |
| 2018 | 29/100 |
Yes. It scores 2 out of 100, among the least reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2020 Atlas scored much better.
It scores 2 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 277 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $4,705 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $22,213 over 5 years: $8,638 in lost value, $4,705 in repairs and $8,870 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $30,041 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (65/100) and the 2024 worst (2/100).
8 recalls on record with NHTSA.