This page covers 9 recalls, 147 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2024 Atlas generates the most complaints around its automatic emergency braking and service brakes, with electrical issues close behind. Owners frequently report the forward collision avoidance system activating unexpectedly, phantom braking events on open roads and highways, sometimes with no obstacle present. Brake complaints center on vibration and steering wheel shudder during deceleration, particularly at highway speeds, with several owners describing the sensation as severe enough to affect vehicle control. Some report that brake rotor and pad wear seems premature for the mileage involved. The electrical system draws complaints about warning lights cycling through multiple simultaneous alerts, engine, drive system, and powertrain messages appearing together, sometimes leaving the vehicle in a reduced-power state. A smaller cluster of owners describes throttle response feeling inconsistent or delayed, where pressing the accelerator doesn't produce a predictable surge of movement.
147
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has 9 recalls, the most serious being a brake master cylinder defect that can block fluid flow and cause partial or complete brake failure, significantly raising the risk of a crash.
A separate group of chassis and suspension recalls covers bolts on the brake system, engine mounts, control arms, subframe, and related components that may not have been tightened correctly, which can cause loss of vehicle control. On certain Atlas PA2 trims, connecting rod bearings inside the engine can fail, leading to an engine stall and a potential oil leak that raises the risk of fire. There is also a concern with the passenger seat's occupant detection system, where a wiring fault can deactivate the front passenger airbag while the seat is occupied, reducing protection in a crash.
An engine cover that was improperly installed after service can come loose, contact hot engine surfaces, and melt, which creates a fire risk. On the visibility side, the rearview camera can behave unpredictably when the vehicle is in reverse, either displaying a delayed, deactivated, or distorted image, reducing what the driver can see behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain bolts securing the chassis, brakes, and suspension parts—including cross members, engine mounts, control arms, subframes, and rear brake carriers—may not have been properly tightened during manufacturing.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace any loose or improperly tightened bolts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the camera control unit may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted or unclear when the vehicle is in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the camera control unit software at no cost to restore clear rearview visibility.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover may loosen after service and contact hot engine parts, potentially melting.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will mail you instructions to have a dealership remove the engine cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cover may be improperly installed after service, causing it to loosen and contact hot engine parts.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove and reinstall the engine cover properly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer that can block the brake fluid port.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with a defect, which could reduce braking power. You may notice a soft or spongy brake pedal and a brake warning light on your dashboard.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealership, where the brake master cylinder will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera display may delay or stop working when you shift into reverse, reducing your ability to see behind the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your infotainment system software at no cost to restore proper camera operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring fault in the passenger occupant detection system can cause the front passenger air bag to deactivate even when someone is sitting in that seat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the occupant detection sensor mat and wiring harness at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can cause the engine to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
