This page covers 4 recalls, 29 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.
22 mpg combined
10.7 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 2025 Atlas draws complaints fairly evenly across the powertrain and forward collision avoidance system. On the powertrain side, owners report the transmission getting stuck and refusing to shift into drive or reverse, sometimes leaving the vehicle stranded and requiring a tow. A few owners also describe sudden, unexpected loss of power while driving, accompanied by warning sounds from the instrument cluster. The forward collision avoidance system generates an equal share of complaints, with owners reporting the vehicle braking hard and abruptly at low speeds without any apparent obstacle, in some cases coming to a complete stop in live traffic with no dashboard warning beforehand. Electrical system complaints are fewer but include intermittent system failures and unexpected alarm activation. One report mentions a front axle bolt loosening enough to allow noticeable wheel movement, though that appears to be an isolated account at this point.
29
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has 4 recalls, with the most serious concerns spanning the drivetrain, chassis, and a potential fire risk from a loose engine cover that can contact hot surfaces and melt.
On the mechanical side, certain chassis and suspension bolts may not have been tightened correctly during manufacturing, affecting components like the subframe, control arms, engine mounts, and rear brake carrier. Loose hardware in any of these areas can reduce steering and braking control. The transmission on some vehicles may also fail to deliver drive power, causing a sudden loss of acceleration. The engine cover recall involves a cover that may have been left improperly seated after a service visit rather than during initial assembly, and contact with hot engine surfaces raises the risk of a fire under the hood. Rounding out the list, a software error can distort the rearview camera image while reversing, narrowing 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.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace any loose or improperly tightened bolts at no cost to you.
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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 →
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 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 transmission may have been made incorrectly, which could cause loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
