2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Volkswagen Atlas
Pictured: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas IMG 2146. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4motion, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 22 city / 26 hwy
Length
198.4 in
Curb weight
4,334–4,502 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
17 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 198 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,502 lb (4dr SUV 4motion).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 26 highway), 4% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 17 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 466 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4motion198.4 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,502 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD198.4 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,334 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Atlas2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 26 / 24-4%$2,800375
Atlas3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-20%$3,350438
Atlas 4motion3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-18%$3,550454
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Volkswagen Atlas (this car)24 MPG★★★★★17
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Toyota Highlander29 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPG★★★★★10
2018 GMC Yukon19 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe19 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (17)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Steering · Sep 11, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V590000 · 208,724 vehicles

Problem
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. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Risk
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 29, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V215000 · 143,053 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 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.
Risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 16, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V086000 · 3,648 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
Unknown Or Other · May 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V321000 · 46 vehicles

Problem
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. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Tires › Sidewall · Mar 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V142000 · 2,535 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Risk
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R1.
Unknown Or Other · Sep 16, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V561000 · 23 vehicles

Problem
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. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
Air Bags · Jan 31, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V057000 · 7 vehicles

Problem
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 necessary.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, a delayed or disabled airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag crash sensor, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AL.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · May 22, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V389000 · 662,185 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V904000 · 6,322 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Nov 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V824000 · 73,549 vehicles

Problem
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. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Aug 20, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V537000 · 9,685 vehicles

Problem
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 bag control module.
Risk
The wet air bag control module may result in an unintentional deployment of the air bags, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain tube, and if it is twisted, the drain tube and air bag control module will be replaced, free of charge. Some of the affected vehicles have had their drain tube previously replaced but did not receive a new air bag control module; the airbag control module will be replaced in these vehicles. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87F9.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 15, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V536000 · 8,416 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Risk
The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly · Jun 7, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V380000 · 54,729 vehicles

Problem
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 limitation/restrictions for the second row center seating position. As a result, the center and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles on the second row can become damaged it a child seat base is installed that is wider than 12.6 inches.
Risk
A damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the center and left outboard seat belt buckles, and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Volkswagen will also provide an owner's manual supplement addressing child safety and child restraints. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X1.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 6, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V375000 · 821 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69W8, and 69W9.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 1, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V369000 · 10,225 vehicles

Problem
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. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · May 2, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V284000 · 278 vehicles

Problem
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AW. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-766.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage · Nov 29, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V766000 · 58 vehicles

Problem
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AQ.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

466Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
15,741 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System110
Engine100
Air Bags99
Service Brakes74
Unknown Or Other72
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Steering26
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 224/12: 325/01: 625/02: 125/03: 325/04: 425/05: 325/06: 325/07: 325/08: 125/09: 225/10: 125/11: 125/12: 326/01: 326/02: 426/03: 226/04: 326/05: 226/07: 526/08: 426/09: 326/10: 124/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 17 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 110 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 100 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Air Bags — 99 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,741 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Atlas years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Atlas25–Not rated00
2026 Atlas23200.8 inNot rated212
2025 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★576
2024 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★8277
2023 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★6159
2022 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★7260
2021 Atlas22200.8 in★★★★★17647
2020 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★11135
2019 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★12483

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →