2019 Volkswagen Atlas

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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
Horsepower
276 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 26 hwy
Length
198.4 in
Curb weight
4,334–4,502 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 12% below the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG.
  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 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 22 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), 12% worse than the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

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

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 484 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2019

  • Best combined MPG down from 24 to 22

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Atlas →

Trims, performance & features

Engine276 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

4Motion SE4Motion SEL4Motion SEL PremiumSE

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Atlas configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

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 Drive20 / 26 / 22-12%$3,050394
Atlas3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-24%$3,550454
Atlas 4motion3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+2%$3,550461
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.1 MPG2019 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Volkswagen Atlas (this car)22 MPG★★★★★12
2019 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★4
2019 Ford Explorer22 MPG★★★★★6
2019 Toyota Highlander29 MPG★★★★★3
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee24 MPG★★★★★7
2019 GMC Yukon18 MPG★★★★★3
2019 Chevrolet Tahoe18 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (12)

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 › Side/Window › Curtain · Oct 4, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V671000 · 2 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side impact air bag may be missing a weld at the side air bag housing.
Risk
The driver's side impact air bag could deploy improperly or detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the driver's side impact air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FK.
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.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V815000 · 296,044 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Mar 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V152000 · 222,892 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Risk
A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Aug 21, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V614000 · 6 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The suction jet in the fuel tank may have been welded in the incorrect position allowing fuel to leak. Additionally, the vehicle may stall due to uneven fuel distribution.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BU.
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Mar 20, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V218000 · 3 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Risk
In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

484Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
10,555 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags139
Service Brakes76
Electrical System75
Unknown Or Other61
Engine60
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking55
Steering39
Power Train34
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 224/12: 525/01: 625/03: 225/04: 525/05: 1425/06: 225/07: 625/08: 525/09: 425/10: 325/11: 325/12: 226/01: 126/02: 126/03: 826/04: 226/05: 826/06: 526/07: 626/08: 626/09: 726/10: 424/1025/0125/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 14

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 139 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Service Brakes — 76 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 75 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,555 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 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★★★★★6160
2022 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★7263
2021 Atlas22200.8 in★★★★★17647
2020 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★11135
2018 Atlas24198.4 in★★★★★17466

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