CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has 17 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 467 complaints with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 18 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (111 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas recalls
Steering Rack Bolt May Corrode and Break, Causing Loss of Steering Control
A bolt that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break.
Passenger Air Bag May Shut Off With Occupant Seated
A wiring fault in the passenger occupant detection system can cause the front passenger air bag to deactivate even when the seat is occupied.
Missing Weight Label Can Lead to Overloading and Crash Risk
Certain Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from model years 2018 to 2021 were equipped with accessory side steps, but the label showing the reduced gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which accounts for the added weight of the side steps, was not installed.
Vehicles May Not Meet Federal Safety Standards
Volkswagen is recalling certain vehicles that were used internally and sold without confirmation they were built to all applicable federal safety requirements.
Tires may fail suddenly, risking loss of control
Some tires on these vehicles may have been cured (baked) for too long during manufacturing.
Vehicles May Not Meet Federal Safety Standards
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2016-2018 Passat, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf, 2018 Golf R and Atlas vehicles.
Air Bag Sensor May Delay or Disable Front Air Bags
A sensor in the front air bag system may have been manufactured incorrectly.
Headlights May Be Misaimed, Reducing Night Visibility
Some Volkswagen Passat and Atlas vehicles may have been built without the blocking cap that prevents the headlight's horizontal aim from being adjusted.
Rear Coil Spring May Break, Risking Tire Damage and Loss of Control
Certain rear axle coil springs may prematurely fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
Key-in-ignition chime may not sound, raising theft risk
Certain vehicles without keyless entry may not sound an audible warning from the instrument cluster when the driver's door is opened with the key still in the ignition.
Water Leak Can Cause Unintended Airbag Deployment
A twisted air conditioning drain tube in certain 2018 vehicles can let water drain into the air bag control module.
Loose Brake Caliper Bolts Can Reduce Braking
Some brake caliper bracket mounting bolts may not have been tightened enough.
Rear Seat Belt Buckle May Release Unexpectedly in a Crash
The owner's manual for certain 2018 vehicles does not warn owners about child seat size limits for the second-row center seat.
Passenger Front Airbag May Tear or Fail to Unfold
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator module may cause the airbag to tear or not unfold properly when it deploys in a crash.
Brake caliper pistons may have weak coating, reducing braking
Some 2018 Audi and Volkswagen models have brake caliper pistons that may have insufficient coating.
Fuel Tank May Leak, Creating Fire Risk
The fuel tank may leak fuel because of a manufacturing error.
Fuel Tank May Leak, Raising Fire Risk
The fuel tank may have been manufactured with insufficient wall thickness, so it could leak fuel.
Most common 2018 Volkswagen Atlas problems
Problem areas named in the 467 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 111 |
| Engine | 100 |
| Air Bags | 100 |
| Service Brakes | 74 |
| Unknown Or Other | 72 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 36 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 32 |
| Steering | 27 |
| Seats | 17 |
| Power Train | 16 |
What owners report
Months ago I heard a knocking noise under my steering wheel/near the driver's side wheel. I took the car in and reported what I was hearing. I had services completed but it didn't stop the noise. The noise was inconsistent and hard to duplicate for the dealership on test drives. It was most pronounced when going over speed bumps or turning the wheel when parking. The dealership did all they could do and provided great services replacing/fixing anything that could cause the issue to no avail. They assured me the vehicle was safe to drive even though the noise remained so I drove it. About a week ago, I had an error light come on and the car started to shut off without warning. The error
This vehicle has too many issues. Electrical, enhine, suspension, seat release latches, EPC. Water pump was replaced a week after buying the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. Additionally, the vehicle shut off while driving and came to a stop in the middle of the road, nearly causing a crash. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failures was a persistent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A #6 CYLINDER, FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR. ERROR CODES: P030000; P030600; P21A100. TECHNICIAN STATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NO RECALL. NHTSA CLOSED INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER IN 2022 FOR 2018-2019 VW ATLAS'S, ONE REASON STATED FOR NO RECALL IS THE LIMITED NUMBERS OF REPORTS FOR THIS ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN 4 YEARS SINCE AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW MANY MORE HAVE BEEN REPORTED SINCE 2022? IT IS AN OBVIOUS ENGINEERING PROBLEM AND THE VW MECHANICS KNOW IT. THEY QUOTED $4,000 TO FIX! WE PAID $20,000 FOR THE VEHICLE USED 5 MONTHS AGO! VW IS MAKING MONEY OFF THE MECHANICAL FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (15.9% rollover risk) |
| 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (13.6% rollover risk) |
2018 Volkswagen Atlas questions
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 17 safety recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas: Steering Rack Bolt May Corrode and Break, Causing Loss of Steering Control; Passenger Air Bag May Shut Off With Occupant Seated; Missing Weight Label Can Lead to Overloading and Crash Risk; Vehicles May Not Meet Federal Safety Standards; Tires may fail suddenly, risking loss of control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?
Based on 467 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (111), Engine (100), Air Bags (100).
How safe is the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.