Dead batteries and engine faults
The 2018 Atlas has about 780 complaints per 100,000 sold, the most of any Atlas. Batteries that drain, engine faults and air bag recalls lead.
Updated November 2026 · based on 467 owner complaints and 17 recalls
783 1.6x the Atlas average
17 free to fix at a dealer
Every Atlas year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Battery drain
The battery dies after a few days.
Fix: Battery $200 to $350; diagnosis $100 to $200
Electrical system
Air bag recall
Passenger air bag sensor and inflator recalls.
Fix: Free under recall
Air bags
Recalls
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.
In the event of a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, a delayed or disabled airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
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.
If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Show all 17 recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
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.
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
A damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The wet air bag control module may result in an unintentional deployment of the air bags, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
- Check by VIN for open air bag recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Atlas has 17 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask about battery replacements.Many electrical glitches on these cars trace back to a weak 12-volt battery or a failing alternator. A battery older than about four years is worth replacing.110 of the 467 owner complaints about the 2018 Atlas involve the electrical system (24%).
- Watch for engine warning lights.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.110 of the 467 owner complaints about the 2018 Atlas involve the electrical system (24%).
Questions
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
Dead batteries and engine faults. The 2018 Atlas has about 780 complaints per 100,000 sold, the most of any Atlas. Batteries that drain, engine faults and air bag recalls lead.
How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas have?
17 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Atlas problems?
Battery drain; Air bag recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.