Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2021 Volkswagen Atlas: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, most recently filed June 2024. Owners have filed 476 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 17campaigns 4 air bag · 2 tire · 2 electrical Source: NHTSA Complaints 476filed Owner reports, 2018–2026 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 22mpg combined $2,969/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2 L 4-cyl· 8-speed automatic 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (17)

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V464000 Filed Jun 20, 2024

Front Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy

Air bags · sensor · occupant classification · front passenger
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 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.
Consequence
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
73.9% repairedof 271,330 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V464000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V215000 Filed Mar 29, 2023

Front Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy

Air bags · sensor · occupant classification · front passenger
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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.
64% repairedof 143,053 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V215000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V815000 Filed Oct 31, 2022

Tire Pressure Loss Not Detected/FMVSS 138

Tires · pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
84.4% repairedof 296,044 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V815000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V514000 Filed Jul 20, 2022

Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
91.9% repairedof 43,091 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V514000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V245000 Filed Apr 13, 2022

Missing Fuel Injector Filter May Cause Fuel Leak

Fuel system, gasoline · fuel injection system · injectors
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Consequence
Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
95.1% repairedof 1,382 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V245000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V152000 Filed Mar 28, 2022

Delayed Deployment of Front Side Air Bag

Air bags · side/window
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
95.6% repairedof 222,892 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V152000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V086000 Filed Feb 16, 2022

Reduced GVWR Label Missing/FMVSS 110

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
90.4% repairedof 3,648 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V086000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V892000 Filed Nov 17, 2021

Blocked Drain Tube May Cause Air Bag Deployment

Air bags · air bag/restraint control module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
Consequence
A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.
97.2% repairedof 54,429 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V892000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V812000 Filed Oct 15, 2021

Improperly Tightened Front Wheel Bearing Bolts

Suspension · front · wheel bearing
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Consequence
The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
100% repairedof 30 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V812000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V616000 Filed Aug 6, 2021

Damaged Relays In Fuse Box May Cause Fire

Electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
Consequence
A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.
100% repairedof 33 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V616000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V132000 Filed Mar 3, 2021

Incorrectly Machined Wheel Lug Bolt Holes

Wheels · lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.
Consequence
An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.
100% repairedof 128 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V132000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V026000 Filed Jan 27, 2021

Loss of Steering Due To Knuckle Failure

Steering
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
Consequence
A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.
98.6% repairedof 10,303 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V026000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V716000 Filed Nov 18, 2020

Black Or Frozen Rear View Camera Image/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
99.8% repairedof 32,048 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V716000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
NHTSA: Do not drive. NHTSA says owners should not drive these vehicles until the recall repair is done. What a Do Not Drive recall means
Recall 20V712000 Filed Nov 17, 2020

Loss of Steering Due To Knuckle Failure

Steering
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.
Consequence
A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q6. Note: Owners are advised to DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the vehicle has been inspected and repaired if necessary.
99.9% repairedof 776 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V712000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V702000 Filed Nov 13, 2020

Overcured Tires Can Fail

Tires · sidewall
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have been over cured.
Consequence
Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.
99.5% repairedof 760 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V702000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V504000 Filed Aug 26, 2020

Driver's Side Headlight Aimed Too Low/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting · headlights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
A headlight aimed incorrectly aimed reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the driver's side headlight, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94N7.
100% repairedof 11 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V504000
Listed for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V505000 Filed Aug 26, 2020

Front Seat Backrest Frame Not Welded Properly

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Consequence
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
98.2% repairedof 5,376 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V505000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Atlas years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Volkswagen AtlasAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (476)

476 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

9involved a crash
1involved a fire
12injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 476.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2021 compares with other Atlas years

Best and worst Atlas years →
466 480 27 476 183 134 171 49 10
201820192020202120222023202420252026
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 13.6%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2021 Volkswagen Atlas suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined

22
mpg combined
21
city
24
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,050
CO₂ tailpipe
400 g/mi
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year

Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2021 Volkswagen Atlas configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive21 / 24 / 22$3,050400
2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22$3,050412
2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22$3,050413
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550461
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550464
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700485

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2021 Atlas for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Atlas years

Where to next

Which Atlas years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2022 Volkswagen Atlas report183 complaints · 7 campaigns →2020 Volkswagen Atlas report27 complaints · 4 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2021 Volkswagen Atlas FAQ

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have?

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns: 24V464000 (air bag), 23V215000 (air bag), 22V815000 (tire), 22V514000 (electrical), 22V245000 (fuel system), 22V152000 (air bag), 22V086000 (equipment), 21V892000 (air bag), 21V812000 (wheel), 21V616000 (electrical), 21V132000 (wheel), 21V026000 (steering), 20V716000 (rear camera), 20V712000 (steering), 20V702000 (tire), 20V504000 (lighting), 20V505000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Atlas problems?

Owners filed 476 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (148), Service brakes (95), Engine (85) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 21 city, 24 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas get?

NHTSA rated the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (13.6% rollover risk).

How does the 2021 Atlas compare with other years?

Among the 2018–2021 Volkswagen Atlas model years at least five years old, the 2020 drew the fewest complaints (27) and the 2019 the most (480). The 2021 drew 476. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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