The Lemon Index2024 Volkswagen Atlas.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 274 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 279, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 20 to 23 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Atlas year is 2020.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 274 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Atlas year. 2024 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 28K miles on the car (19 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- back over prevention 2026
The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions.
- brakes 2025
Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tighte…
- back over prevention 2025
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse.
Show all 8 recalls
- engine 2025
The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
- brakes 2024
The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
- back over prevention 2024
The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse.
- airbags 2024
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.
- engine 2023
The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 316 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet
- Customer states rattle from below the vehicle Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
My gears shift randomly while driving and every time I do a U turn. My air conditioning goes out for an hour randomly then comes back on Side mirror signals do not tell you when a car is next to you or passing you as they should
2024 Volkswagen Atlas owner · NHTSA complaint 11662972
More owner reports
error with drive system was caused by engine overheating. maneuver braking function triggered and faulty throttle body issue discovered.
NHTSA complaint 11629345
The infotainment system stops working and goes blurry. The dash where the speed is shown goes black. Blind sport monitoring on the passenger side does not work. I almost got into an accident today because of this.
NHTSA complaint 11637855
Quick answers
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.8× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2024 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 279; 100 is average). The best Volkswagen Atlas year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2024 Volkswagen Atlas problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (29%), automatic emergency braking (23%) and engine (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas have?
8 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas get?
20 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Atlas year is better than the 2024?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2022 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works