The Lemon Index2025 Volkswagen Atlas.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is so far about average by owner complaints: 73 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 112, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 5 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 73 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Atlas year. 2025 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 3K to 11K miles on the car (5 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- 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 5 recalls
- engine 2025
The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
- transmission & drivetrain 2025
The transmission may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
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 204 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states MIL-on, P0068 stored in…
- Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states Electrical System Error…
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle turned on and quickly shut off. Vehicle health report sent a warning of the engine and transmission and powertrain needing to be serviced immediately.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas owner · NHTSA complaint 11718223
More owner reports
While on road, waiting to turn left across oncoming traffic, numerous dashboard lights went off, warning messages for TCM and ESC systems and car would not move forward with pressing on accelerator. As if the car was in neutral.
NHTSA complaint 11660032
Car would not shift back into drive after dropping child off at school. Multiple warning lights came on about hill assist. Needed towed. Ended up needing a new transmission due to what the dealer said was a mechanical defect.
NHTSA complaint 11766845
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.1× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 112; 100 is average). The best Volkswagen Atlas year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2025 Volkswagen Atlas problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (40%), transmission & drivetrain (27%) and automatic emergency braking (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas have?
5 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 2025 Volkswagen Atlas get?
20 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 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 2025 Volkswagen Atlas have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 27% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Atlas year is better than the 2025?
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