This 2021 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting air bags and back over prevention.
Key Factor:multiple critical recalls
⚠️
Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (17) than the average VOLKSWAGEN vehicle (3.0). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
17 recalls for this vehicle3.0 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Focus Area:general reliability
📊
Expert Analysis
📈
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
⚠️
Primary Risk Area:Warning
⚖️
Vs Brand: Worse than avg (3.0)
📝
Summary:
Safety & Reliability Score
0/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-136
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-25
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas
Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelAtlas
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Oct24
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
⚠️
Most Reported Issue
15 complaints (15% of total)
➡️
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
✅
Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
10(10%)
🟡Medium
19(19%)
🟢Low
71(71%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 40k-60k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 51,248 miles.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 25 of 100 complaints (25% coverage)
0-20k
3 reports (12%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
13 reports (52%)
60k-80k
8 reports (32%)
80k-100k
1 reports (4%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
BACK OVER PREVENTIONSTEERINGWHEELSVISIBILITYSEATSEXTERIOR LIGHTINGTIRESELECTRICAL SYSTEMEQUIPMENTAIR BAGSFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Official Safety Recalls (17)
Campaign: 20V716000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V026000
STEERING
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V132000
WHEELS:RIM
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V812000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V892000
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 20V505000
SEATS
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V504000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V702000
TIRES:SIDEWALL
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V712000
STEERING
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V616000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V086000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V152000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V514000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V815000
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
▼
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 Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 23V215000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V464000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
▼
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
5 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Atlas.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 20,758
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 22,292
INV-2021-1002🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 29,192
INV-2021-1003🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 42,687
INV-2021-1004🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Atlas performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 20,027
Consumer Complaints
100 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Atlas.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning15%
Stall11%
Accident8%
Noise8%
Battery7%
Burn6%
Acceleration Issues6%
Grind6%
Other🔵 Low
TIRES
Driving north on I-405 on Dec 21st the right rear tire on my 2021 Atlas completely failed and ripped apart through the sidewall and on the treads. The tire model was Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/60 R18 105T M+S Radial Tubeless. I have already replaced the tire at Costco in Inglewood, CA. This was a scary incident and endangered my family and others traveling on the highway. I contacted Continental and they said that tires matching this in 2021 were on a recall, but not this one from 2020. I find that suspicious because it's very close and matches description of failures.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #22V086000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. In addition, the EPC engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact's wife was in traffic. The contact's wife was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact's wife noticed a burning odor. The contact's wife exited the vehicle. The contact arrived at the location and the insurance company was contacted. The insurance company advised the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with misfire in cylinders 2,5 and 6. In addition, the contact was informed that the cylinder and the spark plugs were soaked in fuel. The contact was informed that the failure was described as fuel fowling. The contact was informed that all six fuel injectors and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that 3 fuel injectors and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact referenced recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V245000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact's repair was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN
The Bevel Box was broken due to a defect CV axle. The axle pushed out of the bevel box and separated at the cab joint.
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS
Upon a low speed curb strike, predominantly striking the rear driver tire and partially the front driver tire, during a slide under 30mph, the curtain airbags deployed in the vehicle. Reading about this online, it appears others driving this type of vehicle have had similar reports of low speed tire strikes and airbags deploying. The airbags were more of a risk than the curb strike itself. With children in approved car seats in the rear, this was of course incredibly frightening. It appears VW is aware of the low sensitivity of their sensors that deploy this system, for which this sensor has been under recall in the past. Whether my sensor was repaired correctly is not understood. There is no other vehicle damage. The vehicle has been delivered to the VW dealer for inspection. It would be ideal for the NHTSA to look into whether the VW Atlas's curtain airbag deployment at low speed tire strikes meets the threshold for safety standards of deploying airbags. As there is a previous history for airbag issues with VW, it's not unrealistic this was a fault with the car and not the driver.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hood release latch is broken, no tension in the lever in the cabin. I'm unable to access the engine compartment. Car would not start this morning, and I'm unable to access the engine to jump start.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #22V086000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Electrical⚠️ High
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The cars Headlight DRL burnt out and no way to replace them or turn of warning off without paying dealership $2K to replace whole light housing. See Reddit Post: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING
Steering wheel shakes at speeds over 65 mph, I had multiple repairs in 4 years and each time it is only a year fix. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
SEAT BELTS
The seat belt receptacle on the rear passenger side seat has failed. The vehicle is barely 4 years old. The dealership offered to replace it at a cost of 808.00. There was no warning that it would fail, it simply quit working. There has not been any foreign substance spilled on the receptacle. There were no injuries, but the seat belt is a critical safety feature and should last longer than 4 years from new.
Electrical⚠️ High
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My daylight running headlights are out, went out before 40k miles. They said they would have to replace the whole assembly for over 1000 each. I have read many people’s complaints with the same issue. How can a car company not provide safe headlights that last more than 40k miles. I cannot afford to fix it and with all these atlas on the road with people in the same financial situation it is dangerous. They should have to replace these assemblies through recall before someone gets killed.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the weather is warm and the vehicle get washed or experience heavy rain fall and vehicle is exposed there is a strong mildew Oder coming threw ventilation. Definitely a air quality problem.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #22V086000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas?
Yes, the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas has 17 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, STEERING, WHEELS:RIM.
Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas safe to drive?
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas has 17 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2021 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local VOLKSWAGEN dealer.
📊Year-over-Year Context
📉Elevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new air bags components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 325% versus the 2020 version.
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Air bags
Issue: increases occupant injury risk
✅
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm air bags recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
🔍
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all air bags recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:22V15200023V21500024V464000
2
Back over prevention
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
✅
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
🔍
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:20V71600022V514000
3
Steering
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
✅
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm steering recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
🔍
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all steering recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:21V02600020V712000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.
🧭What This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
🔑
If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 17 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your VOLKSWAGEN dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒
If You're Buying Used
Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.