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Last updated: 2026-04-20

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Reliability Report
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas scores 50/100 ("Mixed"). With 14 recalls and 217 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
14
Complaints
217
Complaint Rate
49.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600–$3,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (52)
- SERVICE BRAKES (49)
- AIR BAGS (27)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is 1 year after the 2021 refresh refresh.
- Year 5 in the First generation (2017) (2018–2024).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Atlas (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2018: First generation (2017) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is 1 year after the 2021 refresh refresh.
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
A 50/100 score puts the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2022 is 1 year after the 2021 refresh refresh.
Complaint volume sits above average at 217 owner complaints alongside 14 recalls. Issues in electrical system (51) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put electrical system (51) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Infotainment system and the start-stop functionality (52 complaints)
- −3 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2022 Volkswagen Atlas With

2022 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 65/100

2022 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 74/100

2022 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 72/100

2022 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 73/100

2022 KIA Telluride
Reliability: 63/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 14 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (52)
- SERVICE BRAKES (49)
Recall Overview
14
recalls on record
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas has 14 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
49.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 14.3
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Recall Details
14 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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.
SUSPENSION
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Consequence
Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Consequence
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Buying a used 2022 Volkswagen Atlas? Check its history first
Every 2022 Volkswagen Atlas has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Volkswagen Atlas NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 13.6%
Safety Technologies
Volkswagen AtlasRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–23 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,600–$3,150/yr
Fuel only
17–21 city / 23–25 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Atlas 4motion 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 | 24 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 | 24 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Atlas 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Atlas 4motion 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas.
Test infotainment system for freezing or rebooting
Listen for grinding or squeaking noises when braking
Check for any engine stalling or start/stop errors
Inspect for coolant leaks or low coolant levels
Verify all doors lock properly and check anti-theft alerts
Ensure forward collision avoidance system operates correctly
Check for excessive oil consumption between oil changes
Confirm panoramic sunroof integrity and inspect for any damage
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Common Problems by Component
217 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
52 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system and the start-stop functionality. Symptoms include the infotainment screen going blank or rebooting, and the vehicle unexpectedly stalling at low speeds or when stopped, often requiring a manual restart. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 24,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, as one complaint involves a crash and another a fire, while several reports highlight the risk of stalling in traffic. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential electrical issues, especially when considering vehicles with higher mileage that may be out of warranty.
SERVICE BRAKES
49 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the brake system of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, with common symptoms including grinding noises, squeaking, and inconsistent braking. Complaints often describe these noises occurring both at the start of driving and during regular use, sometimes resulting in a feeling of brake slippage or grabbing. Many reports indicate these symptoms appear in vehicles with as few as 3,000 to 20,000 miles. One crash is noted, involving the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly, leading to a rear-end collision. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, with some owners expressing concerns about the reliability of the braking system.
AIR BAGS
27 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues related to airbag system failures, particularly involving the front passenger airbag sensor and associated warnings. Common symptoms include the illumination of the airbag warning light and audible chimes, with many complaints indicating that the vehicle's instrument cluster displays airbag error messages. These problems often occur at various mileage points, with some reports noting occurrences around 54,000 miles. A significant number of complaints mention delays in recall repairs, with parts being unavailable for extended periods, leaving owners unable to safely use the front passenger seat. Safety implications include the potential for airbags not deploying during a collision, which is a critical concern for potential buyers considering this model.
ENGINE (24 complaints)
ENGINE
24 complaintsOwners report that the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas frequently experiences engine stalling, particularly when coming to a stop or while idling, with multiple mentions of the need to manually restart the engine. This issue is often accompanied by a start/stop error message, and some owners note the problem persists despite the auto start/stop feature being deactivated. Complaints also highlight premature oil leaks and excessive oil consumption, with some vehicles requiring frequent oil top-offs between changes. Additionally, several reports describe coolant leaks and related failures in the water pump or thermostat housing. These issues typically appear within the first 30,000 miles and pose potential safety risks, including the possibility of stalling in traffic, creating a crash hazard.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues with the vehicle's infotainment and navigation systems, with symptoms including delayed startup and incorrect location mapping. Complaints also highlight problems with the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering and the vehicle stalling at low speeds, sometimes with no warning lights or error codes. These issues often occur in vehicles with mileage as low as 10 miles to around 42,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a vehicle fire and multiple instances of sudden vehicle shutdowns posing risks of rear-end collisions. This pattern of complaints suggests potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
STEERING (8 complaints)
STEERING
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas frequently experiences steering-related issues, including the steering wheel locking unexpectedly while driving, which leads to a temporary loss of control. Complaints often describe dashboard warning lights, particularly the EPC and steering malfunction indicators, flashing during these incidents. Some owners mention the problem occurring both at low speeds and on highways, with one incident involving a fire following a steering warning light. The reported issues often appear soon after purchase, with multiple owners noting the inability of dealerships to permanently resolve the problem. These steering failures pose significant safety risks, including potential accidents due to loss of control.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (7 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
7 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. Complaints commonly describe unexpected activation of the emergency braking system, often without any apparent obstacles or vehicles nearby, leading to sudden stops that nearly result in rear-end collisions. Several reports highlight these incidents occurring at various speeds, from low-speed driving in driveways to freeway speeds, with some owners experiencing repeated occurrences. Additionally, some owners note false positives from other sensors, such as side object detection. These issues are often mentioned in conjunction with safety concerns, particularly due to the risk of being rear-ended. While specific mileage is not consistently noted, the recurrence of these issues suggests they may happen early in the vehicle's life.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas frequently report issues related to the power train, with recurring problems involving the coolant system and head gasket failures. Complaints often describe coolant warnings and low coolant levels, with some owners experiencing head gasket replacements and even full motor replacements around 26,000 miles. Misfiring and deceleration are also reported, often accompanied by error messages and warning lights, impacting vehicle reliability and posing potential safety risks during traffic maneuvers. Additionally, some owners mention metallic rattles, hard-to-move shifters, and persistent coolant disappearance without warning lights. These issues are reported to occur at various mileages, sometimes as early as 1,500 miles, and raise concerns about potential vehicle stalling and compromised safety.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas report recurring issues with the fuel and propulsion system, frequently noting check engine lights and stalling incidents. Common symptoms include random shutdowns while driving, often resulting in a loss of steering and control, and rough driving with vehicle shaking. Some owners mention repeated failures of components such as the fuel leak detection pump, spark plugs, and ignition coils, often despite multiple repairs. These issues typically occur without clear mileage patterns, but the safety implications include the potential for accidents due to sudden stalling in traffic. Additionally, there is confusion reported over recommended fuel grades, with discrepancies between vehicle labels and dealership advice, which may contribute to these problems.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas report issues related to the engine and engine cooling system, specifically involving coolant leaks and stalling. Complaints frequently mention unexplained coolant loss, with one owner noting the need to add coolant weekly despite no external leaks being visible. Another owner describes the vehicle stalling at stoplights, accompanied by an illuminated coolant system warning light, and a diagnosis pointing to a water pump replacement that did not resolve the issue. These problems are noted at mileages around 15,969 and 90,000, indicating potential early and later-stage concerns. No reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control are associated with these complaints.
When Do 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Volkswagen Atlas Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Volkswagen Atlas Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Volkswagen Atlas year is 2025 with a reliability score of 65/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (58/100) and 2020 (57/100).
Volkswagen Atlas Years to Avoid
The worst Volkswagen Atlas year is 2021 with a score of 44/100, primarily due to electrical system (180) issues. Also avoid 2018 (44/100).
Volkswagen Atlas Reliability Score Trend
Volkswagen Atlas reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 57/100 compared to 48/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 44/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 44/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 65/100 | Good |
Volkswagen Atlas Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 59/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 65/100 | +11 | Good | 8 | 30 |
| 2024 | 54/100 | -4 | Mixed | 14 | 209 |
| 2023 | 58/100 | +8 | Mixed | 11 | 114 |
| 2022(selected) | 50/100 | +6 | Mixed | 14 | 217 |
| 2021 | 44/100 | -13 | Mixed | 30 | 540 |
| 2020 | 57/100 | +9 | Mixed | 15 | 116 |
| 2019 | 48/100 | +4 | Mixed | 11 | 437 |
| 2018 | 44/100 | — | Mixed | 16 | 444 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas have?
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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