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2021 Volkswagen

Atlas 4motion

Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L

Volkswagen Atlas 4motion: best and worst years

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
276
Power to weight
0.062 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.53
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,450EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
485 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
3/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
196 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
78 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
68 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
117 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,442 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Recalls
17
Owner complaints
433
Reported injuries
11

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20%
  • SERVICE BRAKES13%
  • ENGINE11%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER10%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10%
  • AIR BAGS9%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 696 total.

Volkswagen Atlas 4motion: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE23017opened Sep 28, 2023FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

    Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

592 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0026012081638_1

    Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage

  • May 11, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV9123032070941_3

    Update Programming of MIB Infotainment

  • Apr 2, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGV9422012066639_6

    Condition is normal due to cold fresh air and humidity

  • Apr 1, 2026AIR BAGSVOS-26-23

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue with Airbag - J706 - Seat Occupant Detection System Control Module Basic Setting error message ODS5001E & ODS5003E.

  • Mar 30, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGV9419012011521_21

    Moisture Accumulation

  • Mar 27, 2026ENGINEVOS-26-21

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.

  • Mar 25, 2026FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKINGV4521012062957_7

    customer reports that the vehicle performed an unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

  • Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0018092053065_6

    Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting

  • and 584 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance
2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.