2021 Volkswagen
Atlas 4motion
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
Volkswagen Atlas 4motion: best and worst years
Closest available photo (2022 model year); you're viewing the 2021.
Overview
- Body
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026Volkswagen calls it 4MOTION.
- 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
- 235
- Power to weight
- 0.053 hp/lb
- Axle ratio
- 3.60
- Aspiration
- TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Start-stop system
- YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 24 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG City
- 20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG Comb
- 22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $2,850EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- CO₂
- 412 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Eco Score
- 4/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Smog score
- 3/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- SmartWay certified
- No
Dimensions & capacity
- 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
- GVWR class
- Class 2E (6,001 to 7,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
Safety NHTSA record 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
- 477 See on NHTSA
- Reported injuries
- 12
Feature availability
Cameras & visibility
- Backup cameraStandard
Driver assist
- Adaptive cruise controlPart of IQ.DRIVE.Standard
- Automatic emergency brakingStandard
- Blind-spot monitorStandard
Convenience
- Push-button startStandard
Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20%
- SERVICE BRAKES12%
- ENGINE11%
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER10%
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9%
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING9%
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 757 total.
Volkswagen Atlas 4motion: best and worst yearsFederal investigations NHTSA record 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
Source: www.vw.com as of 2026-06
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.