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The 2018 Atlas is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Volkswagen Atlas owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
"Started in 2025, AC is weak and the front fans stops working sometimes. After a few hours the fan works but the AC is very weak."
Anonymous, ON (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)"Blower fan failed in April 2023 resulting in cutting a road trip short"
Anonymous, FL (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"Image in screen is foggy at times. Dealer would not repair under warranty."
Anonymous, VT (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)"The memory function for the driver's seat position no longer works. VW has been unable to provide a fix."
Anonymous, CT (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)"Volume knob on head unit failed under warranty and dealership would repair."
Anonymous, VT (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
""The car was losing coolant since the first year I owned it. Every time I brought it to the dealer they did a pressure check of the system and could not find a problem even though you could smell the coolant when you shut off the engine. Finally, when out of warranty I brought it to an independent garage that found the water pump leaking. Replaced the water pump and the problem was fixed. VW dealership is useless.""
Anonymous, QC (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)""Apparently there are two pumps in the coolant system. Both have failed over the past year, at separate times, leaving me stuck roadside while engine cooled. This experience makes me more convinced than ever that electric cars are the way to go.""
Anonymous A., CT (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)"The water pump needed to be replaced"
Anonymous, MD (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
""Driving in the mountains with prolonged breaking, the brakes would pulsate along downhills.""
Anonymous, CO (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)"Needed to replace brakes only a year after last job. In harness I live near ocea so brakes rust easily"
Anonymous, RI (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"one door lock stopped operating due to a couble ground fault"
Anonymous, NC (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)""The car would not recognize the key fob even when the fob is in the front seat and would either not turn on or after the car is on would randomly give a warning that the key is not near. Not a battery issue replaced fob battery multiple times. Happened with both fobs, so probably a car issue not the fob.""
Anonymous, WA (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
""The valve cover assembly was leaking oil. This was discovered during a regular service check. They did not know the cause of the problem and said it was nothing that I (the driver) caused, just possibly due to age of the car.""
Anonymous A., WI (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)"Fuel pump failed while driving. Had to have it towed to mechanic to fix"
Anonymous, BC (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Water pump had a slow leak and needed to be replaced."
Anonymous, VA (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
"After 150 K VW had to change the transmission as the car stop moving."
Anonymous, ON (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"From what the mechanic told me there is an engine splitter that was not sending enough oil to the top portion of the engine. That caused major issues with the top of the engine including lifters and other components and the top end needed to be rebuilt. The original Dealer estimate was close to 20k, but I found an engine shop to do the work for around 3500. The issue also occurred when the car was 2000 miles past the warranty and the dealer really wouldn't do much for me even though all of the maintenance was done at the dealer. The main reason I fixed the car was because it was paid off and fixing the car was cheaper than a car payment. I am planning to get rid of it soon and do not trust it."
Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"Water pump"
Anonymous, TX (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
"After the engine was fixed the EPC light kept coming on and the engine stop start would not function. The engine had harsh idling sometimes and the engine light did come on. The actual issue was related to a cam and crank shaft sensor that needed to be replaced."
Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"Paint is blistering near the logo on the rear hatch. There is no evidence of a chip but I'm sure the useless VW dealer will say that was the cause even though a rock could never get to that spot."
Anonymous, QC (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"Right front axle boot cracked and leaking lubricant. Entire right front axle with boot required to fix."
Anonymous, VA (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"Compressor failed and needed replacement"
Anonymous, RI (2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 3.6-L V6)