The Volkswagen Atlas is a popular vehicle known for its tech-friendly features. This was the manufacturer’s first three-row SUV, giving more passenger space than other cars and SUVs. Like most vehicles, it is not without its faults. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, in particular, has a large number of potential problems. Volkswagen has issued 11 recalls for this make and model. If you own a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, make sure you check this list to see if your vehicle has been impacted.
Fuel Tank
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V766000
In November 2017, Volkswagen issued a recall for the 2018 Atlas indicating that the fuel tank could have too thin of walls. This created fuel leaks on some vehicles, violating the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Fuel System Integrity. If fuel leaks occur, they can cause fires. Volkswagen offered owners a replacement fuel tank.
Fuel Tank
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V284000
In May 2018, Volkswagen recalled certain Atlas vehicles due to a manufacturing error with the fuel tank that increased the risk of a leak. Leaks create a fire hazard, so owners could request a free fuel tank replacement if their vehicle was affected.
Passenger Side Airbags
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V375000
In June of 2018, Volkswagen issued a recall for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas because they found the frontal side airbags on the passenger side could potentially tear when deployed. Without properly functioning airbags, passengers were at higher risk for serious injury in a crash. Owners affected by this recall can have the airbags replaced with no cost.
Real Seat Belt Buckle Assembly
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V380000
Another recall of a safety feature, this one was also issued in June 2018. The recall indicates the owner’s manual did not properly inform owners about the limit for child restraint sizes in the center rear seating position. If a seat that was wider than 12.6 inches was installed, it could damage the belt buckles, allowing the belt to release in a crash. If the seat belt buckles had been damaged in this way, the recall allowed owners to get new ones. Volkswagen also released a supplement to the owner’s manual.
Brake Caliper Pistons
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V369000
In June 2018, Volkswagen issued a recall for the brake caliper pistons on its 2018 Atlas vehicles. An insufficient coating on some of the vehicles could contribute to poor brake performance, increasing crash risk. Owners could visit the dealer to have the front and rear brake calipers bled, and they were warned not to drive until the vehicle was inspected at the dealership because of the high crash risk.
Brake Caliper Bracket
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V536000
In August 2018, Volkswagen issued a recall for the 2018 Atlas because of poorly tightened brake caliper bracket mounting bolts. If these bolts are too loose, the brake caliper can move, which can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. Dealers will inspect the caliper and replace or tighten the bolts. If any problems with the caliper occurred due to the loose bolts, these will also need fixing.
Airbag Control Module
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V537000
In August 2018, Volkswagen also issued a recall for the airbag restraint control module. The manufacturer found that the air conditioning system’s drain tube may have become twisted during the vehicle’s production. This caused water to drip into the airbag control module, which could make the airbags deploy at the wrong time. Airbags deploying while driving makes a crash highly likely. The solution to this problem is to replace the twisted drain tube and affected airbag control module.
Suspension Rear Coil Springs
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V904000
In December 2018, another recall came for the 2018 and 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. This recall indicated the rear coil springs were at risk for a premature fracture. This can lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the crash risk. Replacing the rear axle coil springs fixes the problem.
Headlights
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V389000
In May 2019, Volkswagen realized the headlights on the 2018 to 2019 Atlas had a potential problem. According to the recall, the blocking cap that stops the horizontal aim from adjusting too far may have been left out of the vehicle. This means the Atlas does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. It also means the headlight’s aim can move out of range for proper safety, which impacts visibility.
Instrument Panel
NHTSA Recall ID: 18C824000
The 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas is under recall for a potential problem with the instrument panel. According to the recall, released November 2018, the instrument cluster may not give an audible sound if the key is in the ignition when the door is open. This can cause drivers to leave the key in the vehicle, increasing the risk of theft. The solution is simple. Drivers need to bring the vehicle to the dealer to have the instrument panel reprogrammed.
Airbags
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V057000
Another recall for airbags, this one came in January of 2020. Volkswagen announced that a faulty airbag sensor could delay or disable the deployment of the airbag, even when it was needed. This creates an injury risk. The airbag crash sensor needs to be replaced to fix the problem.
What to Do if Your Vehicle is Recalled?
If you have a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas that is under one of these recalls, visit your local dealership. The dealership will inspect the vehicle and provide an appropriate repair, free of charge. Vehicle owners will be notified by the manufacturer, but you should take your vehicle in to be checked even if you weren’t notified, just to make sure you are not under a recall. If you are buying a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, consider checking its vehicle history to see if the recalls have been addressed for your particular vehicle.
