2022 Volkswagen Atlas problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 183 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, filed between 2022-01-30 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the engine (50, 27%), service brakes (46, 25%) and electrical system (44, 24%). Owners reported 3 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2022 Volkswagen Atlas complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 50 | 27% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 46 | 25% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 44 | 24% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 30 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 25 | 14% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 20 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 7% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 8 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 5 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Power train | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 50 complaints
- 50 complaints of 183 (27%) name the engine.
- 15 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas; the recall, campaign 22V753000, says: “The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.”
Service brakes: 46 complaints
- 46 complaints of 183 (25%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 8 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas covers this system.
Electrical system: 44 complaints
- 44 complaints of 183 (24%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 15 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas covers this system.
Air bags: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 183 (16%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas; the latest, campaign 24V464000, says: “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.”
Forward collision avoidance: 20 complaints
- 20 complaints of 183 (11%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 183 (8%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 43 |
| 2026 | 39 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ATLAS, model year 2022. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas's most common problem areas are the engine (50 of 183 complaints), service brakes (46 of 183 complaints) and electrical system (44 of 183 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas have?
NHTSA has 183 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, including 3 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas's problems?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.