Buying a Used Volkswagen Atlas? These 5 Checks REVEAL Hidden Problems.

[@Foxman-yv2nb]

I own a 2018 Atlas, and regardless the few issues, I love it! For once I have a vehicle that isn't a full size tank that I fit in more than comfortably with lots of head and shoulder room. (6' 3"). This review is spot on! Road noise is higher than I would like, and the wind noise seems like the doors aren't sealed tight. I just started having issues yesterday (10/04/23) with my digital dash readings between my physical RPM and Speedometer. It was set to display mpg on the fuel economy setting, and is going haywire! I pull out and it jumps from 5 mpg-10-323-224-all over! The warning systems have worked perfectly to prevent further damaging the vehicle, such as my water pump went out and before the care overheated to extreme temps, I was notified with an audible and visible warning message. The transmission is a bit wonky as it's a 9 speed AT. It might work well in hill country, but here in Florida, on slight grades, it has trouble deciding which gear it likes. Also, if you want to pull out fast, sometimes it'll take off like a rocket, while other times it gets hung up between the gears and just doesn't feel like it. I absolutely HATE the feature that turns the engine off when stopped. It's supposed to be eco-friendly, but to be honest, it takes more gas to start the vehicle eatch time, thus producing more emissions. You are just wearing the Hell out of the starter!!! Imagine going to the grocery store a mile away and your car starts and stops 9 times. Tire pressure alarms are sensitive and help prevent running on low pressure to conserve fuel mileage. As stated in the review, the main battery and FOB batteries. seem to go out like clockwork at the times noted. When replacing the battery or after you've unhooked it, keep in mind that my model has 47 electronic items that must be reset, and having a professional do it for proper calibration is recommended to avoid future issues. IMPORTANT: The overhead Car-Net features do not work because the world switched from 3G to 5G, and the system is no longer support. Some articles claim it was only for the 2018-2019 models, but there were models in 2022 that still weren't updated on the lot. I asked the dealership what VW's plan was, and the tech said there is no plan. Covid created a microchip shortage which compounded the problem. Some models at the dealership were discounted hundreds of dollars due to missing chips that canceled some options. This was not isolated to just Volkswagen, so with any car, test EVERYTHING as the buttons might be there, but they are for show only without the chips. The Atlas has more interior room than any vehicle in it's class. I fit a plush twin mattress easily in the back and use the auto hatch button on my fob to climb in and sleep at rest areas on long trips. Would I buy again? I lean to yes, but it's the most expensive car with maintenance I've owned. Cars are becoming so bound to electronic tech that there are more problems than ever. I still have a recall for the passenger airbag seat sensor that VW hasn't come up with a fix for as well (5 years now)!

[@gumerdominguez4091]

Advise change oil in the tranny I change mine and still works fine ,, and it’s an 8!speed tranny made by aisin, the best by far made by toyota

[@CassieAfricanQueen]

EVAP system. Check engine will always come on u til fixed. Don’t over fill your fuel tank. Stop at the first click or just Never fill the car up with gas otherwise Love this car. It’s beautiful inside and out. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@HighGear7445]

Have a 2019S 2wd with zero issues. 2.0 engine averages 27mpg so the gas tank is plenty big enough. No sunroof with this model so no leaks. 2 recalls with 1 being suspension bushing the other was a software update on the tire pressure monitors.It's a keeper.

[@Charlieperez714]

Wondering if you had any issues after this comment? I just bought a used 2022 V6 AWD

[@HighGear7445]

@@Charlieperez714 Still running like a top with no issues.

[@Charlieperez714]

@@HighGear7445 how many miles?

[@JorgeLopez-zh4gx]

Wow what a review. !! U take care pride in your work. We apreaciate that

[@dirf554]

Sunroof drain channels never get cleaned. A certified Dealer has the proper equipment to blow out and clean the drain channels

[@jpaulotanify]

How long can a altas 2018 last? Theres a 168000kms that was offered to me. Not sure if ill buy it, it still in prestine condition though

[@haroldpennington4896]

2019Atlas has a bad leaking problems from sun roof, clogged drains and scheduled maintenance doesn't bother to clean them out.

[@bmw803]

That's why we got a SE. None of this useless crap. Less headaches. The less useless gadgets, the better.

[@televisiondevil5235]

4motion is not standard equipment

[@kalpersaud9132]

Im in the market for a new car, between the 2021 atlas se and a 4runner sr5, which would be a better option? I know nothing about vw reliability /cost vs Toyota

[@bmw803]

If you choose the Atlas, MAKE SURE IT'S THE VR6. It's a proven engine and it's paired with an Aisin transmission. Aisin is Toyota, so you shouldn't have major problems if taken care of.

[@mooauto2388]

Bro don't listen to these people these atlas are built cheaply by VW you'll only have problems with this turd

[@SD-bw4rn]

Im glad i got the V6

[@zeektv8435]

When your hood wire breaks how do you get to the emergency latch 2 open volkswagen atlas

[@vinnyboombatz1399]

You don't. Raise it up on stands, (or a lift, if you have access to one), take the drivers front wheel off (17mm socket), then the fender liner (the plastic shroud - T20 Torx bit). Once that's out of the way, locate the back of the headlight housing and look just above it, along the edge of the fender. You should see a small black cable that goes into a small plastic rectangular box, with a cable coming out the opposite end. If you unclip that plastic box from the fender and rotate it, you'll see 2 pull cables, very similar to the brake cables on a bike. One section goes back into the cabin, the other goes to the front of the car - That's the one you want to pull on. One cable will have a metal bead or slug on the end of it, the other will have a notched hollowed out cylinder, I just don't remember which side had which. I'd recommend using vise grips (locking pliers) to grab the cable with. If you slowly pull it, it should pop the hood. All the cable failures I've seen have been either the metal bead, or the metal cylinder slip off the braided cable. I have yet to see the metal cable itself break. Best of luck

[@ibrarutta9328]

It looks like everything has some issues Battery recharging issues Gear shifting issues Roof issues Infotainment issues,... Almost everything... So why people don't buy toyota brands??

[@hix9306]

Too high

[@katdorsey1779]

the back row on a highlander are so small and looks dull

[@rociobarrera536]

Price

[@Manis-World]

Toyota have similar and even more issues these days. The Atlas is hands down the best bang for your buck big SUV these days…. No gimmicky features, everything has a purpose and hands down better safety than any Toyota. And let’s not even talk about night/day difference in road noise, build quality and overall comfort

[@rondavid7413]

Add to that Common VW Atlas Problems Faulty fuel injectors Engine noise on shutdown Unexpected coolant loss Fuel pump failure Faulty clockspring Really Nice shape & interior room on the Atlas I was considering a 2019 for about $28k because i wanted Adaptive Cruise without buying a $50k new one Guess I'll look into a '17 Lexus RX350 w/ Adapt cruise for $31k instead because these issues on the Atlas are a turn off plus i remembered I rented one in '19 in Vegas & had to turn it in after only 1 day because the coolant light came on & it was new

[@HanifEFIMechanical]

good work

[@mooauto2388]

Do not buy these without a warranty they aren't by any means reliable suv

[@ianhargrove6079]

Yeah, that’s what I’ve been reading man I really wanted one 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Nostrada-mus]

The v6 is reliable. No major issues on the 2019+

[@ABDdrummer]

Can you elaborate please? Looking at a 2022 with the VR6, 21,000 miles.

[@justinlamb5206]

100%. 2019 V6 Atlas owner here. Within the first year of ownership I've had the sunroof shatter out of nowhere while driving (common issue), infotainment system freezes/malfunctions regularly (common issue), have had the front collision system malfunction and apply emergency breaking - thankfully no one behind us (common issue), torque converter design (many forums on this issue) makes a horrendous noise at low speeds. Had no idea what the noise was and took it to multiple shops. Each dealership said they couldn't recreate the noise. It took me pulling a tech aside and asking him what the h*ll before he would admit to exactly what the noise was. My first and last ever VW purchase.

[@radeshenmoodley4147]

Had mine for 5 years, 200000km and doesn’t consume a drop of oil between services. To date, it’s one of the most reliable cars I’ve ever owned…dealer services till out of warranty then I took over doing it myself. Never looked back, in fact I’m considering getting a second one because it’s that good 😂

[@forclean7382]

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