VolkswagenAtlas2021Overview/volkswagen/atlas/2021/base/

2021 Volkswagen Atlas

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Atlas.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row midsize SUV built on VW's modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, engineered to seat up to seven passengers with available third-row space that accommodates adults. For routine maintenance, the vehicle requires 6.0 quarts of 0W-30 viscosity engine oil. Across the Atlas model history spanning 2018-2026, the 2021 model year recorded 444 total owner complaints, with Exterior Lighting emerging as the most frequently cited issue alongside 16 total recalls—placing this model year near the complaint peak of 464 documented in 2019, suggesting that prospective owners should carefully consider these documented service concerns within the context of an overall complaint trajectory that has improved substantially, reaching a low of just 5 complaints by 2026.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque89.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI The OEM uses various batteries during production based on vehicle options. PR codes will denote factory installed options for this vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage. battery, OE oil filter 03H115441. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI The OEM uses various batteries during production based on vehicle options. PR codes will denote factory installed options for this vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage.OEM · verified
Tire size245/60R18 105TOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter03H115441 alt 03H198070
Engine air filter3QF129620
Spark plug03H905600A alt 06K905601K
Battery000915089E alt 000915089F
Front wiper blades3CN998002
Serpentine belt06L903137A alt 022145933AP
Thermostat06L121139A alt WHT000863
Cabin air filter5Q0819669

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length200.8 in
Overall width78 in
Overall height68.9 in
Wheelbase117.3 in
Curb weight4442 lb
Track (front / rear)67.7 / 67.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Atlas of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2021 SEL V6 4MOTION Basecamp
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021SEL V6 4MOTION Basecamp 3.6L V67.80 sec16.00 sec276 hpAWD
2019SEL V6 4MOTION 3.6L V67.80 sec15.90 sec276 hpAWD
2019SEL V6 4MOTION 3.6L V68.00 sec16.10 sec276 hpAWD
2018TSI SE 2.0L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.60 sec235 hpFWD
2018SE V6 3.6L V67.30 sec15.60 sec276 hpFWD
2018SEL V6 4MOTION 3.6L V67.90 sec16.00 sec276 hpAWD
2018SEL V6 Premium 4MOTION 3.6L V67.90 sec16.00 sec276 hpAWD
2018SEL V6 Premium 4MOTION 3.6L V67.90 sec16.00 sec276 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 0W-30 engine oil, Audi/VW P/N G 052 145 A1, A2 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89.0 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to Use a new drain plug: 22.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidAudi/VW P/N G 055 540 A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.39 qt
Brake FluidDOT 4
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilAudi/VW P/N G 052 145 A1, A2
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.05 qt
Engine CoolantVolkswagen Coolant G13 TL-VW-774J
Engine Coolant Capacity21.1 qt

Engine torques

Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts only.
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugUse a new drain plug: 22.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs71.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug11.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugUse a new drain plug and gasket: 22.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts89.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Spark Plug ManufacturerVolkswagen
Spark Plug Torque22.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerVolkswagen
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.38-1.48 lbs
Oil Capacity3.4-4.0 oz

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure MinimumUse diagnostic tester: 58.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure MaximumUse diagnostic tester: 102.0 psi
Residual Pressure43.5 minimum after 10 minutes. psi

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness0.079" in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Inspection Procedure (Lower) — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Inspect Ball Joint by pulling down on lower control arm then forcing it upward. The joint should also be inspected by moving the lower portion of the tire and wheel in an in and out motion. During inspections allow for normal upper strut mount and wheel bearing wear but no ball joint play should be observed. Step 3: The ball joint should also be replaced if the boot is torn, stud is worn or joint shows any play.
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolt with Collar37 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90° using a ratchet. Step 4: 90° using a ratchet.11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 80,000 mi; coolant every 20,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 20,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 miBattery (inspect) · Body Water Drains (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Instrument Cluster Warning Indicator (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 80,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Atlas marks a sharp reversal from the anomalously low 2020 model year (26 complaints, 4 recalls), returning to complaint (444) and recall (16) volumes nearly identical to the 2018 launch year (454 complaints, 16 recalls). This spike places 2021 as the second-highest complaint year across the generation, with Exterior Lighting (49), Air Bags (38), and Engine (28) leading the categories, alongside eight crash complaints and one fire complaint. Technical Service Bulletins remained elevated at 607, though on a clear downward trajectory from 810 in 2018. Subsequent model years show steady improvement, with complaints falling to 170 by 2022 and recalls dropping to single digits. The data does not specify root causes for the 2021 regression. Buyers should weigh the 2021 model's elevated federal activity against the clear improving trend in later years, making 2022 or newer a lower-risk choice if available.

16
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
607
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
444
Owner complaints
8 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 444 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Exterior Lighting49
Air Bags38
Unknown Or Other35
Engine28
Electrical System25
Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance25
Service Brakes22
Electrical System,Service Brakes13

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 17 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V716000Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: CameraReported 18/11/2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer…

21V026000SteeringReported 27/01/2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting. Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 607 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
Customer email_91UB2026-06-15Unknown Or OtherYour vehicle is currently eligible for the 91UB software update designed to:
Dealer 91UB2026-06-15Unknown Or OtherThis OTA update addresses a potential issue with special characters being broadcast over…
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Atlas. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Atlas take?

6.0 qt of 0W-30, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Atlas have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.