2018 Volkswagen Constellation

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV offering a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available third-row seating. Engine options include a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6L V6 generating 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Atlas’s ample cargo space and family-friendly features. Common complaints often revolve around fuel economy, particularly with the V6 engine, and some reported minor issues with the infotainment system.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine bay, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, check engine light illuminated, potential for engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner, and potentially the timing chain itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, particularly noticeable during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM). If the update doesn’t resolve the issue, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (Software Update), $800 - $1,500+ (Valve Body), $4,000 - $6,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Rear Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, reduced handling stability, especially when loaded, noise from the rear suspension over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Lagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or exhibits significant lag when navigating menus or using features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
  • Solution: Software update to the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $150 (Software Update), $800 - $1,500+ (Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially when parked for extended periods, leading to difficulty starting the engine.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic drain, which could be caused by a faulty module, improperly installed aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (Diagnosis and Repair), $200 - $400 (Battery Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Water Leaks Through Sunroof
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin from the sunroof area, typically during heavy rain.
  • Solution: Cleaning of the sunroof drain tubes to remove any debris or obstructions. In some cases, the sunroof seal may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (Drain Cleaning), $200 - $500+ (Seal Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noise from Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: A persistent rattling noise emanating from the dashboard area, often exacerbated by driving over rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating and securing the source of the rattle, which could involve tightening loose components, adding foam padding, or replacing damaged parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas presents a mix of potential issues, ranging from minor electrical glitches to more significant engine and transmission concerns. The potential for turbocharger, timing chain, and transmission problems represents the most severe and costly repairs. While not every Atlas will experience these issues, prospective buyers should be aware of their possibility and factor them into their purchasing decision. Regular maintenance and addressing any early warning signs can help mitigate the risk of major repairs. The average severity for repairs range from minor inconveniences to potentially severe engine and transmission problems. The cost to repair can range from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, based on the failure.