Ford Escape vs Volkswagen Atlas
For 2017–2022 models, the Volkswagen Atlas has 43.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 56.1 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2017–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
56.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Volkswagen Atlas’s rate
- Complaints
- 7,198
- Sold
- 1,283,191
- Recall campaigns
- 36
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Fewest: 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Volkswagen Atlas
43.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
22% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 1,608
- Sold
- 367,788
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2018. Fewest: 2017 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 31,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 11,000 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 6,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 19,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 20,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Volkswagen Atlas?
For 2017–2022 models, the Volkswagen Atlas has 43.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 56.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Atlas?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Atlas is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 31,000 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Volkswagen Atlas years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Volkswagen Atlas: 2018.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.