Toyota Highlander vs Volkswagen Atlas
For 2017–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 43.7 for the Volkswagen Atlas. 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.
Toyota Highlander
14.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
66% fewer than the Volkswagen Atlas
- Complaints
- 2,059
- Sold
- 1,398,932
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Volkswagen Atlas
43.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
3.0× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- 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 Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas?
For 2017–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Atlas has 43.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 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 Toyota Highlander 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.