Nissan Pathfinder vs Volkswagen Atlas: reliability compared
From 2018 to 2026, owners filed an average of 77 complaints per model year about the Nissan Pathfinder and 227 about the Volkswagen Atlas.
Side by side
| Nissan Pathfinder | Volkswagen Atlas | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2018-2026 | 2018-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 612 | 2,039 |
| Complaints per model year | 77 | 227 |
| Recalls | 12 | 48 |
| Years to avoid | None stand out | None stand out |
| Best years | 20182019 | 201820202022 |
| Most common problem | Brakes | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 21-23 mpg combined (2026) | 21-23 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Pathfinder | Atlas | |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 138 | 364 |
| Engine | 109 | 388 |
| Electrical | 105 | 499 |
| Driver assistance | 96 | 304 |
| Transmission | 80 | 115 |
| Fuel system | 46 | 159 |
| Airbags | 22 | 376 |
Questions about the Nissan Pathfinder vs Volkswagen Atlas
Which is more reliable, the Nissan Pathfinder or the Volkswagen Atlas?
Between 2018 and 2026, the Nissan Pathfinder has 0 years to avoid and the Volkswagen Atlas 0. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Nissan Pathfinder drew fewer complaints per model year (77 vs 227), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Nissan Pathfinder or the Volkswagen Atlas?
From 2018 to 2026, the Nissan Pathfinder was covered by 12 recalls and the Volkswagen Atlas by 48.
What years of the Nissan Pathfinder and Volkswagen Atlas should you avoid?
Nissan Pathfinder: no year stands out. Volkswagen Atlas: no year stands out.
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