NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
100 reportsClear category filter31,000 miles · Jan 15, 2020
Air BagsInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SHE HAD HIT A STORM DRAIN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED ALL SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AS THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A POLICE REPORT (#20S000488) WAS F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SHE HAD HIT A STORM DRAIN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED ALL SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AS THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A POLICE REPORT (#20S000488) WAS FILED. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS GIVEN AT THE SCENE; THE DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR SCRATCHES AND BRUISES CAUSE BY THE SEAT BELT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIKE STEVEN VOLKSWAGEN (11211 E KELLOGG DR N, WICHITA, KS 67207) FOR AN INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PULLED THE COMPUTER DATA FROM THE VEHICLE. DATA SHOWED THAT A AIR BAG SENSOR WAS ACTIVATED WHICH DEEMED THE CONTACT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000. *LN *TR
NHTSA ODI #11299588
36,225 miles · Jun 10, 2019
Air Bags
AIR BAG ERROR INDICATOR KEEPS GOING OFF AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG CONSTANTLY TURNS OFF AND ON WHEN A FRONT PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.
NHTSA ODI #11219119
45,000 miles · Mar 2, 2019
Air BagsElectrical System
WHEN RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG WOULD DISENGAGE AND ENGAGE AS THE PERSON MOVED IN THE SEAT WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. MOVED THE SEAT BACK AND IT WENT OFF, DEALERSHIP MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. LAST HAPPENED THIS MORNING, STARTED AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF GRINDING, THEN WENT 12 MPH, SHUT DOWN, THEN STARTED F…
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WHEN RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG WOULD DISENGAGE AND ENGAGE AS THE PERSON MOVED IN THE SEAT WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. MOVED THE SEAT BACK AND IT WENT OFF, DEALERSHIP MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. LAST HAPPENED THIS MORNING, STARTED AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF GRINDING, THEN WENT 12 MPH, SHUT DOWN, THEN STARTED FINE. HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 14 MONTHS THE BATTERY WENT DEAD, WHEN PUSHING THE START BUTTON IT WOULD CATCH AND CONTINUE TO TRY STARTING EVEN WHEN THE FINGER WAS REMOVED. WHEN IT STARTED EPC WOULD COME UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE AT ABOUT 12 MPH. SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN AND START AGAIN, IT WOULD RUN OK. HAVE HAD IT INTO REPAIRS TWICE AND NOTHING IS FOUND, YET IT CONTINUES TO START OR NOT START AND RUN SLOW. WARNING COMES UP CHECK RUNNING LIGHT, CHECK RIGHT HEADLIGHT, CHECK LEFT HEADLIGHT. REPLACED THE BATTERY TWO MONTHS AGO, HAVE ALREADY HAD TO CHARGE BECAUSE IT HAS GONE DEAD. IT IS LIKE THE COMPUTER PANEL IS NOT TURNING OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STOPPED - PARKED WHEN IT WILL NOT START, SOMETIMES FOR A FEW MINUTES SOME TIMES OVER NIGHT AFTER HAVING TO USE THE FOG LIGHTS. I HAVE ALL THE RECALLS FIXED, BUT THIS STARTED AFTER HAVING THOSE FIXED. MY BATTERY WAS REPLACED AFTER 45,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11183681
2,000 miles · Feb 20, 2019
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ONTO A CURB, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. ALSO, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ONTO A CURB, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. ALSO, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WERE DAMAGED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. HAWK VOLKSWAGEN (2861 WEST JEFFERSON ST, JOLIET, IL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11181309
15,741 miles · Feb 2, 2019
Air Bags
"ERROR AIRBAG "LIGHT WITH AIRBAG SYMBOL CAME DURING DRIVING ON 2-2-2019, ERROR WILL NOT GO AWAY AFTER TURNING ENGINE ON AND OFF VEHICLE,VW 2018 ATLAS V6 SE E-MAIL: (XXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B…
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"ERROR AIRBAG "LIGHT WITH AIRBAG SYMBOL CAME DURING DRIVING ON 2-2-2019, ERROR WILL NOT GO AWAY AFTER TURNING ENGINE ON AND OFF VEHICLE,VW 2018 ATLAS V6 SE E-MAIL: (XXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11173743
Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2018
Air BagsSeat BeltsService Brakes
THERE HAVE BEEN SEVEN RECALLS ON THE 2018 ATLAS LAUNCH EDITION. COOK VW IN FALLSTON HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR AT LEAST 5 RECALLS. IT'S BEEN MONTHS AND THEY HAVEN'T REPAIRED ANYTHING. WE TOOK FAITH IN THESE PEOPLE AND THEY COULD CARE LESS FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. TODAY WE GOT A RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE IGNITION. THAT MAKES 6 RECALLS TH…
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THERE HAVE BEEN SEVEN RECALLS ON THE 2018 ATLAS LAUNCH EDITION. COOK VW IN FALLSTON HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR AT LEAST 5 RECALLS. IT'S BEEN MONTHS AND THEY HAVEN'T REPAIRED ANYTHING. WE TOOK FAITH IN THESE PEOPLE AND THEY COULD CARE LESS FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. TODAY WE GOT A RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE IGNITION. THAT MAKES 6 RECALLS THEY WILL NOT FIX. MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. DON'T HAVE DATES BUT THEY SHOULD BE IN THE DATABASE AT THIS DEALERSHIP. THEY ALL HAPPENED IN 2018.
NHTSA ODI #11163592
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2018
Air BagsEngineSeats
RECALL 20AH IS COMPLETELY UNNACEPTABLE. THERE ARE 8 DIFFERENT POSSIBLE REPAIRS THAT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. THESE REPAIRS RANGE FROM AIRBAG SOFTWARE UPDATES TO SUNROOF REPAIRS. HOW IS IT LEGAL FOR THEM TO COMBINE THESE REPAIRS? AS A MECHANIC AND A CONSUMER IT IS BAD FOR BUSINESS AS THE VARIOUS PARTS/ INSPECTIONS NECCESSARY MAKE …
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RECALL 20AH IS COMPLETELY UNNACEPTABLE. THERE ARE 8 DIFFERENT POSSIBLE REPAIRS THAT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. THESE REPAIRS RANGE FROM AIRBAG SOFTWARE UPDATES TO SUNROOF REPAIRS. HOW IS IT LEGAL FOR THEM TO COMBINE THESE REPAIRS? AS A MECHANIC AND A CONSUMER IT IS BAD FOR BUSINESS AS THE VARIOUS PARTS/ INSPECTIONS NECCESSARY MAKE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCOMODATE THE REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI #11111979
430 miles · Jun 2, 2018
Air Bags
PURCHASED NEW 2018 ATLAS AT HEROG MEIER VW DEALERSHIP IN BEAVERTON OREGON ON 5-19-18. UPON DRIVING HOME FROM DEALERSHIP THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OUT. CALLED DEALER ONCE HOME AND IMMEDIATELY DROVE BACK TO DEALER. THEY SAID TO DRIVE IT AND COME BACK MONDAY TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT. CAR HAS BEEN UNDER THREE ATTE…
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PURCHASED NEW 2018 ATLAS AT HEROG MEIER VW DEALERSHIP IN BEAVERTON OREGON ON 5-19-18. UPON DRIVING HOME FROM DEALERSHIP THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OUT. CALLED DEALER ONCE HOME AND IMMEDIATELY DROVE BACK TO DEALER. THEY SAID TO DRIVE IT AND COME BACK MONDAY TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT. CAR HAS BEEN UNDER THREE ATTEMPTED REPAIRS SINCE THEN WITH LOCAL DEALER TECHNICIANS AND EVEN REGIONAL MID LEVEL TECHNICIAN CALLING THEM TO WALK THROUGH REPAIRS OVER PHONE. STILL NO FIX AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE CAUSE IS. IT IS NOW GOING ON ALMOST THREE WEEKS AND I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR. TURNS OUT THROUGH QUESTIONING SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THIS AIRBAG ISSUE CAME UP PRIOR TO THEM SELLING US CAR AS TECHNICIAN MENTIONED THAT WIRING HARNESS FOR AIRBAG WAS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY? THIS WAS SOLD TO US AS A NEW CAR BUT IN REALITY WE WERE SOLD A DEFECTIVE CAR WITH AIRBAG ISSUES. STILL NO RESOLUTION. VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS AS TECHNICIAN SAID UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR AS AIRBAGS CAN FAIL.
NHTSA ODI #11099361
6,000 miles · Mar 7, 2018
Air BagsCrashInjury
MY WIFE SLID INTO A CURB DURING A LEFT-HAND TURN INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD DUE TO ICE. SHE DAMAGED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND A COUPLE MECHANICS, SCRATCHING THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AS WELL. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER PART OF THE EXTERIOR; HOWEVER, THIS CURB IMPACT SET OFF ALL OF THE INTERIOR SIDE AIRBAGS, INCLUDING ONE SEAT AIRBAG.…
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MY WIFE SLID INTO A CURB DURING A LEFT-HAND TURN INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD DUE TO ICE. SHE DAMAGED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND A COUPLE MECHANICS, SCRATCHING THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AS WELL. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER PART OF THE EXTERIOR; HOWEVER, THIS CURB IMPACT SET OFF ALL OF THE INTERIOR SIDE AIRBAGS, INCLUDING ONE SEAT AIRBAG. MY WIFE RECEIVED MINOR PAIN FROM AIRBAG IMPACT BUT THANKFULLY MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR BECAUSE A SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DIRECTLY INSIDE MY CHILD'S HEAD RESTRAINT. IN THE WORDS OF THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER, AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS AT MULTIPLE DEALERS AND BODY SHOPS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN AIRBAGS DEPLOY LIKE THIS DUE TO AN IMPACT WITH A CURB, WITH SO LITTLE DAMAGE AS WELL. TOTAL COST TO REPAIR AROUND $10K, RESALE VALUE DROPPED 20% ACCORDING TO DEALER QUOTE, AS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IS ON CARFAX. IT HAS BEEN THREE MONTHS AND VW HAS YET TO MANUFACTURE THE SEAT BELTS AND SEAT COVER FOR REPLACEMENT. WE HAVE BEEN WITHOUT THE CAR ALL THIS TIME AND IT COULD BE SEVERAL MORE MONTHS BEFORE WE EVEN GET A TRUE TIMELINE...ALL DUE TO AN IMPACT WITH A CURB. TO MAKE THINGS MORE INTERESTING, THERE IS ANOTHER ATLAS WHO ALSO SLID INTO A CURB DUE TO ICE DURING THE SAME STORM, ONLY DAMAGE TO WHEELS, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND THEY ARE STILL WITHOUT THEIR CAR AS WELL, THREE MONTHS LATER. VW SUPPORT REFUSES TO RELEASE REPORT THAT DICTATES THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED PROPERLY, STATING IT'S NORMAL AND THEREFORE OUR FAULT. CONSIDERING THE OBVIOUS AND THE TESTIMONIES OF AUTO BODY SPECIALISTS, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH AIRBAG SENSORS.
NHTSA ODI #11076693
580 miles · Jan 5, 2018
Air Bags
SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON PASSENGER SIDE TIRES HIT CUBS...NO DIRECT DAMAGE WHAT SO EVER TO CAR JUST RIMS. AN ONCOMING CAR WAS COMING TOO CLOSE TO ME. :30 SECONDS LATER (RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY GATED COMMUNITY), EVERY SINGLE AIR BAG DEPLOYED EXCEPT FRONT AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS. THE CAR IS MOTION :30 AFTER INTERACTION WITH CURB WHEN…
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SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON PASSENGER SIDE TIRES HIT CUBS...NO DIRECT DAMAGE WHAT SO EVER TO CAR JUST RIMS. AN ONCOMING CAR WAS COMING TOO CLOSE TO ME. :30 SECONDS LATER (RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY GATED COMMUNITY), EVERY SINGLE AIR BAG DEPLOYED EXCEPT FRONT AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS. THE CAR IS MOTION :30 AFTER INTERACTION WITH CURB WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT WAS IN A NEIGHBORHOOD IN FRESNO 93711 (FIR STREET)
NHTSA ODI #11060744
Official recalls
17Sep 11, 2026
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Mar 29, 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
Feb 16, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
May 5, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Mar 5, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R1.
Sep 16, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
Jan 31, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrectly manufactured air bag sensor, which can delay or disable air bag deployment when necessary.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, a delayed or disabled airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag crash sensor, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AL.
May 22, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Dec 19, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
Nov 26, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Aug 20, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. During production, the air conditioning system drain tube may have been twisted, causing water to drain into the air bag control module.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The wet air bag control module may result in an unintentional deployment of the air bags, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain tube, and if it is twisted, the drain tube and air bag control module will be replaced, free of charge. Some of the affected vehicles have had their drain tube previously replaced but did not receive a new air bag control module; the airbag control module will be replaced in these vehicles. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87F9.
Aug 15, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
Jun 7, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswaen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The owner's manuals provided with the affected vehicles do not inform the customers about the child restraint size limitation/restrictions for the second row center seating position. As a result, the center and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles on the second row can become damaged it a child seat base is installed that is wider than 12.6 inches.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the center and left outboard seat belt buckles, and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Volkswagen will also provide an owner's manual supplement addressing child safety and child restraints. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X1.
Jun 6, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan vehicles. In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69W8, and 69W9.
Jun 1, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
May 2, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank on these vehicles may leak fuel due to a manufacturing error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AW. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-766.
Nov 29, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank may have been manufactured with insufficient wall thickness, potentially resulting in the tank leaking fuel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AQ.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23017 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Opened Sep 28, 2023 · Closed Dec 18, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Forward Collision Avoidance; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Forward Collision Avoidance
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE21008 · Fuel Injector Leak
Opened Mar 29, 2021 · Closed Oct 3, 2022
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780
Fuel System, Gasoline
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780
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