NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
462 reports3,500 miles · Oct 19, 2018
SeatsInjury
WE HAVE A FRONT FACING CHILDSEAT INSTALLED IN THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER CAPTAIN SEAT AND A REAR FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE THIRD ROW. THIS CONFIGURATION IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE INFANT SEAT HAS A BRACING BAR THAT IS DIFFICULT TO RAISE AND LOWER PROHIBITING THE CHAIR FROM ANGLING FORWARD FOR CLIMBING IN AND OUT O…
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WE HAVE A FRONT FACING CHILDSEAT INSTALLED IN THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER CAPTAIN SEAT AND A REAR FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE THIRD ROW. THIS CONFIGURATION IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE INFANT SEAT HAS A BRACING BAR THAT IS DIFFICULT TO RAISE AND LOWER PROHIBITING THE CHAIR FROM ANGLING FORWARD FOR CLIMBING IN AND OUT OF THE THIRD ROW. HOWEVER, WE HAVE LEARNED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WITHIN THE FIRST MOMENTS OF DRIVING/ACCELERATING, THAT THE 2ND ROW CAR SEAT MAY SPRING FORWARD FORCEABLY, SMASHING THE FACE AND BODY OF OUR RESTRAINED 4 YR OLD CHILD INTO THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE SEAT IS TOO HEAVY AND LOCKS IN THE FORWARD POSITION, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO PUSH BACK, TRAPPING THE CHILD UNTIL AN ADULT IS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND PULL THE SEAT BACK FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE SEAT INITIALLY APPEARS TO BE LOCKED IN THE CORRECT PLACE, OR IS AT LEAST STABLE ENOUGH FOR THE CHILD TO CLIMB INTO HER SEAT, BUCKLE IN, AND THE TRIP TO BEGIN. AT SOME POINT THEREAFTER THE SEAT PROPELS FORWARD. WE ARE UNCLEAR WHETHER THE LATCH FAILS OR IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY ENGAGED. THE INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY SCARY, AND HAS RESULTED IN A BLOODY LIP, AND ABRASIONS AND CONTUSIONS TO OUR CHILD'S FACE. IN THESE SITUATIONS, UNTIL WE ARE ABLE TO SAFELY RESPOND, WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO SEE OUR CHILD'S TERRIFIED EYES AND HEAR HER CRYING. WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR OTHER HEAD AND NECK INJURIES AS THE SEAT ROCKETS FORWARD EXTREMELY FAST AND WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE. WE ARE UNSURE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE EVENT WE SWITCHED HER SPOT WITH AN INFANT SEAT INSTEAD.
NHTSA ODI #11141524
135 miles · Oct 15, 2018
SteeringUnknown Or Other
NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION AT TAKE OFF; PASSENGER DRIVER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR WEATHERING SEAL COMING OFF; NOISE COMING FROM STEERING WHEN TURNING SOUNDS LIKE UPPER SUSPENSION MOUNT FAULTY.
NHTSA ODI #11140524
950 miles · Oct 7, 2018
Seats
WE PURCHASED OUR VW ATLAS ON AUGUST 24, 2018. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THE SECOND ROW SEAT HAS HINGED FORWARD WHILE OCCUPIED BY OUR SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN HER CAR SEAT WITH THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. IN BOTH CASES IT HAS BEEN THE SECOND ROW SEAT ON THE RIGHT. IN BOTH INSTANCES, OUR DAUGHTER WAS THROWN …
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WE PURCHASED OUR VW ATLAS ON AUGUST 24, 2018. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THE SECOND ROW SEAT HAS HINGED FORWARD WHILE OCCUPIED BY OUR SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN HER CAR SEAT WITH THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. IN BOTH CASES IT HAS BEEN THE SECOND ROW SEAT ON THE RIGHT. IN BOTH INSTANCES, OUR DAUGHTER WAS THROWN FORWARD INTO THE BACK OF THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING DOWN HILL AT A SLOW SPEED TOWARD A STOP SIGN. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN MOVING FASTER AND COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT SEVERE INJURY AND POSSIBLE DEATH COULD HAVE OCCURRED INSTANTLY TO HER. WE FEEL THAT THE POP UP INDICATOR LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE SEAT IS AN INADEQUATE MEANS TO INFORM THE DRIVER THAT THE SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO THE FLOOR. WE MISSED THIS VERY IMPORTANT INDICATOR ON TWO OCCASIONS NOW. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR AND WENT THROUGH ALL NOTIFICATIONS ON THE CAR WITH THE SALESPERSON, THIS WAS NOT BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION. AT MINIMUM, THIS VERY TECHNICAL VEHICLE SHOULD ALERT THE DRIVER BEFORE DRIVING (SIMILAR TO THE SEATBELT NOTIFICATION) WITH BOTH AN ORAL AND VISUAL ALERT THAT THE SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS OR USERS OF THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR OUR DAUGHTER WHO IS TRAPPED AGAINST THE PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE DRIVER CAN STOP THE CAR AND MOVE THE SEAT BACK. SHE NO LONGER WANTS TO SIT IN THAT SEAT. THIS CERTAINLY SEEMS LIKE A POSSIBLY LIFE-THREATENING ISSUE TO VALIDATE A SAFETY RECALL. WE HOPE THAT ACTION IS TAKEN TO KEEP ALL PASSENGERS SAFE.
NHTSA ODI #11138872
250 miles · Sep 24, 2018
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
THE MOST CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE IS THE MALFUNCTIONING AUTO START/STOP SYSTEM. ON FOUR OCCASIONS, IT HAS SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, IT SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE STOPPING TO PAY THE PARKING ATTENDANT BUT FAILED TO RESTART THE VEH…
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THE MOST CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE IS THE MALFUNCTIONING AUTO START/STOP SYSTEM. ON FOUR OCCASIONS, IT HAS SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, IT SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE STOPPING TO PAY THE PARKING ATTENDANT BUT FAILED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND MANUALLY RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO HAD MULTIPLE EXPERIENCES WHEN I HAVE TURNED OFF THE AUTO START/START WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE ONLY TO HAVE IT REACTIVATE ITSELF AND SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN I STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. OTHER ISSUES INVOLVE THE "INFOTAINMENT" SYSTEM AND CLIMATE CONTROL ELECTRONICS. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE RADIO HAS TURNED ITSELF ON AFTER I HAVE TURNED IT OFF. AS FOR THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM, IT PERIODICALLY DEACTIVATES THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CLIMATE CONTROL AND SHUTS OFF AIRFLOW TO THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND I HAVE TO MANUALLY RESET THE SYSTEM THROUGH THE BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. THESE EXPERIENCES INDICATE THE VEHICLE ELECTRONIC AND SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ARE UNSTABLE AND THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE ISSUES, AS THEY HAVE RECURRED AFTER THE DEALER CLAIMED TO FIX THE ISSUES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IN THIS MALFUNCTIONING VEHICLE. THE DATE BELOW IS THE MOST RECENT EVENT INVOLVING THE AUTO START/STOP SYSTEM. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN MID-FEBRUARY 2018, APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11130932
14,128 miles · Sep 14, 2018
Engine
2ND ATTEMPT AT REPAIRING OIL LEAK OCCURRING FROM ENGINE BAY LOCATED AROUND OIL FILTER HOUSING ON LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE. WAS NOT PROPERLY TORQUED FROM FACTORY ON FIRST OCCURRENCE HOUSING COULD BE TURNED WITH A WRENCH. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE TOOK 2 MONTH AFTER OIL CHANGE TO SHOW SAME SYMPTOMS. THIS OCCURS UNDER ALL CONDITIONS AND VEH…
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2ND ATTEMPT AT REPAIRING OIL LEAK OCCURRING FROM ENGINE BAY LOCATED AROUND OIL FILTER HOUSING ON LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE. WAS NOT PROPERLY TORQUED FROM FACTORY ON FIRST OCCURRENCE HOUSING COULD BE TURNED WITH A WRENCH. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE TOOK 2 MONTH AFTER OIL CHANGE TO SHOW SAME SYMPTOMS. THIS OCCURS UNDER ALL CONDITIONS AND VEHICLE RARELY SEES DIRT ROADS.
NHTSA ODI #11129484
1,000 miles · Sep 6, 2018
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TWO MONTHS AND IT HAS NOW BEEN IN SERVICE TWICE. AS OF TODAY THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS. THE AUTONOMOUS BREAK SYSTEM IS WAY TOO SENSITIVE AND THE CAR STOPS GOING DOWN STEEP INCLINES OR GOING OVER POT HOLES WHILE IN MOTION. THE CAR HAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AT LEAST 7 TIMES. I TAKE IT TO SER…
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I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TWO MONTHS AND IT HAS NOW BEEN IN SERVICE TWICE. AS OF TODAY THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS. THE AUTONOMOUS BREAK SYSTEM IS WAY TOO SENSITIVE AND THE CAR STOPS GOING DOWN STEEP INCLINES OR GOING OVER POT HOLES WHILE IN MOTION. THE CAR HAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AT LEAST 7 TIMES. I TAKE IT TO SERVICE, THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECORD IN THE CARS COMPUTER OF THE INCIDENT. THE FRONT SENSORS ARE ALWAYS BEEPING. I PULL UP TO A STOP SIGN, THE SENSORS GO OFF. I DO A U-TURN AND THE SENSORS GO OFF. SOME DAYS WAY TOO EXCESSIVELY, SOME DAYS NOT AT ALL. IT SCARES ME TO DEATH AND I SLAM ON MY BRAKES BECAUSE I AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO HIT SOMETHING. I TAKE IT TO SERVICE, THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECORD OF IT IN THE CARS COMPUTER. FRONT END COLLISION ALERT, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD AND THE FRONT END COLLISION ALERT WENT OFF. I OF COURSE SLAM ON THE BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH NO TRAFFIC, THANK GOD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. I TAKE IT TO SERVICE, THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECORD IN THE CARS COMPUTER OF IT. SERVICE HAS BEEN ABLE TO RECREATE THE ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SENSORS, BUT SAYS THERE IS NO FIX. THE CUSTOMER CARE REP FOR VW STATED TODAY ON THE PHONE THAT THEY RECOGNIZE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SENSITIVITY OF THE AUTONOMOUS BREAKING BUT HAS NO FIX FOR IT SO I WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. I LIVE IN HOUSTON, I WILL DIE IF I HIT A POT HOLE AND STOP. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE AND A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. I AM READING ALL OVER THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH THE AUTONOMOUS BRAKING PROBLEMS. IT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE. I WAS ABLE TO VIDEO THE ISSUE WITH THE SENSORS AND VW HAS THE VIDEO AND RECOGNIZES A PROBLEM BUT STATES THAT'S JUST THE WAY THE CAR IS GOING TO WORK. STATES THEY SEE THE ISSUE THERE TOO, BUT THERE IS NO FIX.
NHTSA ODI #11127895
1,100 miles · Sep 3, 2018
Engine
AUTO STOP SENSOR MY ATLAS JUST HAVE 1000 MILES AND IT HAS STARTED WITH PROBLEMS
NHTSA ODI #11124188
6,000 miles · Aug 27, 2018
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
WHEN DESCENDING AN INCLINE AT SLOW SPEED TO TURN ONTO A ROADWAY THE SENSOR PERCEIVES THE ROAD AS AN OBSTACLE WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO AUTO-STOP PARTIALLY IN THE ROAD. I THEN HAVE TO DISENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND BEGIN AGAIN. THIS IS TOTALLY UNSAFE. IT HAS HAPPENED 10 TIMES WHEN LEAVING MY OWN DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11122872
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2018
Unknown Or Other
FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE 'LANE ASSIST' FEATURE MISINTERPRETS FREEWAY ON RAMPS AND OLD TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION LINES AND VEERS THA CAR AWAY. THIS DRAMATIC SUDDEN TURNING CAN SWERVE THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER LANE, OFF THE ROAD OR INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT HAPPENS NEARLY EVERY DAY DURING NORMAL DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11122388
7,500 miles · Aug 24, 2018
Service Brakes
THE AUTONOMOUS BREAKING SYSTEM AND PEDIATRIAN WARNING SENSORS ARE MALFUNCTIONING MAKING MY CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE IT'S PURCHASE IN JANUARY 2018, THE BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP AT LEAST 10 TIMES UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. I CAN RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM WHEN I AM MOVING SLOWLY ON AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. IN ADDITION, AS I …
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THE AUTONOMOUS BREAKING SYSTEM AND PEDIATRIAN WARNING SENSORS ARE MALFUNCTIONING MAKING MY CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE IT'S PURCHASE IN JANUARY 2018, THE BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP AT LEAST 10 TIMES UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. I CAN RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM WHEN I AM MOVING SLOWLY ON AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. IN ADDITION, AS I SLOW DOWN TO APPROACH A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, THE ALARMS GO OFF SUGGESTING THAT THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE ROADWAY AT LEAST HALF OF THE TIME. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY LOCAL VW SERVICE STATION THAT THERE ARE NO ERRORS BEING RECORDED BY THE CAR'S SYSTEM THAT CAN BE CORRECTED AND AT THIS TIME ALL ATLAS CARS THAT THEY HAVE TESTED ON THE LOT ARE HAVING DOING THE SAME THING. THEY WERE ABLE TO RECREATE THE AUTO-BRAKING ON A HILL ON THEIR LOT, BUT HAVE NO WAY TO STOP IT FROM HAPPENING. ON SATURDAY, 8/18/2019 WHILE I WAS SLOWLY PULLING OUT OF A LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER, MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN DOWN AN INCLINE THE CAR BRAKES LOCKED UP AFTER I ENTERED THE ACTIVE ROADWAY- AS A RESULT I WAS NEARLY T-BONED BY A CAR THAT HAD JUST MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN ONTO THE SAME ROADWAY. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, THAT DRIVER WAS MOVING SLOW ENOUGHT TO STOP. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED VW CAR NET, I WAS CONNECTED TO MY DEALER, AND THEY TOOK THE CAR IN FOR INSPECTION. AS I MENTIONED ABOVE, AFTER 5 DAYS THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE INITIATED A COMPLAINT WITH VW OF AMERICA AND AM WRITING TO TELL YOU THAT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CAR THAT WILL STOP ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROAD WAY. I DO NOT WANT MY FAMILY TO BE THE VICTIMS OF A PREVENTABLE ACCIDENT AND WANT THIS PROBLEM FIXED BEFORE THERE IS A CATASTROPHE FOR ME OR ANOTHER ATLAS OWNER. PLEASE ME KNOW HAVE OTHER INFORMATION I CAN GIVE YOU SO THAT YOU CAN PROPERLY INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11122194
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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