Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
960–25K
2125–50K
1250–75K
675–100K
3100–150K
1150K+
139 reports with mileage · 335 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 141 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports0 fire reports9 injury reports
What owners actually said
474 reports
8,600 miles · Jun 11, 2020
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, EXITING A PARKING LOT WITH A DOWNWARD SLOPE TOWARDS A STREET, THE CAR'S AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, IMMEDIATELY CAUSING THE VEHICLE STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. NO OTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM PERCEIVES THE ROAD AS AN OBSTACLE. THE UNEXPECTED STOP CAUSE…
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WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, EXITING A PARKING LOT WITH A DOWNWARD SLOPE TOWARDS A STREET, THE CAR'S AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, IMMEDIATELY CAUSING THE VEHICLE STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. NO OTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM PERCEIVES THE ROAD AS AN OBSTACLE. THE UNEXPECTED STOP CAUSED ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO NEARLY REAR-END MY VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THEY AEB SYSTEM DID NOT ALLOW ME TO QUICKLY RESTART ACCELERATION, WHICH LEFT ME TEMPORARILY STRANDED FOR A COUPLE SECOND PERPENDICULAR TO THE STREET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328322
118 miles · Jun 2, 2020
SteeringSuspensionWheels
PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/18/2020. SUV WAS SHAKING AND TOLD THE SELLER. THEY STATED THEY WOULD FIX WHEN THEY DID THE STICKER AND REGISTRATION. ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE SHAKING BY ROAD FORCE BALANCE. WAS TOLD WAS A FLAT SPOT SO THEY REPLACED RIMS AND TIRES WITH A SET OFF ANOTHER TRUCK. STILL SHOOK AND WAS PULLING TO RIGHT. THEY ATTEMPTED F…
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PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/18/2020. SUV WAS SHAKING AND TOLD THE SELLER. THEY STATED THEY WOULD FIX WHEN THEY DID THE STICKER AND REGISTRATION. ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE SHAKING BY ROAD FORCE BALANCE. WAS TOLD WAS A FLAT SPOT SO THEY REPLACED RIMS AND TIRES WITH A SET OFF ANOTHER TRUCK. STILL SHOOK AND WAS PULLING TO RIGHT. THEY ATTEMPTED FIXING THE TIRES AND DID ROAD TEST BALANCING ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE TRUCK STILL SHAKES EXCESSIVELY AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I CONTACTED CORPORATE AND THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID WHAT THEY COULD AND NO LONGER WISH TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS MY WIFE AND TWIN 16 MONTH OLD GIRLS WILL BE IN THE SUV. WE PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN SHAKING SINCE THEN. IT SHAKES AT 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. SO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO BE DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS AT THOSE SPEEDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326995
200 miles · May 18, 2020
Power Train
ROUGH JUMPING SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. VW STATES THEY DO NOT HAVE A FIX AT THIS TIME AND THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE ATLAS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BASED ON HOW THE VEHICLE PERFORMS ON THE ROAD FROM STOP TO GO.
NHTSA ODI #11324999
350 miles · May 18, 2020
EnginePower Train
GRINDING AND SQUEALING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP TO GO AS IT LAST FOR UP TO 5 SECONDS EACH TIME. MANY ATLAS'S HAVE THIS ISSUE BASED ON THE FORUMS AND VW STATES THAT IS NORMAL FOR VEHICLE WHICH IS RIDICULOUS TO HEAR. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THE CONCERN IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324997
1,100 miles · May 12, 2020
Engine
TWICE THIS VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. IN MARCH WHILE ON AN INTERSTATE GOING 70 MPH. AND ONE TIME EXCELLING WHILE LEAVING AN EXIT RAMP. I ROLLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD AND PUT IN PARK. GAVE IT A TEST AND IT THEN RESTARTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324309
28,000 miles · May 9, 2020
Visibility/wiper
WE HAVE RAIN SENSING WIPERS, BUT WE KEEP THE CONTROL IN THE OFF POSITION. UNFORTUNATELY, WHILE DRIVING ON SUNNY DAYS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SPORADICALLY GO OFF. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHERE THEY WILL WIPE JUST ONCE, BUT THEN THERE ARE TIMES WHERE IT JUST GOES OFF FOR MINUTES AT A TIME. IT COULD BE A SMOOTH ROAD OR A BUMPY ROAD. IT…
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WE HAVE RAIN SENSING WIPERS, BUT WE KEEP THE CONTROL IN THE OFF POSITION. UNFORTUNATELY, WHILE DRIVING ON SUNNY DAYS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SPORADICALLY GO OFF. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHERE THEY WILL WIPE JUST ONCE, BUT THEN THERE ARE TIMES WHERE IT JUST GOES OFF FOR MINUTES AT A TIME. IT COULD BE A SMOOTH ROAD OR A BUMPY ROAD. IT COULD BE AT A SHOW SPEED OR HIGH SPEED. DOESN'T MATTER. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT WE HAD THE SENSITIVITY TOO HIGH, BUT IN THE OFF POSITION, THEY SHOULDN'T GO OFF AT ALL. THIS IS A DAILY OCCURRENCE. AS IF THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. PLEASE HELP AS WE NEED THIS FIXED. A NEW VEHICLE SHOULDN'T HAVE AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324000
100 miles · May 8, 2020
Power Train
ONE WEEK AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE DURING THE FOLLOWING SCENARIOS: ACCELERATING FROM LOW SPEED / TAKING OFF FROM A STOP / AFTER VEHICLE TURNED OFF. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE SOUND ON FIRST ATTEMPT. VEHICLE HAS AGAIN BEEN DROPPED OFF AT DEALER AS GRINDIN…
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ONE WEEK AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE DURING THE FOLLOWING SCENARIOS: ACCELERATING FROM LOW SPEED / TAKING OFF FROM A STOP / AFTER VEHICLE TURNED OFF. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE SOUND ON FIRST ATTEMPT. VEHICLE HAS AGAIN BEEN DROPPED OFF AT DEALER AS GRINDING NOISE CONTINUES AND GETS LOUDER AT TIMES. HAVE SEARCHED IN DIFFERENT FORUMS AND SOME STATE THAT IT IS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING PROPERLY PROGRAMMED TO SHIFT FROM 3RD TO 2ND WHEN SLOWING DOWN. INSTEAD IT SKIPS 2ND GEAR (NOT A PROFESSIONAL OPINION AS I AM JUST QUOTING WHAT I'VE READ). SOME HAVE STATED IT COULD BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. STILL NO SOLUTION. YOU HEAR WOSSHING SOUND WHEN YOU START SLOW ACCELERATION FROM ALMOST STOP, NOT COMPLETELY STOP, LIKE 5MPH. IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME. THE ISSUE IS THAT VEHICLE DOES NOT SHIFT TO 2ND GEAR, STAYS IN 3RD WHEN IT'S AROUND 5MPH. THIS LOAD IS CAUSING TORQUE CONVERTER AND PUMP TO WORK HARDER TO GET VEHICLE ROLLING. I BELIEVE IT IS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE SINCE IT ONLY HAPPENS IN 3RD GEAR AROUND 1500 TO 2000 RPMS. FOR ME, I HEAR IT THE MOST WHEN I AM ACCELERATING AFTER COMING TO A 'STOP'. ONCE I HEAR THE NOISE, I FLIP THE CAR INTO MANUAL MODE AND IT IS ALWAYS IN 3RD GEAR. ALTHOUGH YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE ALMOST STOPPED, THE CAR IS STILL IN 3RD GEAR. DO THE SAME 'STOP' WHILE IN MANUAL MODE AND DOWNSHIFT TO 2ND, AND THERE ISN'T A NOISE. MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP TRIED OTHER NEW ATLAS' ON THE LOT AND FOUND SAME ISSUES. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. HONESTLY, MY NOISE SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND LOUDER EACH DAY WHEN MOVING AND UNDER A LOAD AT LOWER RPMS THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A SCREECHING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS GRINDING. HAVE BROUGHT THIS IN TO THE DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT IS 'NORMAL' FOR VW ATLAS VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11323877
2,000 miles · Mar 17, 2020
Engine
HAVE HAD MY 2019 VOLKSWAGEN SEL R LINE 4 MOTION FOR LESS THAN A MONTH WITH ONLY 2,000 MILES ON IT. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD NOT 20 MINUTES LATER ON ROUTE 66 THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON TELLING US IT WAS LOW AND NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. WE PULLED OVER AND THE OVERFLOW TANK WAS EMPTY. WE IMMEDIATELY CALL VOLKSWAGEN OKC AND THE SALES M…
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HAVE HAD MY 2019 VOLKSWAGEN SEL R LINE 4 MOTION FOR LESS THAN A MONTH WITH ONLY 2,000 MILES ON IT. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD NOT 20 MINUTES LATER ON ROUTE 66 THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON TELLING US IT WAS LOW AND NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. WE PULLED OVER AND THE OVERFLOW TANK WAS EMPTY. WE IMMEDIATELY CALL VOLKSWAGEN OKC AND THE SALES MANAGER WAS IN DISBELIEF ALSO. SHE TOLD US TO GET IT TO THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. WE ADDED WATER TO IT AND ONLY WATER SO WE DIDN'T JEOPARDIZE OUR WARRANTY. DIDN'T MAKE IT 5 MINUTES WHEN IT SAID IT WAS LOW AGAIN AND OVER HEATING. WE ADDED MORE WATER AS NEEDED AND GOT IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSING SO THEY GAVE US A LOANER AND TOLD US WE WOULD HEAR FROM THEM FIRST THING MONDAY. WE DIDN'T HEAR FROM THEM ON MONDAY SO I CALLED THEM FIRST THING TUESDAY MORNING. AT THIS TIME THEY INFORMED ME A ROCK OR DEBRIS FROM ROAD FLEW UP AND PUNCTURED A SMALL HOLE IN RADIATOR AND WE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE $1,500 IN DAMAGE BECAUSE ROAD DEBRIS ISN'T COVERED BY WARRANTY. I WAS BESIDE MYSELF! WE JUST BOUGHT A $40,000 CAR AND NOW NOT EVEN A MONTH LATER THEY ARE TELLING ME THIS WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. VOLKSWAGEN OKLAHOMA CITY SEEMED SO NICE AND EAGER TO PLEASE WHEN WE WERE PURCHASING OUR VEHICLE AND THEN THIS HAPPENED. I TOLD THEM MY WORRY WAS HOW THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, EVERY TIME I PULL OUT OF DRIVE WAY I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A ROCK CAUSING $1,500 WORTH OF DAMAGE????? THIS DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT. I FEEL LIKE IT'S A FACTORY DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER TESTIMONIALS ABOUT THEIR ATLAS HAVING COOLANT PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11318529
3,100 miles · Mar 9, 2020
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DEPLOYS WITHOUT CAUSE. SITUATION: DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, NO CARS WITHIN A HALF MILE, GOING 75 WITH ACC AND BREAKS AUTOMATICALLY SLAMMED ON WITH A COLLISION WARNING. SENSOR AND CAR WERE CLEAN, NO CARS OR POSSIBLE IMPACTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES. ADDITIONAL SITUATIONS: ACC TURNS OFF BOTH ON INTERSTA…
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AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DEPLOYS WITHOUT CAUSE. SITUATION: DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, NO CARS WITHIN A HALF MILE, GOING 75 WITH ACC AND BREAKS AUTOMATICALLY SLAMMED ON WITH A COLLISION WARNING. SENSOR AND CAR WERE CLEAN, NO CARS OR POSSIBLE IMPACTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES. ADDITIONAL SITUATIONS: ACC TURNS OFF BOTH ON INTERSTATE AND ON LONG HIGHWAY BRIDGE. SITUATIONS WERE DIFFERENT, BOTH DAY AND NIGHT TIME/ WITH OTHER CARS AND WITHOUT. ALL SITUATIONS HAD NO POSSIBLE CHANCE OF IMPACT. ACC WILL TURN OFF WHILE CAR IS GOING IN 50-70 MPH RANGE AND SUDDENLY BREAK, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DEALERSHIP RESPONDED "NOTHING IS PERFECT" THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ROUGHLY 7 TIMES, WITH NO ADVICE FROM THE DEALER OTHER THAN TO "SEE IF I CAN JUST TURN THE ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS OFF." THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO SEE MY CAR IMMEDIATELY WHEN I TOOK IT IN AFTER THE BRAKING INCIDENT TODAY AND HAVE SCHEDULED ME FOR A LATER DATE.
NHTSA ODI #11317062
3,000 miles · Feb 16, 2020
Air BagsSuspensionWheels
STRUCK A LARGE POTHOLE WITH DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING 15MPH ON A ROUNDABOUT WHICH APPARENTLY CAUSED THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. NO BODY DAMAGE AND NO APPEARANCE OF SUSPENSION DAMAGE. TIRE AND WHEEL REMAINED INTACT, DROVE STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR CLOSER LOOK/EXPLANATION AS TO WHY ALL SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side impact air bag may be missing a weld at the side air bag housing.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The driver's side impact air bag could deploy improperly or detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side impact air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FK.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The suction jet in the fuel tank may have been welded in the incorrect position allowing fuel to leak. Additionally, the vehicle may stall due to uneven fuel distribution.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BU.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
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.
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.
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
3
EA24004 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Opened Dec 18, 2024 · No close date supplied
Status: open (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 226 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 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 stated that 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. To date, ODI has received a total of 44 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 187 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include four reports on injury incidents and one report involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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 226 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 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 stated that 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. To date, ODI has received a total of 44 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 187 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include four reports on injury incidents and one report involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening 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 226 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 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 stated that 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. To date, ODI has received a total of 44 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 187 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include four reports on injury incidents and one report involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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.
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.
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
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
2019 Volkswagen Atlas Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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