NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
50 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 8, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System
On the week of 10/13/2025, I had an oil sensor alert appear after a recent oil change. I took the vehicle in on 10/30/2025 for a diagnostic check and was told the oil separator sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. After the service was completed, the total was $906.42 of which I paid $580.99 out of pocket post my exte…
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On the week of 10/13/2025, I had an oil sensor alert appear after a recent oil change. I took the vehicle in on 10/30/2025 for a diagnostic check and was told the oil separator sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. After the service was completed, the total was $906.42 of which I paid $580.99 out of pocket post my extended warranty claim payment. I received a recall notice in November 2025 for Emissions Service Action 10LP - Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve / Oil Separator. The same issue I just paid for in October 2025.I had an unsuccessful attempt dealing with Jim Ellis Volkswagon in Kennesaw to try and retrieve a refund directly from them. I subsequently completed and emailed the reimbursement form to Volkswagon on 1/2/2026. I have not received any communication to them in regards to my reimbursement claim.
NHTSA ODI #11722862
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2026
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
Dangerous car cyput off in full engagement. Brakes grinding squealing an unfamiliar sounds. The engine has major rust in air intake valves the epc code shut car down in full engagement and you can not restart unless u put extra gas in. TE car was replaced with new seats new body new rugs an the color has been repainted. The scre…
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Dangerous car cyput off in full engagement. Brakes grinding squealing an unfamiliar sounds. The engine has major rust in air intake valves the epc code shut car down in full engagement and you can not restart unless u put extra gas in. TE car was replaced with new seats new body new rugs an the color has been repainted. The screws in bolts are not lined up an junkyard parts under carriage of car. Unfortunately I didn't see all this when I fiancee it in May a machine showed me this an I bought a used lemon from Tampa Enterprise car sales in May 2025.645 a month in payment to ally banks. Car in shop more then on road anit has never ever been serviced as it was told to me as a pre certified car.they lied to me an restore almost everything in this car the dealership even questioned me about color coating comestic missing ve design on plated door. I need help
NHTSA ODI #11715678
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherFire
Driving my car only a few minutes and it caught fire and blew up. Car was completely engulfed in flames. Son was barely able to get out before engine burst into flames.
NHTSA ODI #11714592
Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
The vehicle has experienced multiple serious safety failures involving the steering, electrical system, and powertrain. Most recently, while driving, the steering wheel locked unexpectedly, causing a temporary loss of control. Multiple dashboard warning lights began flashing, and the EPC light turned on and off repeatedly. I had…
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The vehicle has experienced multiple serious safety failures involving the steering, electrical system, and powertrain. Most recently, while driving, the steering wheel locked unexpectedly, causing a temporary loss of control. Multiple dashboard warning lights began flashing, and the EPC light turned on and off repeatedly. I had to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and restart the engine to regain control. The camshaft/camshaft position sensor and steering system appear to be malfunctioning, and the issues have recurred multiple times. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer for inspection and repairs several times, but the failures continue. These problems have created a serious safety risk, as loss of steering and erratic electrical behavior can lead to accidents, putting myself, passengers, and others on the road at risk. Warning lamps first appeared intermittently after prior repairs, but the steering wheel lock incident is the most severe event to date.
NHTSA ODI #11701497
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2025
Engine
On November 13, 2025, the vehicle, a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (EA888 Gen 3 engine), experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway at 71,602 miles. What Happened A loud bang was heard, followed immediately by heavy smoke billowing from the engine bay and profuse oil expulsion onto the engine, exhaust,…
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On November 13, 2025, the vehicle, a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (EA888 Gen 3 engine), experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway at 71,602 miles. What Happened A loud bang was heard, followed immediately by heavy smoke billowing from the engine bay and profuse oil expulsion onto the engine, exhaust, and roadway. The failure caused the vehicle to lose all motive power, requiring an immediate, dangerous emergency stop on the freeway, placing the occupants and other motorists at risk. Component Failure and Safety Risk The root cause of the incident is the premature failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve / Oil Separator. This component is defective and subject to Volkswagen's Service Campaign 10LP. The PCV failure created excessive crankcase pressure, which physically blew the dipstick tube clear out of the engine block, demonstrating the catastrophic nature of the pressure spike. This failure forced hot engine oil out of the system. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of engine oil created a high risk of engine seizure and fire due to hot oil spraying onto the exhaust system. This condition resulted in the vehicle being disabled on a high-speed freeway, posing an immediate danger. Confirmation: The vehicle is currently held at an authorized VW service center. The technician's notes confirm the physical result of the pressure failure: ruptured seals (Upper Timing Cover and Cambridge seals) that were forced to leak due to the internal over-pressurization. Manufacturer Awareness: The manufacturer (VWoA) is aware of this specific incident under Case #07146593.
NHTSA ODI #11700365
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2025
Engine
The oil light often comes on due to low oil inbetween oil changes. This has happened ever since the car was new. I always stop at a local auto parts store and add more oil, but there are no noticeable oil leaks. This is a dangerous issue as it could cause overheating especially if not near a auto parts store. I also always carry…
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The oil light often comes on due to low oil inbetween oil changes. This has happened ever since the car was new. I always stop at a local auto parts store and add more oil, but there are no noticeable oil leaks. This is a dangerous issue as it could cause overheating especially if not near a auto parts store. I also always carry extra oil in the back of my vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11694706
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2025
Engine
Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (VIN: [XXX] ), current mileage: . Failure: The engine water pump / integrated thermostat housing failed due to a coolant leak. I first noticed coolant odor and dried pink/white residue around the pump area on //. Coolant level dropped between services and I observed active seepage. Dealer diag…
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Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (VIN: [XXX] ), current mileage: . Failure: The engine water pump / integrated thermostat housing failed due to a coolant leak. I first noticed coolant odor and dried pink/white residue around the pump area on //. Coolant level dropped between services and I observed active seepage. Dealer diagnosis on // confirmed failed water pump/thermostat module and recommended replacement. Frequency/Progression: Began as a slow weep that progressed to an active leak. Coolant requires top-offs; leak is visible after parking. Safety risk: Sudden coolant loss can cause engine overheating and potential stalling while driving, creating a crash hazard and risk of engine damage. Context: This appears to be the same EA888 2.0T water-pump/thermostat leak pattern documented across VW/Audi vehicles; VW previously extended coverage to 8 yrs/80k miles for many 2014–2021 models in a settlement, but 2022 Atlas is not listed—leaving similar failures unaddressed. (Request ODI review for potential broader coverage.) Attachments/Proof: Photos of residue and leak, dealer repair order/estimate for pump module, service history, and receipts (upload available). Ask: Please record this as a safety-related cooling-system defect and consider investigation given recurrence on EA888 vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11694691
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
Brakes are squealing and grinding noises when i break. This noises are present no matter the speed. VW Dealership from Kearny Mesa VW, San Diego, California USA. Engine: Start/Stop does shutdown during driving after the autostop system. Electric: Sensors is causing false alerts. I deactivated the system, because the system is co…
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Brakes are squealing and grinding noises when i break. This noises are present no matter the speed. VW Dealership from Kearny Mesa VW, San Diego, California USA. Engine: Start/Stop does shutdown during driving after the autostop system. Electric: Sensors is causing false alerts. I deactivated the system, because the system is constantly detecting alerts for no real threats,
NHTSA ODI #11685519
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
Vehicle stalls at low speeds or at a stop while ldling. Requires car be put in park to restart. Dealerships unable duplicate. Issue is occurring with greater frequency. Causing an unsafe condition driving in traffic.
NHTSA ODI #11683847
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
ENGINE RANDOMLY STOPS WHILE DRIVING, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, WARNING SAYS TO MANUALLY RESTART ENGINE. HAPPENS WITH AUTO START/STOP ON OR OFF. LASTEST INCIDENT, WHILE ENTERING AN INTERSECTION TURNING LEFT, ENGINE STOPPED, SAID TO MANUALLY RESTART, STEERING LOCKED UP SO COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT WAS…
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ENGINE RANDOMLY STOPS WHILE DRIVING, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, WARNING SAYS TO MANUALLY RESTART ENGINE. HAPPENS WITH AUTO START/STOP ON OR OFF. LASTEST INCIDENT, WHILE ENTERING AN INTERSECTION TURNING LEFT, ENGINE STOPPED, SAID TO MANUALLY RESTART, STEERING LOCKED UP SO COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT WAS VERY DANGEROUS PUT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A LOT OF TRAFFIC, IN AN INTERSECTION. CAR IS BASICALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS POINT. HAD IT TOWED.
NHTSA ODI #11679519
Official recalls
7Jun 20, 2024
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 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 September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Oct 26, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
Oct 7, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Aug 31, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The trailer hitch bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loose bolts may fall out, causing the remaining bolts to break, which could lead to separation of the trailer hitch and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N8.
Jul 20, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Apr 13, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
Mar 28, 2022
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗