Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 8 of 169 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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.
Electrical System. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports2 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
169 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2025
Engine
I was sitting in park and the car started shaking and then completely shut down. When I was able to turn the engine back on there was a message that popped up that said Error Drive System: please service vehicle. There was a lit up part of the engine in the message. It took 3 weeks to get into the dealership. They said they coul…
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I was sitting in park and the car started shaking and then completely shut down. When I was able to turn the engine back on there was a message that popped up that said Error Drive System: please service vehicle. There was a lit up part of the engine in the message. It took 3 weeks to get into the dealership. They said they could find something wrong or an error code. Something is not right with this car.
NHTSA ODI #11636072
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2025
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceVehicle Speed Control
We were driving down the interstate with cruise control on. There were no other cars around us thank goodness but the car slammed on the brakes with no warning. If someone had been behind us we would have been rear ended and possibly hurt.
NHTSA ODI #11636057
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2025
Power Train
Error: Transmission displayed on monitor and vehicle will not go into drive. Stranded with 3 little kids and need to call tow truck to take vehicle into dealership. It says you can continue driving but can’t get vehicle out of park. After researching this online it sounds like it is a common problem and could be related to the g…
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Error: Transmission displayed on monitor and vehicle will not go into drive. Stranded with 3 little kids and need to call tow truck to take vehicle into dealership. It says you can continue driving but can’t get vehicle out of park. After researching this online it sounds like it is a common problem and could be related to the gear selector switch. I hear no electrical motors or any noise when trying to put it into gear like there is no power going to gear selector motor. Dead in the water and absolutely irritated especially with a car full of toddlers.
NHTSA ODI #11634199
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2025
Unknown Or Other
I have had 4 chips in my windshield with under 7,000 miles on normal routes I have driven for years with no other vehicles having a single chip. The VW atlas forum I’m on also has several people.
NHTSA ODI #11634113
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2025
Service Brakes
Bought a new 2024 VW Atlas Se with 4 miles on it. Around 6700 miles my brakes grinds and squeaks whenever I brake when the pads are cold. Took it to the VW dealership in Capitol Heights, MD. They claimed they cleaned the brakes but the same problem is occurring. From researching the problem it seems many people are having th…
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Bought a new 2024 VW Atlas Se with 4 miles on it. Around 6700 miles my brakes grinds and squeaks whenever I brake when the pads are cold. Took it to the VW dealership in Capitol Heights, MD. They claimed they cleaned the brakes but the same problem is occurring. From researching the problem it seems many people are having this same problem. VW should be aware of the issues.
NHTSA ODI #11634041
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2025
Unknown Or Other
The windshield seems to be made of poor quality. Drives city roads , and the same roads and conditions that i drive my other teo cars but tgis 2024Atlas chipped in tow times alrrady in amonth and this time had a 7-8 icnh crack with a very small chip. This looks unusual mostly caused by low stabdard windshield or issue with how i…
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The windshield seems to be made of poor quality. Drives city roads , and the same roads and conditions that i drive my other teo cars but tgis 2024Atlas chipped in tow times alrrady in amonth and this time had a 7-8 icnh crack with a very small chip. This looks unusual mostly caused by low stabdard windshield or issue with how it’s installed.
NHTSA ODI #11634006
Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2024
Service Brakes
WHEN BRAKING THERE IS A GRINDING/SCREECHING NOISE Upon inspection found front brake pads to be down to metal damaging rotor i was informed by a mechanic that the issue with the brakes is not normal wear and tear that it is a factory defect coz they are not wearing out equally the right side is worst than the left that in the ri…
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WHEN BRAKING THERE IS A GRINDING/SCREECHING NOISE Upon inspection found front brake pads to be down to metal damaging rotor i was informed by a mechanic that the issue with the brakes is not normal wear and tear that it is a factory defect coz they are not wearing out equally the right side is worst than the left that in the right side theres no brakes anymore deañer says i have to pay for it i dont understand why if my truck is new and it is not a normal wear and tear
NHTSA ODI #11632463
Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2024
Electrical System
I have a 2024 Volkswagon Atlas and right now my screen is completely not working. Everything is functional through the screen for controls as well. I can't even control the thermostat. This has become a safety issue as my windows are icy in the morning and I cant turn the defroster on. The service department at the dealership wo…
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I have a 2024 Volkswagon Atlas and right now my screen is completely not working. Everything is functional through the screen for controls as well. I can't even control the thermostat. This has become a safety issue as my windows are icy in the morning and I cant turn the defroster on. The service department at the dealership won't look at the car because they said it is a known issue and Volkswagon is doing a system update. I was told to hold the power button down for 10 seconds to reset the screen but even that is not working at all. Warning lights come up constantly as well.
NHTSA ODI #11631646
Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2024
Service Brakes
Horrific screeching sound while braking. Braking when going down slight hill grinds and drags when braking. Brake sound occurs after car stops in addition to the grinding screeching sound during braking. Took vehicle in to VW and they report brake pads are 8mm and no issues found but stated there is a defect in the composite of…
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Horrific screeching sound while braking. Braking when going down slight hill grinds and drags when braking. Brake sound occurs after car stops in addition to the grinding screeching sound during braking. Took vehicle in to VW and they report brake pads are 8mm and no issues found but stated there is a defect in the composite of this models brakes and will notify once they get more information. This is absolutely unacceptable and unsafe. Why should I be driving a brand new car with these sounds?? The embarrassing sound and lack of braking is a severe concern.
NHTSA ODI #11631437
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2024
Electrical System
The display which provides all vehicle information as well as guidance malfunctions (pixelates). Volkswagen acknowledges a faulty display chip is the cause. The dealer has updated software and even replaced the display with no success. I notified the dealer about the replaced display and he advised the VW has stopped the disp…
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The display which provides all vehicle information as well as guidance malfunctions (pixelates). Volkswagen acknowledges a faulty display chip is the cause. The dealer has updated software and even replaced the display with no success. I notified the dealer about the replaced display and he advised the VW has stopped the display replacement process. This means that potentially all 2024 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles are suspect. Without vehicle data accessible and no navigation available this distraction has created a hazard for driving on at least 2 occasions.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions. As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display as intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 28, 2026.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
Consequence: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Service Brakes
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
Consequence: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Additionally, vehicles that were added to the population on November 21, 2024, their letters were mailed on December 2, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen Customer Relations at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 471F.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. 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 with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA 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. In addition, engine failure may cause an oil leak which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 13i6.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year