When you move from reverse to drive in short spurts to park the car, the vehicle's emergency brake system turns on when nothing is in the way and causes car to lock up - beep loudly and vibrate. This is very disruptive when you try to park and scary as the car is over-reacting.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Atlas years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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.
What owners actually said
169 reportsthe backup camera has had a flicker/black screen issue since the car was purchased. after recall 24V480000 was applied to the vehicle, the flickering, black screen and no image issues persisted with the backup camera. dealership says software is up to date and this site shows the recall was applied to the vehicle.
The brakes on the vehicle are spongy and have to be depressed much more than normal for it to be applied. There is a brake system recall by VW but my vehicle is not part of the recall list. However I am experiencing the same symptoms as what's listed in the recall reasons.
I am writing to formally report repeated and serious defects with my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, VIN [XXX] , which I leased in California. These defects occurred well within the vehicle’s first year and while under factory warranty. Brake System Defect At 8,405 miles, the vehicle received its 10,000-mile maintenance. At 9,340 mile…
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I am writing to formally report repeated and serious defects with my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, VIN [XXX] , which I leased in California. These defects occurred well within the vehicle’s first year and while under factory warranty. Brake System Defect At 8,405 miles, the vehicle received its 10,000-mile maintenance. At 9,340 miles, brake pads measured 10 mm front / 8 mm rear, reflecting nearly new condition. By 13,175 miles, the pads had separated from their backing plates, causing scoring of the front rotors. Told they crumbled by the dealership. Dealer performed a “one-time goodwill repair” on the 1-year in-service date, replacing pads and rotors, but refused to document the failure as a warranty-covered defect. This premature failure at 13k miles is not normal wear and reflects a serious manufacturing/material defect that created a safety hazard. Engine and Oil Issues At 13,175 miles, the oil light came on and the vehicle was found to be low on oil despite proper service at 8,405 miles. At 8,405 miles the oil light also came on showing low to no oil. Intermittent Warning and Electrical Issues Throughout this period, the vehicle has experienced recurring warning messages and system malfunctions, including: “Error: Dynamic Road Sign Display” “Lane Assist Not Available” “Front Assist Has Limited Availability” TPMS issues, where displayed tire pressure did not match actual pressure, and the light remained on for days despite correct tire pressures being confirmed. Additional Warranty Repairs At 9,943 miles, the radio required a software repair under warranty. Paint defect required repair under warranty. Summary: In less than 14,000 miles, this vehicle has experienced: Critical brake system failure (pads separating, rotor damage). Engine oil loss triggering warning light. Multiple electrical and safety system errors affecting driver-assist features. Radio malfunction requiring repair. Paint defect requiring repair. I have more pics & orders INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
The rear light bar/tail light assembly fills with water and causing turn signals and light bar to intermittently not work. This occurred the first time that the vehicle was left out in the rain at approximately 65k. It is always parked covered and I do not drive in the rain. Many other Atlas have this issue much sooner if they a…
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The rear light bar/tail light assembly fills with water and causing turn signals and light bar to intermittently not work. This occurred the first time that the vehicle was left out in the rain at approximately 65k. It is always parked covered and I do not drive in the rain. Many other Atlas have this issue much sooner if they are left in the inclement weather.
Vehicle was first sohwn to have low coolant and improper temps in the engine compartment, found to have multiple issues by independent car care facility regarding the coolant system and engine temperature. This also caused issues with rpms at idle and while parked. Car was taken to dealership for repair. Replacements under warra…
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Vehicle was first sohwn to have low coolant and improper temps in the engine compartment, found to have multiple issues by independent car care facility regarding the coolant system and engine temperature. This also caused issues with rpms at idle and while parked. Car was taken to dealership for repair. Replacements under warranty made including thermostat, coolant pump, vacuum pump, toothed belt cover, and pressure pipe, etc. 1,000 miles later, issues continued, with the dealership having to perform a second fix including fixing the intake runner control valve. The car still behaved irregularly though assured that dealership performed full inspection. Now, third set of problems have arisen with the vehicle, with significantly low coolant after only 5 months post-repair and multiple spraying stains from oxidized coolant inside engine compartment. Vehicle still fluctuates in rpms at irregular times and has issues changing gears. Family members and children occupy this vehicle at regular times during the week, and having coolant issues, rpm spiking, idle lurching, and malfunctioning engine systems can lead to catastrophic failure of the entire vehicle while in transit, putting family life at serious risk of harm, injury, or death.
I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety-related defects with my Volkswagen vehicle that remain unresolved despite multiple attempts through the manufacturer and an authorized dealership. The vehicle has experienced recurring and unpredictable issues including warning lights activating without explanation, sensor…
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I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety-related defects with my Volkswagen vehicle that remain unresolved despite multiple attempts through the manufacturer and an authorized dealership. The vehicle has experienced recurring and unpredictable issues including warning lights activating without explanation, sensor malfunctions, abnormal and recurring brake noises, and the infotainment/vehicle information system intermittently failing to power on or experiencing complete blackouts during operation. These issues occur during normal driving and present potential safety concerns by distracting the driver, limiting access to vehicle information, and raising concerns regarding braking reliability and electrical system stability. I previously filed a formal complaint directly with Volkswagen regarding these defects and have received no meaningful response, resolution, or follow-up. I also brought the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for inspection. Despite review, no permanent repair was completed and the same defects continue to occur. I was not provided a clear explanation, corrective action, or assurance that the vehicle is safe for continued operation. I have documentation showing that these issues are not isolated to my vehicle. Identical brake noises and infotainment system blackouts have been widely reported by other Volkswagen owners across social media platforms and Reddit community groups, suggesting a broader or systemic defect. In addition, I personally possess videos and photographs documenting the brake noises, infotainment blackouts, warning lights, and electrical irregularities affecting my vehicle. This evidence is available upon request, and I am prepared to provide follow-up information as needed. Given the repeated failures, lack of manufacturer response, and corroborating reports from other owners, I am requesting that this complaint be formally recorded and evaluated by the NHTSA.
The owners manual for the 2024 VW Atlas SEL fuse diagrams and descriptions do not match the fuse box (interior) found in the vehicle. As an example the owners manual states the telephone system is controlled via fuse 16, but in my vehicle fuse 16 is an airbag fuse (as detailed in third-party fuse diagrams (e.g. [XXX] )). While t…
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The owners manual for the 2024 VW Atlas SEL fuse diagrams and descriptions do not match the fuse box (interior) found in the vehicle. As an example the owners manual states the telephone system is controlled via fuse 16, but in my vehicle fuse 16 is an airbag fuse (as detailed in third-party fuse diagrams (e.g. [XXX] )). While third-party sources do display the correct and accurate fuse diagrams these may not be available to a driver in an emergency when they need to investigate an issue and replace a fuse on the roadside. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Not even a year old and brakes squeaking/ gurgling sounds coming from the front wheels. As time goes on seems to get worse to the point where I am braking and slips a little. I've taken by car to the dealership twice and made several calls they keep sayings it is a known issued and a flaw for VW not a safety issue. The gurling s…
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Not even a year old and brakes squeaking/ gurgling sounds coming from the front wheels. As time goes on seems to get worse to the point where I am braking and slips a little. I've taken by car to the dealership twice and made several calls they keep sayings it is a known issued and a flaw for VW not a safety issue. The gurling sound is not normal and not safe especially for a new vehicle. I have an open case with VW, but they won't budge since they go off of what techs are documenting. They said I would have to pay out of pocket to replace the rotors and breaks even though vehicle is only a year old. If I would have known of this issue, I would have not bought this vehicle. On another note, having issues with moisture building up and developing mold which is coming through the vents. This is something VW does not take care of would have to pay for odor treatment on faulty design. I have never ran into this issued with any other make.
On December 15th, 2025, in Bradenton Fl, I was changing a tire in front of my house's parking area. I removed the tire and properly installed the car's original jack in the correct location on the vehicle. After about a minute, the jack collapsed, and the entire vehicle, along with the rotor, crushed my right foot. I couldn't ge…
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On December 15th, 2025, in Bradenton Fl, I was changing a tire in front of my house's parking area. I removed the tire and properly installed the car's original jack in the correct location on the vehicle. After about a minute, the jack collapsed, and the entire vehicle, along with the rotor, crushed my right foot. I couldn't get it out and had to scream for help because of the terrible pain. After several minutes, some neighbors tried to help me, but it wasn't until about 10 minutes later that a man and his son came to my aid and used their jack to lift my vehicle. An ambulance picked me up, and at the hospital, I was treated for several lacerations and a deep wound on my heel that required eight stitches. After I got home, I looked at the jack, and it was marked with a maximum weight capacity of 2866 pounds. I compared this to the vehicle's manual, and it didn't match the weight of the front axle, which is heavier. This means the jack was not suitable for supporting the front of my car, and this is why it caused me serious injuries to my foot, as well as fear, anxiety, and significant medical bills. I need help with my case, please!
Official recalls
826V473000 · Back Over Prevention:software
Jul 22, 2026
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.
25V434000 · Service Brakes; Suspension
Jun 30, 2025
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.
25V334000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
May 21, 2025
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.
25V100000 · Engine
Feb 17, 2025
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.
24V723000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Sep 27, 2024
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.
24V480000 · Back Over Prevention:software
Jun 27, 2024
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.
24V464000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
Jun 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.
23V593000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical
Aug 23, 2023
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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