Volkswagen Atlas Complaints

981 consumer complaints on file.

#11725142March 18, 2026
AIR BAGS
The same airbag error mentioned in recalls for other VINs of this vehicle is happening to this one. I think this VIN also needs to be included.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725002March 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Hi- I have an atlas 2021 Volkswagen Atlas- that was recently serviced for a transmission leak. According to my mechanic, the leak was the result of the plastic cowling rubbing against the cooling tube and after 100k miles the tube wore through. This seems to be a design flaw or defect in the vehicle and not normal wear out. I have pictures of the part of that helps. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724895March 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Up until failure, car showed no signs of a problem and was properly maintained. While driving under normal highway conditions one of the transmission lines blew which resulted in the vehicle breaking down and requiring a tow to the closest dealer who determined new transmission lines and a new transmission were needed. My daughter and I were in the car and the car became unsafe to drive in a very short period of time with no heads up. The problem has been reported on the same 2021 Volkswagen Atlas as mine however my VIN was not captured in the recall. Inspection and repair was performed by Nemer Volkswagen Corp. in Latham NY. The only warning signs were as the problem was occurring in real time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724722March 16, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724600March 16, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the sound might be caused by unknown engine parts rubbing against each other. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V753000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724456March 15, 2026
ENGINE
I am submitting this urgent safety complaint regarding my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas VR6 , currently at approximately 85,000 miles, purchased through Carvana. Critical Safety Concerns: EPC warning light illumination Engine shutdown events while driving Pronounced bottom-end engine noise Vehicle is unreliable and poses a serious risk to my safety Timeline & Escalation Attempts: November 21: initial rattling noise reported, likely indicative of developing engine issues Multiple requests to Carvana for inspection and escalation were refused, including authorization for a Regional Technical Specialist/Field Engineer review at a certified Volkswagen dealership Vehicle was not properly shipped to my address, causing additional hardship Formal escalation letters submitted to Volkswagen corporate and Carvana without resolution Complaints filed with Louisiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection, Better Business Bureau Auto Line, and now NHTSA Personal Impact: I have a service-connected disability, and this vehicle failure has severely impacted my mobility and independence. The situation presents a real safety hazard both for myself and others on the road. Given the serious safety implications, I request that NHTSA investigate this vehicle as a potential safety defect and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken. Thank you for your attention and urgent consideration of this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724247March 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON DIFFERENT OCCASION THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HINGE WILL LOCK AND NOT ALLOW THE DOOR TO CLOSE COMPLETELY. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THE DOOR WILL OPEN AND I HAVE TO HOLD IT "CLOSED" WHILE DRIVING. CURRENTLY MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHEN I UNLOCK THE DOORS I HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH THE PASSENGERS SIDE OR THE BACK SEAT IN ORDER TO OPEN MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS- MY DOOR NOT CLOSING ALL THE WAY. IT IS A HAZARD WHEN DRIVING AND SUDDENLY MY VEHICLE DOES A DRASTIC STOP ASKING I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK BECAUSE IT ASSUMES I OPENED THE DOOR MANUALLY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723864March 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
the 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723816March 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723790March 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on the highway at 65 miles per hour, my Atlas shut itself off. I had to put it into park and restart the ignition. It turned on after 2 attempts but just barely. It turned on and gave enough power to move forward very slowly but virtually no propulsion. It turned on briefly, I pressed the gas and then it shut off but had enough to cruise to get to the shoulder across the highway. There was no shoulder next to the lane I was in. Luckily the cars around me saw that I put my hazzard lights on immediately and did the same. Once at the shoulder, tho the system had shut down again... the Atlas suddenly engaged and sped up on its own. The control panel of the car was "resetting" itself still from the initial shutdown. The system appeared to reboot itself after putting into park and pushing the ignition button. And was still "processing" while I attempted to get it to the side of the road while it shutdown again. Once it was "rebooted" that's when the system appeared to "catch" and the car "sped up" by itself. Once all that happened, probably in the span of 5 minutes or so, I was able to drive 15 miles away safely to a gas station, turned off the car, got gas and it re-started like nothing had happened and drive fine home, about 2 miles further. The instrument panel including map and "driving screen" has shut down before while driving a few times, but never anything with the engine. While stopped at a light a few times, the car has previously "shut itself off" and restarted fine after being put into park and restarting ignition. This is by far the worst and most dangerous experience I've had that could have resulted in a fatal collision, had the cars around me not also been paying close attention and helped me out by slowing behind me and creating awareness for others approaching at 65-75 MPH as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723774March 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723682March 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was a beeping sound coming from the instrument panel, and the alarm system unexpectedly activated. The contact stated that the electrical system occasionally failed to function properly. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the alarm continued to sound and required several attempts to turn off the alarm. The contact became aware that the alarm had activated for the third-row seats even though the seat was not occupied. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure could not be duplicated, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,208.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722862March 8, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/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 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722813March 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
hood latch broke. and cannot open hood
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722015March 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Circuit Malfunction- Faulty wiring causing ABS, and EPC damage and defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721813March 3, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721547March 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
In December all of the cameras and front assist sensors stopped working. When I called to get into a Volkswagen dealer they first told me to get a car wash and that should solve it. When that didn’t work they weren’t able to get my car in for about 1 month. I’m that time we collided with deer on the highway and none of the collision assists worked. Now my car repaired and it’s still not working. My car was new in July 2025.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721428March 2, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact was unable to move to the side of the road and called the Police. The Police helped to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission control module needed to be updated. The transmission control module was updated; however, several weeks later, while the vehicle was at the dealer for a maintenance check, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak. The dealer found engine oil inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721314March 1, 2026
ENGINE, SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN
Wednesday (02/18/2026), while driving to work, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road at a red light. It would not move at all. I had to call roadside assistance, and the vehicle was ultimately towed. Being stranded in the middle of an intersection with traffic approaching at speed was not only humiliating — it was life-threatening. Vehicles were coming from behind, and I narrowly avoided what could have been a serious accident. Suddenly, my dashboard started showing all sorts or error and warning message. It showed ESC (Electronic Stability Control) error, Hill start assist error, Maneuver braking function currently not available, error start/stop, Rear traffic alert is currently not available, Transmission error etc. To make matters worse, the tow truck took approximately 1.5 hours to arrive, leaving me exposed at a busy junction the entire time. This incident caused significant mental distress and professional consequences, as I was unable to reach my office and had to formally explain my absence with supporting documentation. This level of unreliability from a new vehicle is simply unacceptable. It has not even been a year since I purchased this vehicle, and I have experienced repeated issues from the very beginning. This situation is extremely frustrating and completely unacceptable for a brand-new vehicle. Beyond these serious safety incidents, I have faced ongoing issues with the infotainment system since purchase. I was repeatedly told it was a software issue and that it had been fixed, yet the problem continues to persist.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720958February 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Snapped good latch cable
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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