Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Complaints
360 consumer complaints on file.
- #11655588April 19, 2025ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car’s engine start/stop feature has failed multiple times while at an incomplete stop. This failure endangers the driver because the car will not drive, forcing the driver to put the car in park & manually restart the car. This failure has occurred at least 6 times, reported as the original owner of the car for 3+ years. Recently, as a potential result(?), the car’s check engine light has appeared (@52k miles). The dealership suggested replacement of the N80 purge valve,~$400 repair at VW dealership, to fix the tandem start/stop error & check engine light issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11655347April 18, 2025EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:WIRELESS CHARGER/CRADLE
Each time I place my Cell Phone ( iPhone 12) it overheats to the point the safety device in phone shows a excessive heat warning.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11654721April 15, 2025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
my vehicle has a safety issue that is tied to the NAV system and its interaction with the vehicles drivers assist functions. Multiple times while driving the vehicle, the NAV system would decide the vehicle was on a different road than it was actually on. The first time it happened; I was on the freeway traveling at 70 MPH when the NAV system decided I was on a residential street several miles away with a 25 MPH speed limit. The vehicle immediately adjusted to what it thought was the posted speed. To be more specific, the vehicle slammed on the brakes and went from 70 MPH to 25 MPH quite aggressively. Luckily, no one slammed into me as I regained control of the vehicle. This has happened multiple times on different roads, different speeds, with or without using the NAV system for guidance. I have found that turning off all of the drivers assist functions stops the vehicle from slamming on the brakes but the NAV system still occasionally goes nuts. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership 3 separate times with no joy. The dealership has been unable to duplicate the defect to date however the last time in I was able to provide video evidence of the issue. The dealership did provide me (on 14 April this year) a copy of an older memo from Volkswagen identifying a potential NAV issue. According to the memo the issue should have been taken care of by Aug 2024. My issue extends well beyond that date. Of concern to me is the fact VW knew there was an issue but failed to tell the consumer to turn off the Adaptive Cruise Controls functions until this issue was fixed. As my vehicle still has the issue, I don't know if it's related to the memo or something different. I've attached the last 2 workorders, vehicle is still at dealership for 3rd time. I also attached the document I provided the service writer the first time I dropped the vehicle off. Also attached is the VW memo on the NAV system
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11652776April 4, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front passenger's side and rear passenger's side windows opened unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started experiencing the failure after the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) sensor mat and wiring harness were replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer performed an unknown reset on the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while his wife was driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,282.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11652522April 3, 2025VISIBILITY/WIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Windshield cracked for no apparent reason. Did not see or hear any object strike windshield. Began as a 6 inch crack from roof to rearview mirror and crack continues to spread and extend across windshield without any cause. The weather has been warm and no frost or cold yet crack grows 3 inches a day. Windshield wipers do not come on, collision warning goes off for no reason but does not go off when I was nearly hit headon, driver assist and lane departure does not work at all. I attempted to get Volkswagen dealership to repair for warranty and extended "Platinum Protection" plan but they refused. I have filed an insurance claim with my carrier.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11652460April 3, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Keyless entry continuously fails. When using the door handles to unlock or lock the vehicle the vehicle behaves as if key fob is not present if the key fob is in our pants pocket or pocketbook. We have to physically take the key fob out of our pants/bag where we then can observe the "handshake" between vehicle and key fob take place in order to lock/unlock vehicle. Vehicle has been at the dealer multiple times (they had car for 60 days trying to resolve the issue). Batteries and key fob were replaced and reprogrammed, they replaced the start actuator which supports the key connections to the car and still not resolved. We consider this a significant safety issue because if we cannot get into our locked car in an unsafe situation or get into the car in an emergency there could be dire consequences. Note: Videos are available for confirmation of behavior.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11651726March 31, 2025ENGINE
Hi, I received a recall for my car about the engine cover but VW doesn't have a solution. They just took the cover away and left the motor without cover or protection. I don't think is normal and appropiate to have the engine expose like that. Besides this problem, the car has brake problems I already report and also Oil problems that VW won't give a correct answer. I worried because I have 3 children and I don't feel safe to travel with them in a car I bearly have 1 year with it. I'll appreciate your help.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11651510March 29, 2025ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle turned off/stalled while driving. I had to throw on my hazards, stomp on the very hard break and turn the car on and off again. Very dangerous for me and other drivers. I see a lot of other customers with the same exact problem for the same model of vehicle. Definitely some type of recall that needs to be addressed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648048March 13, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello, My car has a musty smell inside the cabin. I have tried all the recommendations, such as changing the cabin filter, running the AC, and using disinfectant sprays, and the odor does not disappear. I have allergies, and when I drive my car, it feels like I can't breathe. I do not have the means at the moment to change cars.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648046March 13, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hood Release Cable. The hood release cable, which runs from the release lever inside the car to the latch under the hood, broke. I can't open my car hood. I've been looking online and it seems that this is a common issue and very expensive to repair and Volkswagen is the only onewiths the proper tools to fix the problem.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11647164March 8, 2025SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
The brakes sound like their grinding and the motor drives funny
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11646156March 4, 2025AIR BAGS
I received notification via carfax, VW app, AND by mail about the passenger air bag faulty PODS system recall in September 2024. I was told by my local dealership there was no active fix for the issue at the time. I then had my 50k mile service completed in December 2024 the week before Christmas and the service department stated they still had not received a fix for the recall code and that it would be rolling out in stages and to wait for a resolution. It is now March 2025 and I do not feel safe driving this vehicle with my family knowing there is a possibility of the airbags not deploying in the event of a car accident. The website even suggests not to drive the vehicle with this recall.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11645660February 28, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:HUD:CAMERA/SENSOR, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL:SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH with the cruise control activated, the ADAS system misread the highway speed limit, and the vehicle suddenly decelerated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven at various speeds with the cruise control activated; however, whenever the vehicle detected a traffic sign, the vehicle adjusted to the sign image; however, while school was not in session, the ADAS system adjusted the cruise control to the speed limit on the road sign. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with software system failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the software was reset; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,640.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11645658February 28, 2025VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving south in an 80-mph zone on [XXX] between Brookings and Sioux Falls. I had my cruise control set to 82 and had just completed a lane change after passing a semi truck. With no change in the speed limit, the car shifted the set MPH to 30mph and engaged the braking system sharply. I was able to override by pushing the gas, but the mph setting was still set. The experience was a more extreme event than other similar instances I’ve had (e.g., car shifting from a 30mph to 15 because of a school zone but not school hours so sign not relevant) because of the speed, proximity to other cars, and the absence of a change in speed indicator. I believe this glitch is a major concern for safety and appreciate your time in reviewing my concerns. 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
- #11645383February 27, 2025SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving and coming to a stop or slowing down the cars engine will shut off. This is extremely dangerous when in traffic and you have to come to a complete stop and put it in park to manually restart the car. The dealer cannot seem to reproduce the issue but the same day I picked it up from having it looked at it died on me twice in the same day. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealership as far as I know as we are the second owner. There was no warning when this started happening. It gives no warning when it will or will not die. However, a week after it started the check engine light came on and that’s when I took it into the dealership. They were able to replace the sensor but did not find a reason for the car to spontaneously die.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11645114February 26, 2025AIR BAGS, SEATS
Car dealership attempted to fix recall related to Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS). Dealership technicians experienced issues completing the repair and contacted the vehicle manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer claims that the issues experienced during repair are due to damage and are refusing the pay for any fix to the recall. I am not aware of any damage the system would have experienced, other than being known to be defective and under recall. The manufacturer's proposal is that I pay approximately $1,300 to replace the system, which is known to be defective and under recall, or accept my vehicle back with a faulty PODS. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to replace this system, which is known to be defective and under recall. The nature of the problem is extremely serious and could involve injury or loss of life to my family. Therefore, I am not willing to accept the vehicle back with a defective PODS.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11641393February 7, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Infotainment Systems glitches, screen scratchy , lines displayed. This has happened multiple times when vehicle is started and has happened when vehicle is driving.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11640455February 3, 2025AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11639455January 29, 2025VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield on this vehicle is unsafe. VW either has a design issue with the angle of the windshield or an issue with the type of material the windshield is made out of. Since owning the vehicle I have had to have 2 windshield repairs in the last 3 months, both of which were covered by insurance “free” of charge (or so I thought) however the charges were reflected on my insurance as claims, which, in return raised my insurance $150 on my next 6 month renewal. My vehicle is my daily driver and I’m worried that one day my windshield is going to come in contact with debris and shatter while I’m driving with my children in the vehicle. I’ve lived in Wisconsin my whole life and I’ve owned several vehicles and never in my life have I experienced having so many cracked windshield incidents as I do with my VW. Not only has the windshield chipped on more than one occasion, but the ENTIRE windshield is covered in small nicks. This issue in itself is enough of a reason to make me never consider buying another VW. The vehicle has been looked at and repaired by Safelite twice. I have not discussed the issue with the dealership, however, after seeing 7+ additional nicks in the windshield, I will be asking the dealership about the issue. No warning lamps were present when the incident occurred. Clearly this issue is going to continue happening and I will end up having to replace my windshield over and over again until I get a new vehicle. I am open to having it inspected.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11638309January 24, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Main information screen displays extreme fuzzy/pixelation to the degree it cannot be read. This controls ability to set/adjust hvac system as well as maintenance items like checking oil levels. As well as all other functions affecting interior and exterior lighting adjustments. Components were inspected by VW dealer on 1/23/25 showing verifications of issues. VW dealer states no fix currently exists and they will do nothing until VW authorizes a fix. I believe this to be a safety issue as oil levels cannot be checked and low level could damage the vehicle during operation. Additionally I believe safety issue impacted by inability to adjust heat and cooling levels during operation of the vehicle can cause inability to operate the vehicle during excessively hot or cold weather. No warnings prior to problems occurred.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0