Volkswagen Atlas Complaints

981 consumer complaints on file.

#11707868December 30, 2025
SEAT BELTS
I am writing to formally escalate a serious safety concern regarding my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, purchased in March 2025 from Prestige Volkswagen in Turnersville, NJ. The middle row left seatbelt has demonstrated an intermittent failure on multiple occasions over the past month. Specifically: At times, the seatbelt will not latch At other times, it appears to click, but can then be pulled out without pressing the release button This issue has been personally experienced by myself, my husband, and my mother, on separate occasions. Because the failure is intermittent, it does not occur every time the seatbelt is used — which is exactly what makes this defect concerning. I brought the vehicle to Prestige Volkswagen Turnersville, where the service department and service manager stated they cannot replace the seatbelt unless they can duplicate the problem. Their assessment consisted of manually tugging on the buckle until it appeared to function properly. I explained that testing a stationary seatbelt in a service bay is not equivalent to real-world forces during a motor vehicle collision, and that an intermittent failure of a federally required safety restraint presents a significant risk of injury should the buckle disengage during an accident. Despite this, the dealership has refused to replace the seatbelt assembly. I also opened a Volkswagen Customer Care case, which was escalated to a manager Aaron. I was informed that after speaking with the dealership, Volkswagen would not authorize replacement because the issue could not be duplicated. I am requesting Volkswagen of America’s direct assistance in resolving this safety concern. A seatbelt that fails intermittently is not operating as designed, regardless of whether the defect can be reproduced on demand. I respectfully request authorization to replace the affected seatbelt assembly under warranty to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707263December 27, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hood release cable has snapped resulting in inability to access critical components on the vehicle or do routine maintenance. After researching, this is a common and know issue for this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706616December 22, 2025
TIRES
Driving north on [XXX] on [XXX] the right rear tire on my 2021 Atlas completely failed and ripped apart through the sidewall and on the treads. The tire model was Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/60 R18 105T M+S Radial Tubeless. I have already replaced the tire at Costco in Inglewood, CA. This was a scary incident and endangered my family and others traveling on the highway. I contacted Continental and they said that tires matching this in 2021 were on a recall, but not this one from 2020. I find that suspicious because it's very close and matches description of failures. 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
#11706029December 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have a 2024 VW Atlas and this is the second time I'm taking the car to the dealer to have the fuel door opened. There is a problem with the fuel door actuator and it was replaced one time about 14-16 months ago. Often the fuel door will not open and there is no pull string to open it. The fuel door locks and unlocks with the vehicle. It often sticks and it could cause a problem with someone running out of gas in their vehicle. Also - being stranded in a less than a desirable area can impact one's safety. I was fortunate - but today Im heading to the dealership to have them replace the actuator again. Now, I question taking this car on a long road trip and having to fuel in the middle of the evening when dealerships are not open. I believe all vehicles should have a pull tab to open the fuel door in case of these kinds of situations. I had a similar problem with a 2017 Porsche Macan S - not sure if it is the same part number.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705950December 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment system where the back up camera is held and all other safety features started re booting and eventually went black December 17th 2025. I brought into Volkswagen Riverhead NY dealer where they said there was an update that needed to be done and all was fixed. I am 1000 miles under warranty so all was covered. After driving about 20 minutes home the issue started happening again where the system was re booting and than eventually black. I called the dealer on the way home and they said oh yes its been a "known" issue on many makes of volkswagen since October 2025. They told me there was nothing they could do. I now called volkswagen customer care where they are stating they are un sure how to fix this. If you google you will see many complaints about this stemming back quite some time. I would like a resolution before my warranty runs out and I am than going to have to pay out of pocket.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705572December 17, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DLRs faulty and went out around 77k miles. I cannot burn lights in Daytime. Yes, has been confirmed by Leith VW of Raleigh There were no warning lights of the light going out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705408December 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment system on my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE failed completely at 58,435 miles. The screen goes blank/black and the system will not remain operational. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership (AutoNation Volkswagen of Hilton Head, Repair Order #434220). The dealer confirmed failure of the 5F Information Electronics (Infotainment) Control Module and recommended full module replacement. Volkswagen Customer CARE acknowledged the diagnosis but denied goodwill assistance solely because the vehicle was approximately 8,000 miles beyond the warranty period. No misuse, modification, water intrusion, or customer-caused damage was alleged. This failure renders core vehicle functions inoperable and is consistent with widely reported failures of Volkswagen/Audi infotainment control modules (5F / MIB / MMI systems). This appears to be a premature failure of a non-wear electronic control module and may represent a broader defect pattern affecting multiple vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705405December 16, 2025
AIR BAGS
November 26th, I was leaving my home to go tPublix. Upon exiting the Eagle Creek community gate, I proceeded down Eagle Creek Sanctuary Boulevard to avoid hitting a cat, I ended scraped the side of my tires and rims on the side curb. Unexpectedly, while driving, the airbags deployed, even though I had not come into contact with the cat or any other object. The steering wheel airbag did not deploy only the airbags on the side a cop did show up because he was coming out of the eagler creek community and stopped to ask if I needed assistance I showed the office inside my vehicle he was shocked to see that my airbags deployed and the gentlemen that was Towing the vehicle was shocked as well the officer and the towing gentleman inform me I should contact Volkswagen. I contacted volkswagen customer service but I also wanted to report it to the NHTSA my concern is this should be investigated further.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704712December 12, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake system-Unresolved repair and inadequate investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704698December 12, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. In addition, the EPC engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact's wife was in traffic. The contact's wife was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact's wife noticed a burning odor. The contact's wife exited the vehicle. The contact arrived at the location and the insurance company was contacted. The insurance company advised the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with misfire in cylinders 2,5 and 6. In addition, the contact was informed that the cylinder and the spark plugs were soaked in fuel. The contact was informed that the failure was described as fuel fowling. The contact was informed that all six fuel injectors and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that 3 fuel injectors and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact referenced recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V245000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact's repair was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704285December 10, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
1st Issue: Braking noises while applying brakes. While applying brake pressure to brake pedal there are squealing, grinding, gargling (liquid) sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. There are no lights or warnings displayed. This has been happening since bought new back in may of 2024. This issue has been brought up to the service department at the Volkswagen dealership where purchased multiple times when going in for oil changes and (other issues) the vehicle had or has. Every time it is brought up the service advisor states there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and is “normal” operation for the vehicle being in the southern states. This is a safety hazard to not only myself and family but other family’s traveling U.S. roads. We fear that the brakes may fail at anytime while traveling and we do a lot of traveling with our son. 2nd Issue: Engine noises and erratic idle upon start up. Vehicle was brought in for low oil level light, supervisor was informed about the problem. Vehicle was checked, oil added and was told nothing wrong. When cold starting (not every time) the vehicle makes a surging sound and has erratic idle for about 3-5 seconds then clears up. Vehicle was also recently brought in for low coolant light, vehicle was topped off, no leaks visible but was not checked for internal leaks. 3rd Issue: Electrical problems with the infotainment system and windows. Infotainment system randomly goes black at any time while vehicle is being used. Windows will randomly go up or down when trying to work the switches. Ex: once window is rolled down and try to raise, when the switch is released the window will randomly go back down or the opposite window will roll down or up depending on what position it is in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704243December 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The Bevel Box was broken due to a defect CV axle. The axle pushed out of the bevel box and separated at the cab joint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704125December 9, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I have a certified 2024 VW Atlas with 22K miles. I noticed a strong rattling when braking at higher speeds. And the breaks are constantly squeaking. The VW dealer said the brakes looked good. I took it to Brake Master and they did a full inspection and found the brakes were in a descent shape but the rotors were severely damaged and had some stress fractures. Notes from BM: Check front brakes approx. 10 millimeters 10mm pads Left 1.194 Right 1.192 Rotors glazed and hot spotted. Looks like hardware was scraping for a whole at one point. Rear Brake pads have approx 10mm remaining. Rear rotors have extreme heat glazing rings around them. Appearance seems that new brake pads were installed without addressing any rotor issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704003December 9, 2025
STEERING
since purchase the car when holding steering straight veers to the left into oncoming traffic. vehicle has been to service 9x work on the subframe was completed at the first go..significant work that VW Corporate could not explain on a new car coming off the line. attempts since from most recent road force 4 wheel balance. car still pulls to the left. VW corporate was notified we would like a replacement but they still want to send the car back to service again. transparency has not been at the front of this case, they cant answer questions when directed asked esp regarding subframe work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703644December 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear camera of our vehicle has been intermittently failing for the past year. The VW dealer has not been able to repair as it is an intermittent issue. Today the entire screen wouldn't turn on to even be able to control the HVAC system, and it was a cold day. Luckily the rear has separate controls so my kids weren't freezing in the car. I was going to take it to the dealer today, but the screen started working again and the service advisor said not to bring it in if it's not broken. We have brought this car in several times for the reverse camera not functioning with no repairs done. All we are told is the mechanic resets modules and it should be good. There was a recall for this issue which was performed. The problems occured more frequently since the recall was performed, but I'm always told that they can't fix what's not broken, which I understand. This is a large vehicle not having a reverse camera working properly at all times is a big safety concern that is being dismissed because they can't figure it out. I'm in a hard place. I can't leave them the car forever as it's the car we drive our kids in. They won't give us a loaner as they are not required to. Are we just stuck with a car that has an intermittent safety concern with no remedy? I have video of it not working, but it won't let me upload it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702279December 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
EHICLE SAFETY DEFECT — INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE & TRANSMISSION/SHIFTER FAILURE My 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has two serious, ongoing safety defects that Volkswagen and the dealership have failed to repair. The digital speedometer/instrument cluster blacks out while driving, leaving no speed visibility. This has occurred multiple times with my four young children in the car. The vehicle often will NOT go into Drive unless I shift 3 or more times. This is an intermittent shifter/transmission malfunction. The dealership’s repair order states “NO REPAIRS PERFORMED FOR THIS CONCERN.” For the blackout issue, they only disabled HD Radio as a temporary workaround. A VW technician told me on video that no permanent fix exists. The same admission was made over the phone by another VW technician. For the transmission issue, the dealer wrote “unable to duplicate,” did no diagnostics, performed no repair, and documented no second inspection despite verbally claiming one occurred. I have now been without a safe vehicle for 32+ days. Volkswagen denied me a loaner multiple times. VW corporate has not responded to my requests for buyback, and the defects remain uncorrected. These are unresolved safety defects affecting visibility of speed, drivability, and transmission engagement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702202December 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hood release latch is broken, no tension in the lever in the cabin. I'm unable to access the engine compartment. Car would not start this morning, and I'm unable to access the engine to jump start.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702170December 1, 2025
AIR BAGS
Upon a low speed curb strike, predominantly striking the rear driver tire and partially the front driver tire, during a slide under 30mph, the curtain airbags deployed in the vehicle. Reading about this online, it appears others driving this type of vehicle have had similar reports of low speed tire strikes and airbags deploying. The airbags were more of a risk than the curb strike itself. With children in approved car seats in the rear, this was of course incredibly frightening. It appears VW is aware of the low sensitivity of their sensors that deploy this system, for which this sensor has been under recall in the past. Whether my sensor was repaired correctly is not understood. There is no other vehicle damage. The vehicle has been delivered to the VW dealer for inspection. It would be ideal for the NHTSA to look into whether the VW Atlas's curtain airbag deployment at low speed tire strikes meets the threshold for safety standards of deploying airbags. As there is a previous history for airbag issues with VW, it's not unrealistic this was a fault with the car and not the driver.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702083November 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
volkswagen atlas 2024 brake noise with maneuver braking function currently not available light coming on after first couple stops. I have recording and everything and showed to vw dealership they said this is normal. I used to work on brakes this is not normal. It is so bad every looks at it and this is a new car. It happens ever morning. Cold wet or not just doesn't brake well from start of the day. They claim stuff builds on the disc and has to burn off but thats for new brakes and rotors only. During the noise the light comes one braking function is not available. What I see in the car is almost like a a slippage where the car kind of feels like it is on ice but your foot is all the way down. This has done that from day one. They said they cant fix it. I fear someone is going to get hurt soon,because it affects the stopping power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701749November 26, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Strong steering-wheel shake and brake-pedal pulsation when braking from highway speeds. The condition appeared when driving at highway speeds while taking my family on a trip in the mountains and began shaking violently when braking, so much so we nearly had to pull off the road. The vehicle has never been tracked, towed heavy loads, or abused in any way. Issue was inspected and the service provider told me this is normal wear and tear from driving in the mountains. We have only had the car for over a year and has 12,344 miles currently. Service provider will not fix, stating it is not covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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