How many problems does the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas have?

The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas currently has 436 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas?

The most common problems reported for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Problems

AIR BAGS

76 complaints

Waiting at a stoplight for light to turn green. Driver’s side door airbag deployed for no reason and the car shut down completely. Except for my hazard lights and a blinking message that read “error driver door contact switch”. Had to have it tow and the tow truck driver couldn’t even put in neutral.

Aug 05, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

May 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving, the airbag sensor would inadvertently sound when the passenger seat was not occupied. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who confirmed that the issue was an air bag seat weight sensor failure; however, the contacts VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

May 17, 2024

AIRBAG ERROR MESSAGE AND LIGHT WENT ON- THIS IS A RECALL IN MY SAME MODEL AND YEAR, MY VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL

Apr 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagens Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Apr 17, 2024

+ 71 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

42 complaints

The door actuator on the front passenger side of the vehicle stopped working. Here is a list of my concerns as a result: Security: Inability to Lock/Unlock/Functionality: - The primary concern is the inability to securely lock or unlock the vehicle. It creates a significant security risk, putting myself and my belongings vulnerable. - The alarm system is integrated with the door lock system and when I open the faulty door after locking my car, the alarm does not sound. - Keyless entry systems often rely on door actuators. A faulty actuator can render remote keyless entry inoperable. Safety Concerns: - If my child safety locks are electronically controlled, a faulty actuator can make it difficult to access the vehicle in an emergency. I have two young children, [XXX] Other concerns: A faulty door actuator can negatively impact the vehicle's resale value as it may require repair or replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jan 29, 2025

The power windows malfunctioning. When windows are pressed down the windows spontaneously go back up

Nov 26, 2024

My driver side visor bulb started going on and off then eventually quit working. I brought the vehicle to my purchasing dealer who changed the bulb which then blew the fuse and caused almost every light to turn on on the dash screen. Most of the lights were cleared but there is still a front assist light remaining on and volkswagen has said it needs to be recalibrated. the electrical wiring of the visor has a short and needs to be changed but it is clear it is related to other electrical systems.

Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while pressing the START/STOP button, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved several fault codes. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer where it was purchased, and the contact was informed that the START/STOP battery was likely the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Oct 26, 2023

Doors continue to lock and unlock in the back where my children sit. This is while we are driving down the road. Front passenger door does not unlock or lock.

Aug 20, 2023

+ 37 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

38 complaints

I have owned this car since 2018. I’ve had the “Brake Booster Faulty” error come on at least once a year. It’s very scary as the car just locks up. Luckily it has only happened driving locally, without anyone behind me, but this could lead to a SERIOUS accident. I have brought this to the VW dealer at least 3 times over the years and every time they say they cannot replicate or find any issues. It happened again last week, and again today. I have read that many people have experienced this issue but there is not much info out there on whether there is a fix. I really wish this would be addressed.

May 08, 2025

Brake booster Faulty/Brake Booster Failure light displays on the dash along with the red Brake light and a loud beeping sound. The brakes feel shaky and the vehicle doesn’t brake well for about 30 second after. It feels as if the brakes are palpating or skipping instead of a solid grip. After about 30-45 second those lights go back off and brakes resume normal breaking but the ABS light comes on. This issue has happened twice so far and random times when not braking. It appears to be other reports of this issues in the 2018 models but not recall. Other year models have had brake issues recalled l. This is a major safety issue and should be addressed with Volkswagen to resolve it. This will and probably has cause accidents.

Apr 26, 2025

Car starts beeping loudly and a “brake booster faulty” alarm pops up on the screen. Brakes become spongy during alarm and a little after. Issue has happened multiple times and has gone to the dealer multiple times for parts replacement/work. Other VW owners have complained of the same issue happening to them.

Jun 01, 2024

While driving, the car suddenly slowed to nearly stopping and a "Brake Boost Faulty" red warning light displayed on the dashboard. I was not breaking at the time. The brake pedal felt soft and the car would not regain acceleration. I had to stop the car, turn off ignition, restart for the car to drive normally. This occurred twice once while driving over 40 miles per hour and again at approximately 25 mph. IN both cases I was not braking when the incident happened.

Aug 24, 2023

I would be driving under 30mph and would get a warning on my dashboard that would say "Brake Booster Faulty", in addition the "Brake" light would illuminate and my brakes would become spongy and harder to engage.

Jun 29, 2023

+ 33 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

37 complaints

Low engine coolant light came on and began overheating all within a short period of time. Mechanic stated is has a blown/defective head gasket. It is currently being repaired by a mechanic as we need the car to drive our young children. A quick Google search has shown this is an ongoing issue as there is a class action lawsuit with law group, Sauder Schelkopf.

Sep 12, 2025

Our 2018 VW, when extremely hot temperatures would make a very loud grinding/squealing sound. Then the AC would intermittently work, sometimes it would blow cold, and sometimes it would not. Eventually, the AC stopped working altogether. There is a strong, hot, burning smell that comes through the vents during these times. These issues have caused extreme visibility as my windows fog up in humid conditions, causing me to not be able to see. I was almost in a car accident from this due to not being able to see and being in a large amount of traffic, trying to pull over to the side. This happened probably because the AC also dehumidifies the air for defogging. We had our VW into the Morris dealership, being sent home each time, stating nothing was wrong. The last time we had it in demanding something was not right. They stated the AC Compressor is not engaging now. Well, this explains why, every time it is hot and humid or raining, my windows are fogging up, causing me to not be able to see anything. This is an extreme safety hazard and has been for me and my children. This also explains the musty smell because this can cause mold and bacteria to grow due to trapped moisture. This is hard when this is our only family car, and many safety hazards.

Sep 08, 2025

Water pump failure of a 2018 VW Atlas with 69000 miles.

Apr 11, 2025

The vehicle randomly shuts down when slowing to a halt or after coming to a halt..a prompt to manually restart the vehicle then pops up on he dashboard screen. The most recent event occurred on date below

Jan 26, 2025

A dangerous cam shaft failure led to sensors near the cam shaft and a piece of the metal housing being broken off due to the cam shaft failure. The cam shaft failed at normal highway speeds and stopped the engine on the highway. Vehicle is still undergoing repairs at “Automotive Tech, Inc.”

Jan 01, 2025

+ 32 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

32 complaints

I buckled my son in his car seat and set my purse in the passenger seat and walked around the vehicle and in about 10 seconds it locked itself WITH the keys inside. The engine was off and I live in Tx so it was already very hot in the car. We used a pole through the cracked window to click the unlock button on the passenger door, we hit it twice and the car did not unlock, then I used a hanger to click the unlock button on the driver door. I clicked it and the car still did not unlock. We then tried breaking the windows and were unable to break the glass with a hammer, tire iron, rock, and even a high velocity Pellet gun. We were able to pull the trim from around the window on the outside and bend the glass out just far enough to use the hanger to pull the handle and get into the car. The car should never have locked with the keys inside, the unlock buttons INSIDE the car should have worked when pressed 3 times. Glass is great. Very strong but I was terrified when it would not break.

Jun 15, 2025

We replaced a cracked windshield in our VW Atlas, and we now need to replace it again. This vehicle seems prone to windshield cracks, as we are not aware of a rock hitting it. This crack started at the very top edge of the windshield, and has grown to about 20 inches.

Apr 28, 2025

Front pillar near roof and windshield is leaking significant water creating a driver safety hazard during hard rains

Aug 30, 2024

Volkswagen North America (VW NA) manufactured this vehicle with an incorrect HVAC refrigerant (R134A) low pressure service port. It does have the correct R1234YF high pressure service port. Besides this configuration being against federal emissions laws, it poses a public safety threat in that the incorrect system could be connected to the car and possibly ignite the flammable R1234YF refrigerant. VW NA has refused to correct this problem, even though the vehicle was brought into service under warranty, as the vehicle is currently a couple months out of warranty. A complaint with the EPA will also be filed as this vehicle was manufactured in violation of federal law.

May 14, 2024

My vehicle keeps giving me the message that “Park Pilot is not working” and the backup camera does not work.

Apr 18, 2023

+ 27 more complaints for this component

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

11 complaints

My wife was driving to the store on surface streets at about 9am on a clear morning. At a stop light, waiting for the green. After light turned green she accelerated at a normal rate. Midway through the intersection (at about 10 mph) the vehicles emergency braking system engaged for no reason slamming her to an immediate stop. There were no obstructions in front or to either side of the vehicle. There was another car behind her that almost rear-ended her. My wife's safety was at risk because she could have been involved in a collision which may have resulted in injuries to my wife and or others and she was sitting, shaken in the middle of an intersection thinking that someone had hit her from behind. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealership yet. My wife states that the vehicle displayed many indicator warning lights on the instrument panel after it stopped including the Advance Warning lights, but instead of just showing a collision warning with the car, 3-double bars and lanes in red, it showed (in red) a car with 4-double bars all around the vehicle, no lanes and the vehicle shut off. The car started again when she took her foot off of the brake.

Jan 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact engaged the cruise control function, and the brakes would inadvertently engage. The contact was not able to verify the warning light that was illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.

Nov 21, 2024

While driving about 30mph the automatic forward collision braking gave a malfunction light and screen. The car had NOTHING in front of it to cause the breaking to happen and forced my car to intermittently hard break as I tried to bring it to a car safely. If I had had a car behind me I surely would have been rear ended. I with all three child under 4 years old. I brought my car to a parking lot. Turned it off then on and turned off the forward collision brakes from the car menu.

May 09, 2024

There are issues with the emergency break system while driving. It is usually okay for the car to stop when reversing. Yesterday while driving with my children, I crossed some train track at a speed of about 30-35 miles per hour as the green light was on. As soon as I reached 75% in the tracks, all of a sudden the emergency brakes turned on, the car stopped in traffic and was about to be hit. As scary and dangerous as this was, thankfully the car in the back was able to stop in time. Despite never experiencing this before, I found out many VWG owners have had similar experiences. In order to avoid causing serious accident, I will have the dealer inspect the car and turn it off immediately. I ask for your help so there is something done about it as soon as possible. This cars needs to get recalled have the dealer fix this issue. Serious accidents and deaths can occur. Thank God my kids are fine. My neck is a little sour but I am okay.

Apr 24, 2024

Automatic Emergency Breaking initiated on its own, slamming the car breaks as I was turning left out of a parking lot onto a busy 4 lane street. This stopped the car as we were crossing the first lane of traffic. We were stuck in the lane perpendicular to oncoming traffic as we were turning left. Thank goodness there were no cars close by when I started to turn. This could have ended horrifically. We were sitting ducks and could’ve been t-boned. I had my kids in the car. This was so dangerous. And there were NO obstacles in front of my car. The automatic emergency braking system malfunctioned. It has done this a handful of times previously, but never put us in a dangerous situation like it did today. It has initiated in the past at slow speeds while pulling into parking spaces when no obstacles were present.

Apr 01, 2024

+ 6 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

11 complaints

Engine shuts down unexpectable at a stop sign/light and when driving in parking lots. A message on the dashboard comes on "Manually restart the vehicle" This has happen several times (at least 4 times) in the past few days

Dec 30, 2024

Engine stops occasionally while driving and the car is moving. This has occurred even with Start/Stop turned off and while the vehicle is moving on the road. This has occurred several times over the past year. Typically the car can be re-started right away, although on a couple of times it was disabled (would not start) until multiple attempts over 5 minutes.

Sep 03, 2024

ELECTRICAL ISSUE CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. AS YOU PRESS ON THE GAS THIS ISSUE DOES NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD. HAS STOPPED ON ME NOW TWICE IN 3 MONTHS. FIRST REPAIR TOOK 20 DAYS. WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY BECAUSE IT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY THE FIRST TIME AND ON A HILL THE 2ND SO THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS.

Oct 08, 2019

WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT FOR ABOUT A MINUTE THE CAR TURNS OFF DUE TO THE CARS ON/OFF FEATURE. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE CAR WOULD NOT START BACK UP. I HAD TO PUT THE ATLAS IN PARK AND REST SET TO TURN IT ON. IT WILL NOT TURN BACK ON UNTIL AFTER A FEW TRIES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ABOUT 5 DIFFERENT TIMES NOW. I NOW DRIVE WITH THAT FEATURE TURNED OFF UNTIL VW CAN FIX THIS GLITCH. VERY UNSAFE WHILE SITTING TRAFFIC AND CAR IS STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

Jun 08, 2019

BATTERY DIES WITH SHORT IDLE. WAITED LESS THAN 10 MINUTES FOR MY HUSBAND AND WARNING CAME ON TO DRIVE THE CAR TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON. ENGINE HAD MANUALLY SHUT OFF SO I WENT TO RESTART AND BATTERY WOULD NOT TURN ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE.

Apr 16, 2019

+ 6 more complaints for this component

SEATS

11 complaints

We have been told to stop using front passenger seat. The recall has been out for well over 6 months with no remedy.

Nov 22, 2023

We pulled into a parking space and the second row disengaged, propelling the seat quickly forward. Our four-year old was sitting in a car seat in the second row when this happened. The car seat went forward, slamming our child's nose, face, and head into the back of the driver's seat. The second row then lodged in the eject position, with our child stuck at an angle, tipped over into the driver's seat. We had to pull the driver's seat as far forward as it would go in order to undo the car seat straps and extricate our four year old from the car seat through the small opening between the second row and the driver's seat. Our child was terrified, with a hurt nose, though thankfully not badly injured. We were not able to get the second row back up, it stuck forward. We have dropped the car off to the Volkswagen dealership and are awaiting repairs. There were no lights or warning prior to this incident. This is the second time the row has dislodged. Another time it happened while the car was in motion and again propelled our child (different child) forward into the back of the driver's seat, slamming our child's face against the driver's seat.

Apr 13, 2023

The red strap is extremely too easy to pull and is super accessible for children to reach. My son in the 3rd row pulled the strap and my son in the middle row flung forward. Had he had been literally an inch farther up, he would’ve been seriously injured. Something needs to be done about this. There was a viral post on social media about this not long ago. The straps either need a safety feature where they only work if the car’s door is open or parked. Or the straps just simply need to be placed somewhere else and not easily accessible to children placed in the 3rd row. This is supposed to be a family vehicle. Please fix it.

Sep 29, 2021

I feel as if the 2nd row lever system is a malfunction. It does not provide safety for the 2nd row of passengers to not be crushed or be smashed into the back of the front row seats if the lever is pulled while the vehicle is in motion. This is our only vehicle and our family vehicle. It can happily be available upon request. The safety of any child passenger is at risk if they are in the 2nd row and the lever to fold the seats down or back to gain access to the 3rd row is accidentally pulled while the vehicle is in motion. The problem has not been confirmed or reproduced at a service center. It can easily be reproduced but for the safety of my small children, without kids in the 2nd row. This is an internal (inside the vehicle) safety failure or malfunction. It has not been inspected by any official at this time. There isn't anything that locks the seat rail in place while the vehicle is in motion. This is an internal vehicle issue that does not give any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to warn of the lever being pulled or activated. It has recently come to my attention that our VW Atlas is lacking in any safety feature that prevents the 2nd row from coming unlatched from the rails, when the row lever is released. This does cause a significant safety issue as most children don't know that they cannot and should not reach or use this lever while the vehicle is in motion, thus causing significant, if not life threatening injury to the children riding in the 2nd row. I myself have 2 children under 2. I know as they get older or as we watch their cousins more often, we will be utilizing the 3rd row more. I do not want to have to worry that my nieces or nephews have pulled the lever causing the seat to catapult my children's necks into the backs of the front row seats. I want to stress how important it is to fix it. My daughter is due to be front-facing in the next couple of months in her car seat.

Jun 10, 2021

MY 6-YEAR-OLD SON WAS IN THE MIDDLE LEFT SEAT, I PULLED THE CAR OUT OF GARAGE AND DROVE UP TO THE INTERSECTION NEXT TO MY HOME AND APPLIED GENTLE BREAK. HIS SEAT CAME ALL THE WAY IN THE FRONT AND HIS NOSE HIT THE DRIVER SEAT. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS HAPPENED THAT SEAT WAS NOT PROPERLY LOCKED. AFTER IT HAPPENED SECOND TIME, WE HAVE BEEN CAREFUL TO CHECK THE SEAT BEFORE WE START DRIVING. WE HEARD THE CLICK SOUND INDICATING THAT THE SEAT WAS PROPERLY LOCKED. IT'S BEEN A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR THE YOUNG ONE. I'M ALSO ATTACHING THE PICTURE OF HIS BRUISED NOSE.

Feb 06, 2021

Injuries: 1

+ 6 more complaints for this component

STEERING

9 complaints

The power steering control module failed while the vehicle was traveling at highway speeds. When the failure occurred, the power steering completely cut out. It is extremely difficult to maneuver the vehicle without power steering. My wife would not have been strong enough to safely maneuver the vehicle if she found herself in a situation where she needed to make even a minor evasive maneuver. Had there been more traffic on the road she could have caused an accident since her ability to steer was severely impacted. An orange warning light first came on. VW says to safely drive the vehicle to be inspected. In our case, the red power steering warning light came on less than 10 min later, well before we could make it to a technician to have it inspected. At the exact same time the red light illuminated, the vehicle's power steering system completely failed. A VW dealership has inspected the vehicle and found the steering control module to be defective. The only repair is to fully replace the steering rack which includes the steering control module in one piece. The part is back-ordered for several months which indicates that VW is unable to keep up with the supply required to fix this issue.

Jul 11, 2025

The rack and pinion failed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to move and maneuver. According to the service advisor, it is known that if the Rack and Pinion is immersed in water due to floods, that causes the electronics of the system to fail. This causes the steering wheel to become very stiff and it is very hard to maneuver the car. Rain is very common in all parts of the world, including in Puerto Rico, and it is not safe to be driving a car that could 'lock' the steering wheel in any random occasion after a pouring rain event.

Oct 15, 2024

Front steering knuckles fractured on the vehicle while driving, causing me to lose control of the vehicle. Other Volkswagen Atlas' have been recalled for this same issue, but not my specific model. If this is a problem for similar vehicles, people will be at risk of serious injury or death if not fixed immediately. I currently am on a military assignment in Germany and am having difficulty working with the dealers here to confirm the issue. Luckily I was in a parking lot when my steering knuckles failed and was able to park the vehicle safely. There were no warning indicators on the vehicle before I lost control. The vehicle did have a few symptoms of failing steering knuckles, like grinding and shaking sounds.

Feb 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approxi8mately 25 -30 mph the vehicle's brakes suddenly activate causing the vehicle to suddenly stop. The contact stated a warning light stating a failure with the brakes would illuminate. The contact would be able to continue operating the vehicle as normal. The vehicle had not been taken to a certified mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,880.

Jul 11, 2022

I tried to merge to the left lane on the highway I-55 S (Chicago, IL), but the steering wheel was out of control and cannot be operated functionally all of sudden, which hit on the right side curb. There was no ice or water on the road. The weather is clear.

Jan 26, 2022

Crash: 1

+ 4 more complaints for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 complaints

Gas tank melted on top of the tank next to drive shaft and a hole was leaking gas- we are keeping the tank that was removed for investigation. Extreme safety issue that put my daughter and granddaughters at risk of fire/explosion when it was unknown that there was a gas leak while driving. The part was inspected by a repair shop in Lake Havasu AZ as well as the Capistrano Volkswagen, CA dealership and no explanation of the cause. Since the vehicle is out of warranty the VW.com and the dealership refused to replace without full charge. Insurance claim has been filed. There were no warning lamps messages or other symptoms of the failure. About 45 miles prior to gas leak detection, while fueling, the reverse pressure shutoff did not work, and a significant amount of gas was released at the station. No indication of a leak from the gas tank until the car stopped, then significant release onto the ground was observed.

Dec 08, 2025

This is a common issue with this car that is dangerous. The Evap Purge High Flow Control goes out and makes the vehicle stall randomly.

Aug 11, 2025

The fuel tank system keeps failing. It will not show how much gas is in the car even after filling up. It is a risk because the fuel could run out in the middle of driving and leave the driver in an accident or stranded. The car stalls randomly when the fuel tank system error is on and it is very scary.

Apr 08, 2025

Similar issue to the current recall on VW Atlas SEL 2019. The suction jet in the fuel tank may have been welded in the incorrect position allowing fuel to leak. Additionally, the vehicle may stall due to uneven fuel distribution. Car will stall out (not auto shut off) and gas tank will airlock / leak depending on fuel levels. Gas guage will show 0 fuel when fuel tank is full.

Sep 26, 2022

While driving on Saturday, Jan 8, 2022, my Atlas started leaking fuel. It felt like it just down-shifted on its own and the gas pedal stopped working. We were simultaneously overcome by the smell of gasoline inside the car. Both the engine and EPC warning lights were on. Thankfully, I was just about to pull into my driveway when this happened, so I was able to safely stop and we exited vehicle immediately. the entire engine was smoking and fuel was pouring out of the engine onto the ground. It eventually slowed to a drip. I called my local VW dealership but it was closed so I left a message. I also filled out on online service request the next day.

Jan 10, 2022

+ 3 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

7 complaints

In October 2024, my air conditioning was blowing hot when I had just had it recharged in June 2024. I took it to vw in pasadena, ca. They noted that there was an oil leak being caused by the breather valve aka the pcv valve which was making oil leak into the ac components. It took a few visits to get this resolved as a smell was in my car that was making me feel sick afterward. Eventually it was fixed and my car seemed to be okay. Until a month ago when my husband got into an accident and once we got my car back from the body repairs within 24 hours, my oil light came on. At first I thought it was because of the accident but it turned out it wasn't. It was due to the breather valve again. This was confirmed by vw covina. This is unsafe because it can cause oil to leak into other components of the vehicle and cause them to fail. Your head gasket and oil pan can also be affected and maybe more, I'm not sure what else as I am not a mechanic. But I know this is an issue with many atlases from a simple Google search, there are thousands of people experiencing the same. I do not have the documentation for the current repair as they are working on my car right now so I dont have the paperwork yet. If you all contact me in a few days, I'm sure I should have it by then and would be happy to provide it.

May 28, 2025

Bought this vehicle new from dealer. Have had all maintenance done at the suggested intervals by VW. Have had ongoing issues with “check coolant” alerts. Coolant has been low on multiple occasions but dealer assures there is no leak. I’m am now out of warranty and car has lost coolant again, well below the minimum level required. Please help with ongoing issues that now dealer will not cover. Being inspected now for water pump failure, radiator core, etc. I feel as though this coolant level problem is being hidden and pushed along until customers are out of warranty. Please help.

Oct 05, 2024

Car has been automatically shutting off at slow speeds such as red lights and trying to park. Mainly happens at lights as you break. The car was taken first to Tire Plus, they ran a diagnostic where they received an error and instructed me to take the car to dealer. Took car to VW and provided them with the tire plus paperwork and they stated the car is fine and they do not see anything wrong. They asked me to take a video when it happens. My son who relies on this car just took a video at a stop light and it is now being sent to VW to see what next step is. Car is getting close to warrantee expiration. I believe I have about 6k more miles to go.

Nov 24, 2022

Engine stopped during on drive on highway and requiring to put in park to restart in the middle of the road. Dash board displaying “Start- Stop error “ with engine sign. So far car stopped three times while driving this time and a service is scheduled for June 17, with the dealership. Same thing happened and notified and serviced. At that time they have replaced the battery. I checked the battery in a auto shop and they told me the battery is good this time. Upon google search, noticed this is happening with other people as well.

Jun 10, 2022

MY VW ATLAS SEL 2018 IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. SO FAR THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. ONCE WHILE I WAS IN REVERSE AT SLOW SPEED, SECOND TIME WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND THE MOST RECENT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. IT IS VERY SCARY BECAUSE I HAVE TO PUT IN PARK, PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND START THE CAR AGAIN, WHILE IN THE HIGHWAY. THE SCREEN DISPLAYS AN ERROR IN THE START-STOP, AND ALSO EN ENGINE ERROR THAT SAYS: ENGINE ON DUE TO SYSTEM ERROR AND ONE TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE UNIT HAS SPENT WEEKS IN THE VW DEALERSHIP AND STILL THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, THEY RETURN THE CAR AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR, I HAVE A SON AND I NEED A CAR I FEEL SAFE DRIVING.

Sep 27, 2019

+ 2 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 complaints

Both headlamps in vehicle stopped working within a month of each other. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles on it. Volkswagen claims lights should last longer than this. Online forums are riddled with this issue, and headlamp price is unreasonably high for a family vehicle ($700-1100 per headlamp). Headlamps are also backordered, making driving the vehicle unsafe at night and under certain weather conditions.

Oct 03, 2025

The low beams went out and you have to replace the entire front lighting assembly.

Mar 23, 2025

Hello, this vehicle (2018 VW Atlas) does have defective headlights (headlight stopped working), High beam works fine but low beam doesn't. I did a thorough research and looks like this issue is very common on All VW Atlas, dealer is telling us that the whole assembly needs to be replaced since the design of this headlight does not have a bulb that can be replaced, the cost of each headlight is over $1,000 each and over $500 in labor and they are on backorder since a lot of people are having this issue. Please assist us on getting this resolved since it is a SAFETY Hazard, people cannot drive their cars without lights, VW should be able to do a recall on this bad design/quality headlights.

Dec 16, 2024

Both low beam lights (left then right) failed within the same month. These are LED headlights. I have to drive with the high beam lights on all the time. Since these are LED headlights, there is no way to replace them (no bulbs). Unacceptable design.

Aug 15, 2024

Atlas has LED headlights - which should outlast the length of any car. First, the left low beam headlight failed. The following week the right low beam headlight failed. Took the car to VW. I was told that it would at least $5,000 to have operational headlights. I asked why LED headlights failed when they are designed to outlast any foreseeable length of any vehicle. VW refused to do any diagnostic work to determine if the cause of the LED failure was due to an electrical issue. (Reddit mentions a problem with electric switches that would cause LED failure.) The value of my Atlas is double the cost to repair the headlights. It would appear this is an electronic issue. The manufacturer has said they will not help because they do not replace headlights. When I asked about the electronic aspect of the LED lights, the VW representative acted like they had zero idea the LED lights were controlled by electric switches. I cannot be the only consumer out there driving an Atlas (only at night) because there is no value in investing $5k on headlights for a vehicle that is only worth $10k - and LED lights should outlast the vehicle.

Apr 14, 2024

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 complaints

I have had this vehicle since 2020. Two months after I bought it, the vehicle would turn off at random. I took it to VW and they change the carbon air canister. It stopped for a while but now it back. When stopping the car randomly shits off. Not auto energy saving off. Restart your engine in 5:30PM traffic type of restart your engine. Slowing down, shut off. Backing up, shut off. I have a 2019 Atlas as well and the same thing happens. This is extremely dangerous and unsafe. VW claims either they dont know what the issue is because there is no service engine light and no code produced.

Jul 29, 2025

ECP light came on and vehicle entered limp mode

May 28, 2025

I was driving on the highway with my family in stop and go traffic when my car turned off on its own while still in Drive. The car has an "Auto On/Off" feature that we had disabled so it should not have, for any reason, done this. We had a semi-truck behind us that nearly rearended us. After putting the car in park, in the middle of the highway, and restarting the engine the car turned off again less than 10 minutes later. This car has a brand-new battery and purge control solenoid (after a check engine light) due to this issue, thinking it would fix it.

Feb 24, 2025

Our 2018 V6 SEL Volkswagen Atlas is the recipient of a defective fuel injection system. Through discussion with VW service and maintenance staff, as well as research in online VW specific forums, there is defective fuel injectors found in various VW Atlas year and differing engine vehicles. Our particular vehicle had a malfunctioning, defective fuel injector (fuel injector for Cylinder 6) which resulted in massive carbon build up. There is no real detection system for a faulty, leaky fuel injector according to VW service. The carbon build up began with misfiring check engine and ECP error codes. Upon taking it to the dealer, we were made aware that the carbon build up also resulted in mechanical failure of components within Cylinder 6. This would affect drivability of the vehicle while on the road, resulting in severe power or ability to drive loss. Other additional factors aside from the faulty fuel injection system, is the valve gasket was also leaking oil through to spark plugs 2-4, which could result in vehicle fire. We are not sure if the faulty gasket is a result of the faulty fuel injector system. The 2018 VW Atlas was a first year model release, and would not be surprised if significant design flaws and defects are a risk with this vehicle.

May 31, 2024

2018 Atlas SEL Premium 3.6L V6. Currently at VW dealership for warranty work. Vehicle has had coolant leaks in the past where dealer replaced water pump. Atlas in for the third time for misfiring in cylinder 6 and other misfiring engine codes. They found issues with the head cylinder gasket and will be replacing the head gasket. There are blogs about this issue throughout the internet.

Nov 30, 2023

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SEAT BELTS

6 complaints

Back seat belt won’t un latch buckled in behind diver seat daughter is skinny enough to squeeze her way out safety issue. Just stopped working and now is stuck.

Mar 25, 2025

Vehicle @ Danbury VW for repairs; per service advisor rear passenger seat belt was ripped/damaged; this seat belt is used on my child’s car seat and has not been involved in any incidents that would cause damage. The contact stated that the damage to the seatbelt in the second passenger seat row was repaired by the dealer. It was brought to their attention that the child car seat used in second row was the cause of the damage. However, upon trying to begin using the second row seating again, another fray in the seatbelt was found by the contact.

Dec 10, 2022

The 2nd row driver's side seatbelt buckle on my 2018 VW Atlas became deformed and broken. I took the vehicle to the dealership because a recall was made on these buckles for becoming unusable and unsafe due to child restraint interference breaking them. Volkswagen refused to fix the recalled buckle, citing it must have been an outside influence, however only child restraints have been used in seating positions, nothing has been done in the vehicle otherwise to substantiate these claims. We are the only owners of the vehicle. Because of the weakness already identified in the buckle housing, I feel this is not out of the realm of possibilities for this buckle. Volkswagen marked the vehicle as having recall work completed on this vehicle, however it has not been completed.

Jul 07, 2021

MY WIFE AND I HAVE A 2018 ATLAS. WE HAVE TWO CHILDREN, AND THEIR CAR SEATS ARE PLACED ON THE SECOND ROW SEATS. WE HAVE BEEN NOTICING THAT THE LATCH FOR THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES SECURING THEIR CAR SEATS WERE COMING UNDONE. IT WOULD LATCH DOWN AND WE WOULD PULL IT TO CONFIRM IT'S SECURELY LATCHED. THEN WE WOULD BE DRIVING IT NORMAL BUT LATER UPON REMOVING OUR CHILDREN FROM THEIR SEATS, WOULD REALIZED THAT THE SEAT BELTS BECAME UNDONE. I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND VW ATLAS 2018 MODEL DID HAVE THAT SAFETY ISSUE AND ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES I TYPED THE VIN NUMBER INTO THE NTHSA AND THE VW WEBSITE AND COULD NOT FIND A RECALL FOR OUR VEHICLE. WE NEVER GOT A RECALL NOTICE EITHER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR OUR CHILDREN, WHICH NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED ASAP.

Oct 13, 2020

IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE PURCHASED TWO 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS SE SUV'S BOTH VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES IN THE REAR SEAT SECTION. UNDER PRESSURE OF CAR SEAT INSTALLATION AND/OR NORMAL USE THESE BUCKLES HAVE BEEN DEEMED FAULTY BY A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND I WAS ADVISED TO NOT USE THE BUCKLE UNTIL A REPLACEMENT WAS ORDERED. THE EASIEST WAY TO VISUALLY SEE THE DEFECT IS TO LOOK AT THE BUCKLE AND IF THE RED DEPRESS BUTTON RAISES ABOVE THE EXTERIOR PLASTIC IT IS CONSIDERED FAULTY AND SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE ATTACHED ONE NORMAL PHOTO AND A FAULTY PHOTO.

Sep 04, 2019

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

6 complaints

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the delay in the repair of a recall affecting my 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL. The recall (Manufacturer Recall Number 69FB, NHTSA Recall Number 23V215) was issued on March 29th, 2023, due to a fault in the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), which may result in the passenger airbag being switched off erroneously. This poses an increased risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash. Despite having attempted to schedule an appointment with my local Volkswagen dealership from which I bought this vehicle in August of 2023, I was informed that there was no remedy yet available, and to this day almost a full year later there is still no repair that has been made available within a reasonable timeframe. Any attempt to contact Volkswagen directly for any updates has produced no useful information, and their only solution at this time is to advise owners of affected vehicles not to have anyone ride in the front passenger seat. This delay in resolving the safety issue poses a significant risk to both myself and the other approximately 140,000 Volkswagen Atlas owners affected by this recall. As a responsible vehicle owner, I am deeply troubled by the apparent lack of urgency in addressing this matter. It is also very frustrating to not safely have full use of a vehicle that I have paid for, and continue to pay for. I urge the NHTSA to intervene and expedite the repair process to ensure the safety of all affected vehicles on the road. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a swift resolution.

Mar 05, 2024

I purchased this vehicle in August of last year (2023), where I was made aware that the vehicle had a recall, however there was no mention that there was no fix for the recall. Thinking that the recall fix was available I have been reaching out to the dealer to schedule an appointment to bring the car in, however I keep getting that there is still no fix and there is no timeframe on when it will become available.

Jan 24, 2024

There has been an airbag recall on my 2018 VW Atlas since March of 2023 with no remedy from the manufacturer even though it’s been almost a year. Manufacturer has advised that passengers should not use the front passenger seat until a remedy is available. I have not been able to have someone ride in my front passenger seat for almost a year with no advice or remedy from VW. Vehicle has been in dealership to try to fix this 3-4 times but fix has not worked.

Jan 12, 2024

Airbag error light keeps popping on and beeping this is a problem because I have a family that ride in the car with me and this has been a problem long before I purchased the vehicle so why haven’t it been fixed yet

Apr 21, 2023

I have a recall on my vehicle that is potentially life threatening if the vehicle is in an accident and the manufacturer has no remedy for it yet. What do I do?

Apr 13, 2023

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

While driving, the vehicle suddenly loses engine power and shuts off without warning. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety hazard because it happen in traffic multiple times . The problem appears to be related to the fuel pump control module and/or electrical wiring failure. Additionally, the power windows stopped functioning due to a failure in the driver door wiring harness, which is a known issue on this vehicle model year. The electrical malfunction and engine stall appear to be connected. This issue has been repaired because the dealership stated the warranty is expired, but this is a safety defect that can lead to a crash. There is also an open unrepaired recall on this vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection.

Nov 06, 2025

Purchased Car with 17,000 miles on it. At 35,400 miles I had an electrical issue, cars was driving slow and jerking, sputtering while on the highway. the EMP ? light came on. I brought to the Clear Lake Volkswagen and they had to change our alot of the electronic system. I drove my car for about 9 months and my battery that was brand new died. There was a something with the electronic system. All along since I have owned the car, it would randomly stall when I would come to a stop. Never a big issue and just thought it was something with the stop/start. Last week while driving on the highway, 4-7 times when I would just take my foot off the gas the car would stall. I would have to pull off the the side of the highway, (NOT SAFE) put car in park and start it again. I again brought it to the dealership and they told me it is the Carbon gasket filter along with a clogged fuel line. I am hearing that has happened alot. I AM SELLING THIS CAR AS SOON AS I GET IT BACK. It has had engine issues since 6 months owning. NEVER BUYING VOLKSWAGON AGAIN.

Jan 17, 2025

EPC light came on and shut the car down at highway speeds. Car was incapacitated. Had car taken to dealer and was told the computer indicated a problem with the fuel injection wiring harness. Was told this is a common recall for 2018 Atlas and Tiguan models but my vin was not included in the recall but could not give me a reason. Had to pay to have wiring harness replaced. Contacted Volkswagen and they refuse to acknowledge a safety issue with my vehicle even though there are open recalls on the wiring harness that shut my vehicle down while driving. My family could have been seriously injured or we could have caused a major accident because this car was somehow excluded from inclusion and notification of the recall

Apr 09, 2024

2018 atlas 3.6 sel premium 4 motion. 3rd time in for service for fuel injector MIL code and misfiring with no resolve. Computer was reprogrammed from VW and compression test and replacement of injectors. Mil code turned on again for misfiring. Vehicle will loose full driving power and only drive at lower speeds without accepting the overdrive when depressing pedal.

Nov 28, 2023

ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AS WELL AS EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON DURING NORMAL CITY DRIVING. POWER AND PICK UP OF THE VEHICLE BECAME GREATLY REDUCED MAKING TRAVEL OVER 15-20 MPH IMPOSSIBLE. UPON ARRIVING HOME AND TURNING CAR OFF, VEHICLE WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO RESTART. CAR WAS TOWED FROM HOME TO DEALERSHIP WERE IT WAS FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL MECHANISM IN VEHICLES HIGH POWERED FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AND QUIT WORKING. HIGH POWERED FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED.

Jan 24, 2019

SUSPENSION

5 complaints

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the rear of the vehicle jumped. The contact exited the vehicle and became aware that the rear coil spring had fractured. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V904000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Nov 13, 2023

THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED 5" TO 6" AFTER DRIVING APPROX. 400MILES. THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS 1.5" FROM THE TIRE & THE PASSENGER SIDE IS 2" AWAY. THE WHEEL WELL HAS A "WARPED" WHEEL WELL. THE SPRINGS SEEMS TO BE LOCKED OR DROPPED. LOOKING AT THE ATLAS IN PROFILE THE REAR IS LOWER THAN THE FRONT. BEFORE THE TRIP I WAS ABLE TO WALK UNDER THE TAILGATE WHEN OPEN WITHOUT HITTING MY HEAD & NOW THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS LOW, I HAVE TO BEND OVER TO PREVENT HITTING MY HEAD. PLEASE NOTE, I AM NOT A TRAINED SERVICE TECH. I AM AN OWNER; I AM DOING A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION FOR WHY THE REAR IS LOWER. I SEARCHED GOOGLE & FOUND THAT IN FEBRUARY VOLKSWAGEN RECALLS 6,322 VEHICLES TO REPAIR FAULTY REAR SPRINGS. BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL. I AM OUT OF STATE FROM MY PURCHASED DEALER & THE LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL LISTED AS "FAULTY REAR SPRINGS" FOR MY VIN. WE HAVE 20' BLACK RIMS / WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE. THE PHOTO SHOWS THE FACTORY INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER AT 13" & ACCORDING TO VW WEBSITE IT SHOULD 19". (FEB. 18, 2019 - VOLKSWAGEN HAS RECALLED 6,000 VEHICLES TO REPAIR POSSIBLE FAULTY REAR SPRINGS. ACCORDING TO THE AUTOMAKER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A REAR COIL SPRING MIGHT SHATTER CAUSING HANDLING PROBLEMS AND THE POSSIBILITY FOR AN ACCIDENT.) *TR

Jun 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V904000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN OF ASHEVILLE (621 BREVARD RD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28806, (828) 232-4000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.*PM CONSUMER STATES THAT DEALER INFORMED THEM THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN AND SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED. *DL

Sep 24, 2019

AT ROUGHLY 5000 MILES 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS SE 2.0T BEGAN HAVING A LOT OF NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. NOISE HAPPENED MOSTLY AT LOWER SPEEDS AND WAS A RATTLE AS WELL AS A BOTTOMING OUT SOUND. VEHICLE WAS ALSO PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT AND ALIGNMENT SEEMED TO BE OFF. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO VW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. INITIAL REPORT WAS THAT THE FRONT BOOTS WERE LEAKING GREASE AND THOUGHT TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, BOOTS WERE REPLACED AND TECHNICIANS STILL NOTED A SOUND COMING FROM THE SAME AREA. STEERING AND AXLE PARTS WERE OVERNIGHTED 4 TIMES, EACH PART NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. AXLE AND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO THE VEHICLE BEING PULLED OUT OF THE LANE OF TRAVEL AND CAUSE A WRECK. DEALERSHIP REPORTS THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ALIGNMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

Jan 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BAYSIDE VOLKSWAGEN (31 WATERMILL LANE, GREAT NECK NY, 11021, 516-348-2500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCKS WERE MADE WITH DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SHOCKS WERE NOT REPLACED BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 180142985. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

Mar 13, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaints

MY ATLAS DIED IN THE DRIVE THRU WHILE RUNNING (STATIONARY BUT ABOUT TO MOVE WHEN IT DIED) WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 25,000 MILES AND HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED LESS THAN ONE MONTH PRIOR. WHEN IT DIED, THE CAR DASH WAS BLINKING DIFFERENT MESSAGES BUT ONE SAID, 'DRIVE TO CHARGE 12V'. I COULDN'T TURN THE ENGINE OVER; THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO UP; AND I WAS STUCK IN THE DRIVE THRU FOR ALMOST AN HOUR BEFORE SOMEONE WAS ABLE TO JUMP MY CAR TO GET IT TO THE DEALER. DEALER SAID THEY HAD CHANGED 4-5 BATTERIES OUT OF THE SAME TYPE OF CAR THAT WEEK. THAT WAS THREE WEEKS AGO. NO ETA ON WHEN A BATTERY WILL BE AVAILABLE. I WENT NEARLY 10 TEN DAYS WITHOUT A CAR AND NOW I HAVE A LOANER. NO INFORMATION ON CAUSE OF PROBLEM OR WHETHER A NEW BATTERY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR VW HAVE GIVEN ME ANY INFORMATION OR GUIDANCE ON WHETHER THE VEHICLE WILL BE SAFE TO DRIVE AFTER BATTERY REPLACEMENT'I REPEATEDLY EXPLAINED THAT MY VEHICLE DIED WHILE RUNNING 'THANKFULLY NOT IN AN INTERSECTION OR RED LIGHT'BUT STILL NO INFORMATION ON THE ISSUE. I ALSO AM NOT GETTING ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHY IT COULD TAKE OVER A MONTH TO EVEN GET A BATTERY.

Feb 25, 2019

TWICE I HAVE BEEN STRANDED BECAUSE THE AUTO START STOP IS NOT PROVIDING ENOUGH POWER TO THE BATTERY AND THEREFOR THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START SOMETIMES WITHOUT BEING JUMPED. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED TWICE BECAUSE THE AUTO SHUT OFF HAS TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AT A LIGHT AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTARTE.

Feb 04, 2019

I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE BATTERY DYING ON MY ATLAS FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAVE DRIVEN IT, GONE INTO A STORE FOR 5 MINUTES AND COMING BACK OUT AND THE BATTERY IS DEAD. OR THE CAR WON'T START THE NEXT MORNING AFTER SITTING MY HEATED GARAGE OVERNIGHT. IN MY INSTANCE THE CAR HAS BEEN STATIONARY THE ENTIRE TIME BUT I KNOW OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN WHILE IN MOTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED 7-8 TIMES RECENTLY AND ITS UNACCEPTABLE FOR THIS TO BE HAPPENING ON A CAR THIS NEW. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR NOT RESTART IN AN INTERSECTION YET LIKE MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD HAPPEN BUT REGARDLESS ITS STILL A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN AND VW NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. I HAVE READ MANY ITEMS THAT PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN THEIR CARS INTO THE DEALER TO GET THE BATTERY REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. VW NEEDS TO RECALL 2018 ATLAS'S FOR THIS PROBLEM AND FIND A PERMANENT FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT AND NEED TO TAKE ACTION ON IT NOW. I CAN'T HAVE MY FAMILY IN VEHICLE THAT THAT I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL OR WILL NOT START.

Jan 16, 2019

THE BATTERY ON MY VEHICLE HAS DIED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT IS ONLY A YEAR OLD BUT IT HAS DIED WHILE DRIVING IN THE AUTO START/STOP MODE AND AFTER PARKED AT WORK AND IN MY GARAGE. TODAY IT WAS -25 DEGREES F AND IT COMPLETELY DIED ON ME AFTER BEING AT WORK FOR 4 HOURS, WHICH WAS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. ALSO, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, MY AUTO START ON MY KEY FOB DOESN'T WORK EITHER.

Dec 31, 2018

VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY AND SHUTS OFF. SLOPED DRIVEWAYS. VEHICLE IN MOTION APPROACHING END OF ANY DRIVEWAY WITH CERTAIN ANGLES WILL SUDDENLY SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND SHUT DOWN, LEAVING STRANDED UNTIL RESTART. POSSIBLE TO BE REAR ENDED OR HIT FROM ANY DIRECTION WHERE TRAFFIC MAY BE COMING FROM. SENSORS BEEP QUICKLY RIGHT BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. THE VEHICLE HAS PLENTY OF GROUND CLEARANCE.

Aug 23, 2018

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

THE FAULTY BRAKE BOOST WARNING CONTINUES TO COME ON WHILE DRIVING EVEN AFTER BEING "FIXED" BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CARS BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME WHEN I WAS REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPOT? THEN THE CAR TURNED COMPLETELY OFF?? I HAD TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND CONTINUE TO PARK?? THERE WAS ALSO AN AUTO START/ STOP ERROR WARNING THAT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING!!

Feb 15, 2020

2/20/2019 AT 16:19 PST - I WAS DRIVING ON A CLOUDY AFTERNOON, APPROACHING A RAILROAD CROSSING, ABOUT 100 FT AWAY. MY ATLAS' RADAR WAS TRIPPED BY SOMETHING AND THE CAR SLAMMED THE BRAKES TO AVOID A CRASH. EXCEPT THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE ROAD. I AM GLAD THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND ME OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH.

Feb 21, 2019

WHEN VEHICLE TRAVEL DOWN AN INCLINE LIKE A DRIVEWAY, THE EMERGENCY BREAKING FEATURE WILL UNEXPECTEDLY ENGAGED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE AND SUDDEN STOP. WHEN THIS OCCURS, I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE CONTINUED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. I AM REQUIRED TO CHANGE GEARS AND/OR RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THIS POSES A EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE AS THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN WHEN YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT OF A PRIVATE DRIVE AND ON TO A ACTIVE ROADWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A SIDE ON VEHICLE COLLISION. ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. SERVICE MANAGER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. SERVICE MANAGER ALSO TESTED ANOTHER VW ATLAS ON THE SALE LOT WITH THE SAME FEATURE. SERVICE MANAGER REPORTED THAT THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED WITH THE OTHER ATLAS AS WELL. SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE, REPORTING THE VEHICLE IS "OPERATING AS DESIGNED." THIS ISSUE POSES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE NO ONLY TO THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE, BUT TO OTHER MOTORISTS ON THE ROAD. VOLKSWAGEN HAS BEEN GIVEN NOTICE OF THE ISSUE AND REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE OF TAKE ACTION.

Oct 25, 2018

I?M CONTACTING YOU WITH AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. THERE IS A SERIOUS DEFECT WITH THE VW ATLAS WE LEASED 2 MONTHS AGO. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DEPLOYS AT UNEXPECTED AND INAPPROPRIATE TIMES PRODUCING A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM HAS ACTIVATED, DANGEROUSLY AND INAPPROPRIATELY, SEVERAL TIMES, USUALLY WHEN PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A LANE. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO OBSTRUCTION OR RISK OF COLLISION, THE CAR SENSES THE INSIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN SLOPE FROM DRIVEWAY TO ROAD AND SLAMS ON THE BRAKES CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE ALL CONTROL. THE CAR IS THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. RECENTLY, MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN PULLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY OF OUR LOCAL SUPERMARKET AND MADE A LEFT TURN. THE AUTOMATIC BREAKING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED AND SHE WAS LEFT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ANOTHER DRIVER BARELY AVOIDED COLLIDING INTO OUR REAR SIDE DOOR WHERE OUR 3 YEAR OLD SON?S CAR SEAT IS LOCATED. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS ISSUE TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND THEY CHECKED THE SYSTEM, AND TOLD US ?IT IS PERFORMING AS THE MANUFACTURE INTENDED IT TO?. THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN ISSUE AND ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT RESULTS IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND I CAN ONLY PRAY THAT MY YOUNG CHILDREN ARENA?T MAIMED OR KILLED. THE VW SERVICE PEOPLE HAVE SHOWN US A COMPLICATED WAY TO TURN OFF THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE CAR, HOWEVER THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. I FEEL ITS INEVITABLE THAT A BUSY MOTHER DOING CHORES WITH TWO TODDLERS WILL FORGET TO TURN OFF THE SYSTEM AT SOME POINT. THIS MATTER NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE DISABILITY OR LOSS OF LIFE OCCURS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A WAY TO FIX THE SYSTEM OR PERMANENTLY DISABLE IT. WE ASKED VW TO PERMANENTLY DISABLE THE SYSTEM BUT THEY DECLINED. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PROMPT REPLY THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

Jul 23, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

3 complaints

ECM light came on, while going 60+ on expressway. Car lost ability to accelerate and began to sputter. Unable to adjust speed and had to pull over to shoulder in fast moving traffic.

Jun 19, 2025

I was driving the vehicle was in drive moving on the road and literally turned off. Completely disabled in the road. I purchased a new battery in September 2022, got the battery tested again and there’s no issue with it. Mechanics can’t find an issue. I had the engine stop feature off (the light is on when it’s off) and it turned itself off prior to the car shutting off completely. I was unable to restart and someone had to assist in Pushing my vehicle out of the road then jumpstart my car. Again I had everything thoroughly checked and there are no active issues.

Aug 23, 2023

VEHICLE GOES INTO EMERGENCY MODE FOR 4TH TIME. HAPPENED TWICE IN 2 DAYS. A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES IN 5 MONTHS. WITH NO WARNING, MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR APPLIES EMERGENCY BRAKING UNTIL THE CAR IS BROUGHT TO A STOP. THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE A SAFE PLACE TO BRING IT TO A STOP. DRIVER IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL CAR IS PARKED AND RESTARTED. THE 4TH TIME THIS HAPPENED, WAS ON AN INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT 75 TO 80MPH WITH VEHICLES AROUND TRAVELING AT SAME SPEEDS OR IN EXCESS OF THAT SPEED. LUCKILY THERE WAS AN OPENING ON THE SHOULDER THAT I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PULL THE CAR INTO AND THE CAR BEHIND ME DIDN'T REAR END ME. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME IT'S HAPPENED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED BODILY HARM. VW DOES NOT CARE. A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED IN FEBRUARY THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE IT DIDN'T, VW WANTED TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE ECM BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT IT WAS FAULTY. AFTER THREAT OF BUYBACK DID THEY FINALLY START DIGGING INTO THE CAR. TECHS FOUND A FAULTY RELAY SWITCH. THEY REPLACED IT AND SAID PROBLEM COULDN'T BE RECREATED SO IT WAS FIXED 'AS FAR AS ANYONE COULD TELL' AND DIDN'T NEED A NEW ECM.

Apr 14, 2021

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

3 complaints

THE EPC LIGHT WILL COME ON AT ANYTIME. MEANING WHILE DRIVING ON A STREET HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY. WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEICHLE WILL LOSE POWER AND START TO SHAKE. THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF ONCE TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON. THERE MOST BE SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUE. NOT SURE WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE 2018. THEY HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS AND ISSUES. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR MONTHS.

Mar 07, 2025

CAR RANDOMLY PUTS TRANSMISSION INTO EMERGENCY MODE

Dec 03, 2020

THE MOST CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE IS THE MALFUNCTIONING AUTO START/STOP SYSTEM. ON FOUR OCCASIONS, IT HAS SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, IT SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE STOPPING TO PAY THE PARKING ATTENDANT BUT FAILED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHEN I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND MANUALLY RESTART THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO HAD MULTIPLE EXPERIENCES WHEN I HAVE TURNED OFF THE AUTO START/START WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE ONLY TO HAVE IT REACTIVATE ITSELF AND SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN I STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. OTHER ISSUES INVOLVE THE "INFOTAINMENT" SYSTEM AND CLIMATE CONTROL ELECTRONICS. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE RADIO HAS TURNED ITSELF ON AFTER I HAVE TURNED IT OFF. AS FOR THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM, IT PERIODICALLY DEACTIVATES THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CLIMATE CONTROL AND SHUTS OFF AIRFLOW TO THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND I HAVE TO MANUALLY RESET THE SYSTEM THROUGH THE BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. THESE EXPERIENCES INDICATE THE VEHICLE ELECTRONIC AND SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ARE UNSTABLE AND THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE ISSUES, AS THEY HAVE RECURRED AFTER THE DEALER CLAIMED TO FIX THE ISSUES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IN THIS MALFUNCTIONING VEHICLE. THE DATE BELOW IS THE MOST RECENT EVENT INVOLVING THE AUTO START/STOP SYSTEM. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN MID-FEBRUARY 2018, APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE.

Sep 24, 2018

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Driving on a single lane road with no other cars on road (in front or behind) and car suddenly brakes to a complete stop and the crash warning sound become audible inside the car. This happened 1 other time about 1 month prior but car did not come to a complete stop that time. That incident there were other vehicles on the road but were at a fair distance away from the car and those vehicles were not braking or slowing down.

Dec 12, 2024

I have experienced an alert/alarm for a "Faulty Break Booster", "Break System Failure", as well as other Break related alarms go off while driving. Multiple times I have been going over 40 mph and the vehicle has instantly breaked and came to a stop on it's own. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer and was advised there is no issue. This issue seems to happen randomly as I have been unable to recognize any similarities between conditions and frequency.

Feb 05, 2024

Twice over last few months the vehicle has just stopped on me on its own. Yesterday it said brake floater faulty and brakes didn’t work right. I pulled over, shut truck off and restarted and went away. It was fine after that.

Sep 29, 2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine, oil, and EPC warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.

Aug 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired under recall, the contact was informed that the fuel tank had collapsed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the contact was informed that there was a gap between the band and the fuel tank which caused the collapse. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,500.

Oct 13, 2023

2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL TANK ISSUES. *LD *TR

Feb 21, 2019

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Both backing up and at slow speeds, the engine stalls out and requires you to put it in park and restart the engine. We brought it into the VW dealership who provided a "fix" for a evap canister and charcoal filter 3QF201797A but the issue continues to occur

Nov 13, 2023

ERROR MESSAGE: 'TRANSMISSION IN EMERGENCY MODE. YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING'. CAR RUNS FINE. IF YOU STOP THE CAR. PLACE IT IN PARK. TURN IT OFF. AND RESTART, THE MESSAGE MAY GO AWAY. USUALLY IT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED, AND SHIFTED INTO REAR OR DRIVE. FEELS LIKE A FALSE POSITIVE. PERHAPS A SMALL ISSUE WITH THE SHIFTER. TRANSMISSION CHANGES GEARS WITHOUT PROBLEMS. TOOK CAR INTO GALPIN FORD IN NORTH HILLS, CA UNDER WARRANTY. THEY CLAIMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM RETURNED SHORTLY THEREAFTER.

Mar 04, 2020

ERROR "TRANSMISSION IN EMERGENCY MODE" WHEN COLD STARTING.

Nov 11, 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

THE CAR STOPS ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH ILLUMINATE, AND CAR STARTS AGAIN AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. TWICE GOING UP THE DRIVEWAY AND THREE TIMES WHILE ON BACK ROADS. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF OR BEHIND US FOR TWO OF THE TIMES. ONE OF THE TIMES, IT WAS DURING TRAFFIC SO THE SPEED WAS SLOW ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE AN IMPACT. ONE OTHER TIME IT STOPPED ABOUT HALF A CAR LENGTH AWAY FROM THE CURB WHEN PARKING THE CAR. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING 70, WITH THE BLINKER ON TO GET OVER TO THE CENTER LANE, THE CAR JERKED ME BACK TO THE RIGHT..I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE, A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, A CAR BEHIND ME, NO CARS IN THE MIDDLE LANE, AND TWO IN THE FAR LEFT LANE COMING UP. ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR THE CAR TO THINK THERE WAS A CAR TO THE LEFT OF ME. THE TWO CARS IN MY ORIGINAL LANE AND THE TWO CARS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE REMAINED IN THOSE LANES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUES. MY CASE WAS ESCALATED TO THE SE REGIONAL CASE MANAGER, WHO PUT THE CASE IN FOR REVIEW TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE AND WAS NOTIFIED TODAY, 10/18/2019, THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BUY IT BACK BUT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE WARRANTY. HOW CAN THEY SERVICE THE VEHICLE IF THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY EXPECT TO DRIVE THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE UNTIL SOMEONE DIES! I PAID EXTRA TO BUY THIS VEHICLE FOR THE SAFETY FEATURES, WHICH IS WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO BE UNSAFE. IT WOULD BE UNETHICAL TO SALE THE CAR, BUT TOO UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE AND PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK OF GETTING IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND DYING. PLEASE HAVE A RECALL ISSUED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES BEFORE SOMEONE DIES AND TELLING CONSUMERS TO DISABLE THESE FUNCTIONS IS NOT THE RIGHT ANSWER EITHER. I HAVE HAD ISSUES FROM THE BEGINNING, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS HICCUPS. DATE IS APPROXIMATE.

Oct 18, 2019

ON MONDAY 6/10/2019 AT 18:10, I WAS DRIVING WEST ON CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 91 IN RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA. I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH MY WIFE, THE CAR WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL, GOING 65 MPH. THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME, I WAS DRIVING IN THE SECOND LANE FROM THE RIGHT. MY CAR APPROACHED AN 18 WHEELER TRUCK AND IT WAS PASSING THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS ON THE RIGHT LANE, MY CAR APPROACHED ON THE NEXT LANE TO THE LEFT. THE CAR WAS STILL ON CRUISE CONTROL AND I WAS STILL ON THE PHONE WITH MY WIFE. AS THE CAR WAS PASSING THE TRUCK, THE VW ATLAS EXECUTES AN EMERGENCY BRAKE AS IF SOMETHING WAS IN MY WAY. THE CAR GAVE NO WARNINGS BEFORE APPLYING THE BRAKES HARD.

Jun 12, 2019

AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAULTY. WHEN I PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAYS OR PARKING LOTS THE SENSORS ARE ACTIVATING AND THE MANEUVER BRAKING IS APPLIED AND THE CAR COMES TO AN ABRUBT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. EVERYTIME THIS HAS OCCURED THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN OBJECT OR CAR PRESENT. THIS SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND DANGEROUS. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT AND THIS MAKES ME VERY CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. VW SERVICE IS LOOKING INTO THE ISSUE AND HAS GIVEN ME A LOANER ATLAS THAT IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE ISSUE OCCURING.

Jul 11, 2018

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

THE SUNROOF IS LEAKING A LOT OF WATER. THE VW DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS BECAUSE THE DRAIN TUBE GETS CLOGGED, THE CLEANED IT AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME $80 FOR SOMETHING I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER. FINALLY THEY HONORED THE WARRANTY AND I DIDN'T PAY. THIS COMPLAINT IS TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE IF THIS HAPPENS TO THEM.

Sep 27, 2019

DRIVER SIDE B PILLAR RATTLE TAPPING. VISIBLE WELD GAP BETWEEN BODY AND SHEET METAL. THE WELD WAS NOT PROPERLY DONE. TAPPING NOISE IS NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPY ROADS OR WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED AGAINST THE B PILLAR.

Apr 10, 2019

THE FIREWALL WAS BROKEN DURING A REPAIR TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BY THE DEALERSHIP IN SEPTEMBER 2017. WE WERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THE FIREWALL BEING BROKEN DURING THE REPAIR. WE WERE ONLY INFORMED WHEN WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP FOR ANOTHER REPAIR IN NOVEMBER 2017. VOLKSWAGEN KNOWINGLY ALLOWED US TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH A BROKEN FIREWALL FOR 2 MONTHS.

Nov 18, 2017

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

while operating the vehicle felt a jerk and then the check engine, oil, and EPC warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and lost power on the highway, we were able to coast to the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the high pressure fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired But was said the 2018 atlas had a known fuel tank issue which caused all the gas to rush to one side allowing air and pressure changes in the system could this is be what led to the fault of the high pressure fuel pump. The vehicle code was reproduced at the dealership. No prior warning signs.

Jul 16, 2025

ENGINE TURNS OFF WHILE RUNNING. DISPLAY SAYS TO TURN ON ENGINE MANUALLY. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IF YOU ARE IN A HIGHWAY YOU HAVE TO STOP AN PUSH THE BRAKE AND THEN THE START BUTTON. IT HAPPENED IN ACITY STREET. THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME IT GOES TO THE DEALER TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

Jul 02, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

When the outdoor temperature gets low, below 20 degrees fahrenheit, the vehicle thinks the driver-side front door is open, when it is closed. Because of this, the vehicle does not want to allow itself to be driven and will put on the electric parking brake. Even if released, the parking brake will automatically re-engage any time the vehicle speed drops below a couple of miles-per-hour. In addition, other errors persist with the electrical system, including error messages regarding the hill descent control, parking assist, passenger side airbag detection, internal lighting, etc. Based upon research, it seems this issue is identical to a recall issued for the same make & model, but for the years 2019-2022.

Jan 14, 2025

THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW. WHEN DRIVING, ALL EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CAR APPLIES EMERGENCY BRAKING. THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND MUST COME TO A STOP IMMEDIATELY OR THE CAR DOES IT FOR THEM. THE ONLY WAY TO THEN DRIVE AGAIN, IS TO PARK IT, TURN THE CAR OFF, AND TURN IT BACK ON. WHEN THAT IS DONE, ALMOST ALL WARNING LIGHTS DISAPPEAR AND THE CAR BEHAVES AS THOUGH NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THE ONLY ERROR THAT THE VEHICLE SHOWS IS AN ERROR WITH THE START/STOP SYSTEM AND SAYS THAT THE ENGINE IS ON DUE TO SYSTEM FAILURE. IF YOU MANUALLY TURN OFF START/STOP, THEN ALL WARNINGS ARE GONE. USUALLY, WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND DRIVEN A SECOND TIME AFTER THAT, NO WARNINGS (NOT EVEN START/STOP) APPEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT 65MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, AT 10MPH IN A PARKING LOT, AND AT 50MPH. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, A STORED CODE FOR MULTIPLE PASSIVE MINI FAULTS APPEARED, BUT DEALER COULD NOT RECREATE PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT AND CALL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. 3 MONTHS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN WITH COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VARIABLES IN DRIVING PRIOR TO IT HAPPENING. WHEN BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALER, THE SAME CODE WAS THROWN IN ADDITION TO A CODE ABOUT LOW BATTERY OUTPUT. VW WARRANTY ENGINEERS DETERMINED IT NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE NEW CODE OF THE BATTERY OUTPUT LEVEL WENT AWAY. 2 MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AT A DIFFERENT RATE OF SPEED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS EVER ON, NOR IS IT PRESENTLY ON. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE DRIVER HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY IN ITS TRACKS AND TURN IT OFF. THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A SAFE PLACE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO UNTIL THEY HAVE TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON AND VIRTUALLY ALL WARNING LIGHTS HAVE DISAPPEARED.

Apr 10, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

While driving my car made a loud beep sound and Faulty Brake Booster appeared on the dash and the BRAKE light came on and the brakes would not work properly. I was almost rear ended because of this.

Sep 13, 2024

I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TWO MONTHS AND IT HAS NOW BEEN IN SERVICE TWICE. AS OF TODAY THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS. THE AUTONOMOUS BREAK SYSTEM IS WAY TOO SENSITIVE AND THE CAR STOPS GOING DOWN STEEP INCLINES OR GOING OVER POT HOLES WHILE IN MOTION. THE CAR HAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AT LEAST 7 TIMES. I TAKE IT TO SERVICE, THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECORD IN THE CARS COMPUTER OF THE INCIDENT. THE FRONT SENSORS ARE ALWAYS BEEPING. I PULL UP TO A STOP SIGN, THE SENSORS GO OFF. I DO A U-TURN AND THE SENSORS GO OFF. SOME DAYS WAY TOO EXCESSIVELY, SOME DAYS NOT AT ALL. IT SCARES ME TO DEATH AND I SLAM ON MY BRAKES BECAUSE I AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO HIT SOMETHING. I TAKE IT TO SERVICE, THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECORD OF IT IN THE CARS COMPUTER. FRONT END COLLISION ALERT, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD AND THE FRONT END COLLISION ALERT WENT OFF. I OF COURSE SLAM ON THE BRAKES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH NO TRAFFIC, THANK GOD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. I TAKE IT TO SERVICE, THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECORD IN THE CARS COMPUTER OF IT. SERVICE HAS BEEN ABLE TO RECREATE THE ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SENSORS, BUT SAYS THERE IS NO FIX. THE CUSTOMER CARE REP FOR VW STATED TODAY ON THE PHONE THAT THEY RECOGNIZE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SENSITIVITY OF THE AUTONOMOUS BREAKING BUT HAS NO FIX FOR IT SO I WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. I LIVE IN HOUSTON, I WILL DIE IF I HIT A POT HOLE AND STOP. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE AND A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. I AM READING ALL OVER THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH THE AUTONOMOUS BRAKING PROBLEMS. IT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE. I WAS ABLE TO VIDEO THE ISSUE WITH THE SENSORS AND VW HAS THE VIDEO AND RECOGNIZES A PROBLEM BUT STATES THAT'S JUST THE WAY THE CAR IS GOING TO WORK. STATES THEY SEE THE ISSUE THERE TOO, BUT THERE IS NO FIX.

Sep 06, 2018

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Air bag system in passenger seat quit working. Has been inspected by dealer.

Jul 15, 2024

Passenger air bag recall

Apr 15, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

In June and early July of 2023 the vehicle’s engine shut off while driving at least 4 times. Shut off occurred while driving at low speeds while in a parking lot, coming out of an intersection, and when approaching a stop sign. When the car shuts off you lose control of steering and braking is difficult. You have to shift the vehicle into park and restart the engine. We took the vehicle to VW dealership who inspected and replaced the charcoal canister and N80 purge valve. Vehicle operated normally for 10 months until late April 2024. In the past month the vehicle has shut off a dozen times while in operation. Similar to before it occurs at low speeds while starting, stopping, turning, and even while driving in reverse. The vehicle is currently back at the dealership to address this. Their initial response was that they couldn’t reproduce this condition, and the check engine light doesn’t come on for this issue, so there’s nothing mechanically that they need to fix. I’m escalating this issue with VW service. This issue has not caused an accident yet, but very likely will if not addressed. Some basic research online indicates that this is a somewhat common issue with VW Atlas models. Someone needs to look into this situation before someone is killed.

May 25, 2024

THERE IS A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY. VW REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER FUEL RAILS AND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ON THE FIRST SERVICE VISIT. I COULD STILL SMELL THE GAS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, NOT INSIDE, WHEN I LEFT THE SERVICE BAY. I RETURNED IT AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE GAS SMELL SO THEY CLEANED THE VENTS AND PUT A STRONG POTPOURRI IN THE VENTS. ? OUTSIDE GAS SMELL PERSISTED IN THE FRONT AND THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT WAS VERY STRONG SO I TOOK IT FOR A 3RD TIME. A WEEK LATER VW CORPORATE LET LINDSAY VW SERVICE KNOW TO REMOVE THE INTAKE AND CHECK THE INJECTORS. ALL SEALS WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THEY REPLACED THEM. I PICKED IT UP A FEW DAYS AGO AND NOW THE GAS SMELL IS SO BAD INSIDE (AGAIN) AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING IT IS SO STRONG THAT I OPENED THE WINDOW TO HELP AIR IT OUT UNTIL I GOT HOME, BUT THE GAS SMELL OUTSIDE MADE IT EVEN WORSE. THE CAR IS UNSAFE. THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS RECALLS, IT'S WEPT RAIN WATER SEVERAL INCHES DEEP INTO THE FRONT SEAT FOOT WELLS, THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE CARPET WHEN THEY DID THE REPAIR AND I WORRY ABOUT MOLD. BUT THIS GAS SITUATION HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE OCTOBER AND IT'S VERY CONCERNING. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR AND I WANT VW TO TAKE IT BACK.

Jan 10, 2020

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Unknown- manufacturer still has not found a remedy for the seatbelt air bag issue and it’s been a year since they announced it

Mar 16, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ONTO A CURB, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. ALSO, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WERE DAMAGED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. HAWK VOLKSWAGEN (2861 WEST JEFFERSON ST, JOLIET, IL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TT *TR

Feb 20, 2019

Crash: 1

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Vehicle displays “Brake booster faulty” and all warning lights trigger. Vehicle auto brakes itself and stops with little ability to steer. No warning/fault codes were stored when brought into the repair shop to address the issue and they could not duplicate it. It is an intermittent problem but looking at online forums it is NOT ISOLATED AND IS DANGEROUS.

Nov 30, 2023

ATLAS IS ON ITS 3RD BATTERY IN 30,000 MILES. WHEN THE BATTERY FAILS IT WILL DIE IN AN INTERSECTION DURING AUTO START STOP. AFTER BOOSTING ELECTRONIC STEERING, BRAKES, ADAPTIVE LIGHTING, REGULAR LIGHTING, BLINKERS ALL FAIL AND OFTEN LIMITS TO 15 MPH

Jan 02, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

2 complaints

When starting up my vehicle the battery turns on but the engine will not start. My dash will light up with multiple warnings. These are the specific ones that warn me: Error: electronic stabilization control (ESC) Error: hill hold assist BRAKE - Brake booster faulty ERROR: Hill hold assist Front assist not available. ERROR: tire pressure monitoring system. Trans. in emerg. Mode. You can continue driving. FAULT: electronic parking brake. Eventually my car starts up, but this is after several attempts. Once I shut car off and go to start back up, it goes through the whole process again. My car was taken into Volkswagen dealership and they said it was my fuel pump, fuel filter & battery. They “fixed” that but by the time I drove my car home, the issue started back up again. My safety is 100% put at risk because not only does my car not start up right away but I can be driving my vehicle and it will slow me down on a main highway and make me brake and then I need to attempt to restart my car to get it started up again several times. I have children I drive around in this vehicle and it is not safe to drive. My car has been illuminating the check engine light and all the other ones for each error I stated above. The problem itself has not been identified. When I did research, the 2019-2020 VW Atlas’s were recalled for this same issue it seems. But mine wasn’t because it is a 2018.

Oct 06, 2023

My trucks breaks has given out multiple times almost causing accidents in the middle of driving with no warning. Message on dash says faulty breaks , break failure before it quickly goes away. The abs break light comes on and the car stalls almost causing me to get rear ended. I purchased the car Oct 12,2021 car start having issues December 2021. It is extremely dangerous to drive. I took it to car max in forth myers fl when I almost hit a tractor trailer WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR ! Carmax refused to look at my vehicle or give me a rental for it being unsafe. This has happened on multiple occasions. I shouldn’t have to pay for something like this to get fixed when I was sold a faulty car from the start. I have spoke with a few Lawyers over this matter about CarMax and Voltswagon. I only have one photo I don’t have a chance to take other photos when it happens because Im to busy trying not to get hurt.

May 22, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

When braking normally, the AEB alert tone sounded, and the display showed a red BRAKE warning with "Brake Booster Failure" displayed on-screen. The brakes then became extremely sensitive and caused the car to abruptly grind to a stop with full ABS action. This occurred in traffic, and the car behind me narrowly avoided a collision due to the uncommanded abrupt halt. I pulled over and the error cleared itself after a few seconds. I pulled the diagnostic error codes from the ECU, and this is the output: 0213 [0x0000D5] Archive (inactive) C10A329: Vacuum sensor, Implausible signal Single Vacuum Pressure Sensor sends no valid data Status bits: 1 Priority: 1 Frequency: 1 Unlearning index: 84 Odometer: 27031 km Date, time: 2023.03.27 09:34:50 Paramteric values: 00 00 80 18 32 00 00 00 CF 47 00 00 02 FF 00 5E 02 40 B0 00 00 00 10 Status: Confirmed (This is from a previous activation, but the recent one is the same). This is the third time this has happened, but the first to put me in actual danger of a crash. I have previously brought this to the dealer but no fix was applied. They were aware of this happening on other vehicles but they did not have a fix. The model year after was recalled due to wiring issues, but my car has never been recalled for anything related. I believe this is a significant safety issue and should be addressed by the manufacturer before it causes a serious incident.

May 31, 2023

Emergency brakes occurred without anyone or anything in front of the car. Braking malfunction warning also came on.

Mar 17, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

2 complaints

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ENGINE AND BRAKES STOP WORKING 2 TIMES. GOT THE CAR IN THE VW SHOP , THEY SAID IT WAS A LOOSE FUSE CONNECTOR. THEY "FIX IT" AND 2 DAYS LATER WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. CAR WILL BE BACK ON SHOP. CALLED VW EACH TIME, OPENED A CASE WITH THEM TO.

Aug 21, 2020

TRANSMISSION/MOTOR IS MAKING A WHISPPING SOUND WHEN YOU ACCELORATE ON THE GAS. HAVE REPORTED MULTIPLE TIMES AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS. IT IS A TERRIBLE SOUND. CAR IS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES

Jan 25, 2019

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING OUR VEHICLE DOWN THE FREEWAY OUR SUNROOF UNEXPECTEDLY EXPLODED OUTWARDS. THE GLASS IS CLEARLY FORCED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. VW DEALERSHIP AND VW GLASS EXPERT CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF OUTSIDE INTRUSION THAT WOULD OF CAUSED THE GLASS TO BREAK. FORTUNATELY, THAT MORNING WE CLOSED THE SCREEN THAT COVERS THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. ONE OF OUR CHILDREN WAS IN THE BACKSEAT AND HAD THE COVER NOT BEEN CLOSED THEN THEY WOULD OF BEEN COVERED IN GLASS. VW HAS DENIED OUR CLAIM FOR A LEMON BUYBACK. WHILE VW HAS REPAIRED THE SUNROOF, WE FEEL THAT THIS REPRESENTS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT AND THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO CONTINUE TO CARRY OUR FAMILY AROUND IN A VEHICLE THAT CAN SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY EXPLODE A VERY LARGE GLASS WINDOW DOWN UPON OUR FAMILY. UNFORTUNATELY AT THIS TIME WE DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO NOT USE THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS THE PRIMARY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION.

Feb 07, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70MPH WITH NO OTHER CARS NEARBY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION/GUNSHOT SOUND AND THEN THE GLASS FROM SUNROOF RAINED DOWN ALL OVER ME. LUCKILY, I ONLY SUSTAINED MINOR ABRASIONS TO MY NECK/BACK FROM THE GLASS. WHEN I LOOKED UP, MOST OF THE GLASS FROM THE FRONT PART OF MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF WAS GONE. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO CLAIMED THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN A ROCK, HOWEVER, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE NEARBY AND I WAS NOWHERE NEAR AN OVERPASS. THEY RECOMMEND FILING AN INSURANCE CLAIM, WHICH I DID, AND USAA COVERED IT.

Feb 21, 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

WHEN DESCENDING AN INCLINE AT SLOW SPEED TO TURN ONTO A ROADWAY THE SENSOR PERCEIVES THE ROAD AS AN OBSTACLE WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO AUTO-STOP PARTIALLY IN THE ROAD. I THEN HAVE TO DISENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND BEGIN AGAIN. THIS IS TOTALLY UNSAFE. IT HAS HAPPENED 10 TIMES WHEN LEAVING MY OWN DRIVEWAY.

Aug 27, 2018

THE AUTO BRAKING AND WARNING SENSORS GO OFF WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING FROM AN INCLINED DRIVEWAY TO A ROADWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US MULTIPLE TIMES, THE MOST RECENT WAS ON 7-2-2018, AND IT BRINGS THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE THAT WAS AN EXTRA COST, BUT THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A CRASH IF NOT RECTIFIED. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR THIS ISSUE, AND MULTIPLE OTHER ISSUES AND ALL I GET BACK IS ' SYSTEM IS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED.' IF THE SYSTEM IS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED, THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A SAFETY ISSUE IN ITSELF. THERE ARE MULTIPLE OTHER OWNERS ON MESSAGE BOARDS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND HAVING THE SAME ANSWERS FROM THE DEALERSHIPS. ON ONE OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS, THERE IS ACTUALLY A VIDEO OF THE VEHICLE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP DRIVING FROM A BANK PARKING LOT TO A MAIN ROAD.

Jul 12, 2018

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the EPC (Emergency Parking Control) warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a tune up and that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact decided not to have the vehicle serviced at that time; however, the vehicle began to shut off while at a complete stop. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer for the repair; however, the vehicle continued to intermittently shut off. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V536000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); and linked the failure to the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Jun 20, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I have a moonroof that leaks whenever it rains. It comes on the sides of the car and also in the middle near my rearview mirror which leaks on my electronics. I am at risk because it brings water into my car when I am driving. It can cause mold and mildew as well. I've taking this to my local VW dealership without any resolution. They just said its a well know issue. The attempted to 'clean' the drains but it still leaks.

Oct 02, 2024

TIRES

1 complaint

The tire started making a sound like every 15 miles or so like it was going over a speed burn (small bumps) on the side of the freeway. I pulled over and checked the tread for rubbing, nails, scarring and there was nothing. After about 60 miles or so and the sound occurring 4 times the TPM light came on. Shortly afterwards the sidewall blew out in 4 separate spots in the tire. I had the vehicle towed and the tires replaced. All tires were filled back up to their recommended PSI. It’s been about 3 weeks and now a second tire (same model) is making the same noise. I am having it replaced before the tire blows like the other.

Sep 23, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

The vehicle slammed on brakes, Electronic Stabilization Control light came on, transmission went into emergency mode, check engine light came on, and many other lights. I had to jerk the car to avoid the ditch since i was in a curve on a highway. Brakes continued to kick back and would not allow me to pull to side of road even in neutral. Battery message came on and said it was not charging. I was stuck in the lane and several people had to swerve or brake hard to miss me.

Aug 13, 2024

WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

Today 3 times while driving my car braked on its own, emitted a loud noise and “Brake Booster Faulty” displays along with the ABS and Brake late. It also told me to power off the car. Prior to this there were no problems however I am now worried for safety reasons.

Aug 01, 2024

EQUIPMENT,Other/I am not sure

1 complaint

Hi, While transporting my bike, the rack failed to secure it and dropped it backwards, basically it didn't hold the horizontal position and both, the rack and the bike dropped/fell backwards, the bike hit a wall and got damaged. Now Kuat posted a note related to a recall for the Kuat transfer v2 (my rack) and I have submitted multiple requests to Kuat using their form, called them and had no answer after a month trying to get their assistance. Per their instructions, you can help us get their assistance. What I do not want is that rack anymore, I need Kuat (or this Administration) to reimburse me for the rack and helped with the damaged to my bike. Thanks so much for your attention and help.

Jul 09, 2024

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

While driving down the road the vehicle automatically shuts off without power brakes or power steering. Must come to a complete stop put the vehicle into park and the vehicle will then restart. Has happened twice in one week.

Jun 13, 2024

SEATS,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

I am experiencing issues related to the airbag sensor recall as the sensor does not know if someone is in the seat or not - it thinks someone is there when they aren't, and vice versa. This recall was announced in April of 2023, and since then, I have been unable to have any passengers ride in my front seat. Needless to say this is not only very inconvenient but also impacts my ability to trade in or sell this vehicle.

Feb 23, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the air conditioning system would activate unintendedly. Additionally, the windshield wiper blade speed would fluctuate while functioning. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Dec 29, 2023

AIR BAGS,SEATS

1 complaint

No use of the airbags in the front passenger seat in my atlas it makes it soo that my seven seater is really a 6 seater that doesn’t have a front passenger seat it’s unbelievable

Dec 20, 2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the “Low Coolant” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact added coolant however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 15,000.

Sep 05, 2023

ENGINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and approaching a stop, while decelerating, the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The START/STOP feature became inoperable. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle rolled into an intersection. While her husband was driving, the START/STOP feature became inoperable. The contact stated that the “START/STOP System/Restart Manually” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who drove the vehicle for approximately four miles but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Aug 07, 2023

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has a defect that has impaired my ability to use the vehicle as intended. It is not only unsafe but I am in fear of driving freeways because I do not know when my car will cut off. Manufactures were fully aware of their defective products. I have read forums pertaining to the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas engine sputtering (Causes and Diagnosis). It states that the causes could be a bad fuel system, ignition system,MAF sensor, or bad converter. I have owned my vehicle for over a year and a half. During this time my vehicle has repeatedly started sputtering, deccelerated and turned off. It has happened 3 times and I do not feel safe. Have taken to dealership only to be told nothing was wrong with car. On October 18, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America recalled 74,067 SUV'S due to Engine Failure that could result in stall, increasing risks of crash. Troublesome connecting rod bearings that potentially lead to oil leaks and fire. Volkswagen has recalled 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.This is a Manufacturer's defect. The defect did not start in 2022-2023 models the problem occured in 2017 when the Volkswagen Atlas was launched as a one of the most innovative technical platforms in automotive industry. I understand that the Federal law requires safety recalls repairs to be provided up to 15 years because safety recalls do not expire. NHTS I am requesting that safety recalls be performed on 2018 Volkswagen Atlas because the same problems exit. I am requesting that Volkswagen Group of America stand behind their products, take ownership of the necessary repairs to keep consumers safe from harms way. I thought there was nothing more terrifying than being buried alive until I drove up and down the streets of San Francisco in a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The fear of not knowing when your car will start sputtering and decelerating causing you to plunge to your death is the most terrifying experience that I have just indured in my life.

Jul 17, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Our 2018 VW Atlas will randomly shut the engine off even with auto start/shut off disabled. This has happened 5 times in 3 months. It has done so on the highway and on main streets putting our family of 6 at risk of being in an auto crash every time. The brakes have automatically came on 2 times. Forward collision sensors come on with nothing in front of us which also puts the breaks on and makes a distracting loud beep which has made me jump out of surprise while driving. The EPA rated fuel economy is 26 highway and 22 city. We drive both and rarely get above 16 combined MPG even with multiple drivers and making an attempt at getting better economy. Our Atlas also makes a loud “clunk” sound from the undercarriage in the center/rear of the vehicle. It does this while driving or while parked with the vehicle idling. Also not major but sometimes when the front passenger window is half down, if you push the button to roll it up, it goes all the way down. We are going to take it in to VW soon but there is a lot wrong that either make driving it a hazard to ourselves and other drivers and makes us feel very uncomfortable. We love it but we are also afraid of it. There is currently no open recalls. I’ve been a mechanic, a machinist and an engineer for nearly 20 years. Some stuff just doesn’t make sense. I read the crank and cam pulses, usually you’d expect a drop in pulse that could cause the engine to shut down but there’s nothing. Nothing on the scan tool or on the onboard vehicle diagnostic.

Jul 07, 2023

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Recall requested on VW Atlas 2017 with statement not to use front seat, but we only have 1 car. How are we to proceed as a family? Recall remedy stated as not being available. Manufacturer Recall Number69FB NHTSA Recall Number23V215

Jun 04, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

The Passenger Air Bag light comes on at random times, even when sitting in seat. It says the airbag detection system may be faulty and the airbag may not deploy when needed. There is a recall for some Volkswagen's but not mine. This light has been coming on for 2 years and it sounds like the recall but since my VIN number is not in the recall, I cannot get it fixed. I believe this may be the same problem as can be life threatening in an accident or another time. I would like Volkswagen to check and fix this under the recall that was made in 4/2023. Please help if you can.

May 31, 2023

SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Brake booster fault warning, brakes want to lock up. Rear seat belt buckles won’t allow belt buckle to insert. Have received brake booster fault several times recently. If I stop motor and restart warning goes away and brakes function correctly.

May 16, 2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while reversing, the backup camera became inoperable. During the failure, the message "Park Pilot Inoperable" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Apr 28, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

Vehicle would indicate normal assistance features were no longer available. Then after sitting for the evening and trying to start in the morning the car would not turn over. Could recharge the battery and turn over no issues. Again after sitting for a little while the car battery would be dead again and not want to turn over.

Apr 24, 2023

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated regarding the passenger’s side air bags. The steering wheel button functionality was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel failure was repaired under an unknown recall campaign; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Apr 12, 2023

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Car automatically brakes driving down road and all the dash lights come on.

Jan 30, 2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH with her children in the rear seats, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of bystanders. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to her destination. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred on another occasion. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Nov 01, 2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

The ACC and lane assist will not work. There is no obstruction of view from any sensor or camera. This is a known problem with VW and they haven’t done anything about this. This is a 2018 model. There is no reason for this to be happening.

Sep 20, 2022

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The stated while his wife was driving during heavy rain conditions, the front driver’s side windshield wiper failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was pending to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

Aug 10, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

The Blind Spot and Rear traffic alert keep on turning themselves off. This has been happening randomly since 2019 and the vehicle has been back to the dealer in excess of 20 times. This is a major safety issue as my wife doesn’t always realize that these systems have decided to go offline. The vehicle has been in and out of the dealer and VW technical services have been involved but is no resolution. The vehicle now has 80k miles on it but the problem first occurred at 25k miles.

Jul 13, 2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto Stop warning message was displayed and a loud audible beep coming from the vehicle to alert that there were vehicles ahead even though there were no vehicles ahead. Several unknown warning messages were displayed, and the vehicle then inadvertently steered to the right into oncoming traffic. The contact was able to regain control of the steering wheel however, the EPC warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence; however, the vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,500.

May 13, 2022

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while, pulling out of the driveway traveling approximately 5 mph the second-row seat sprung forward, with a child utilizing a car seat. The latch was down. The occupant in the car seat struck her head on the passenger seat and medical attention was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate mileage was 17,000.

Oct 26, 2021

Injuries: 1

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Volkswagen Dealership of Lake Charles, LA attempted to repair a safety recall on catalytic converter. When I picked my car up for the safety recall on the catalytic converter my car smelled like fuel and was leaking fuel and would not stay running and stopped running while driving in traffic and at stop lights and intersections. The dealership has had my vehicle for 3 months and still not repaired my recall correctly and I just got it back today October 4th and the problem remains unresolved. I attempted to back out into traffic and my car stopped running and there was incoming traffic. Luckily me and my 2 daughters were not hurt however this car is not safe and request the dealership fixes the safety recall correctly.

Oct 04, 2021

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE IS WATER IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CONDENSATION DRAIN TUBE THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE A/C EVAPORATOR COIL WAS TWISTED AT THE DRAIN PAN. THIS CAUSED THE WATER TO POOL UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THE AIR BAG WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 87F9.

Aug 30, 2021

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at low speeds downhill, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle stalled randomly while near objects in the road when the collision avoidance feature engaged without warning. The contact called the local dealer where the collision avoidance feature was disabled remotely. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Jul 14, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

My 2018 VW Atlas came from the factory with the A/C condensation drain tube twisted. This is a known issue with almost 9700 2018 VW atlas vehicles. A safety recall was issued to replace the drain hose and the air bag module. Somehow my car was missed and the dealer and Volkswagen does not want to acknowledge the issue and replace the air bag module. The manufacture recall number is 87F9 the NHTSA recall number is 18V-537. The recall states that if the drain tube is twisted it and the module are to be replaced. I am trying to find out why my atlas was not listed in the recall. It appears to be in the VIN range listed on the recall.

Jul 01, 2021

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

MY 2018 ATLAS LANE ASSIST PULLS THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER LANE WITHOUT WARNING OR INTENTION FORCING ME TO KEEP A FIRM GRIP ON THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. THIS USUALLY HAPPEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY BUT IT ALSO HAPPENS ON SECONDARY ROADS AS WELL. IT IS SCARY FOR ME AS WELL AS ANY OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO VWOFA AA WELL AS THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IT IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS RANDOMLY. THEY DID A SHORT TEST DRIVE AND FOUND NOTHING BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. FOR THAT REASON I RARELY USE THE VEHICLE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD.

Apr 15, 2021

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, STALLED OUT, UNABLE TO RESTART AND SMELLED LIKE GASOLINE AND VOLKSWAGEN DEALER SAYS NEED NEW ENGINE.

Apr 03, 2021

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

TWO WEEKS AGO, OUR 2018 ATLAS DISPLAYED FAULTY STEERING LOCK. VEHICLE WAS DISABLED AND TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. AFTER $1,300 IN REPAIRS WITH NEW STEERING MODULE, THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS THIS AGAIN, AND WON'T MOVE. VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WON'T STEER AND IS GOING INOPERABLE.

Mar 15, 2021

AIR BAGS,ENGINE

1 complaint

2018 ATLAS WITH UNDER 17K AND AIR BAG ERROR COMES ON. ALSO LEAKING COOLANT.

Mar 04, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THE SUNROOF IS LEAKING IN MY 2018 CPO VW ATLAS SEL. THIS IS THE 4TH WEEK SINCE DELIVERED. THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER INTO THE CABIN, MY VISOR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING ON THE DRIVER SIDE, THERE IS WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE HEADLINE AND A MOLDY ODOR IS BEGINNING TO PERMEATE THE VEHICLE. IT WAS NOTICED AFTER 1 TRIP AFTER BEING PARKED ALL NIGHT IN STEADY RAIN FALL.

Feb 27, 2021

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT 76,000 MILES. ALSO REPLACED SENSOR FOR FRONT ASSIST ERROR LESS THAN 1 YEAR AGO AND IT'S NOW GIVING WARNING LIGHT AGAIN. VW SAYING I HAVE TO PAY $450 TO RECALIBRATE.

Dec 11, 2020

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I'VE HAD SCARY PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE ASSIST AND LANE ASSIST. WITH LANE ASSIST THE VEHICLE HAS MADE SUDDEN VIOLENT TURNS TO STAY IN A LANE. SOMETIMES IF THERE'S A GAP IN THE ROAD LINES (SUCH AS A TURN LANE) LANE ASSIST CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE. ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS FINE BUT I'VE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHEN TRAFFIC AHEAD STOPPED ABRUPTLY WHERE IT WOULDN'T HAVE STOPPED IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION.

Aug 06, 2020

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, TURNED CAR ON AND LIGHTS INDICATED LOW VOLTAGE AND TURNED CAR OFF. TURNED CAR BACK ON SO CAR COULD CHARGE BATTERY BUT A/C WASN'T WORKING AND POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING SO PUT IN REVERSE TO SEE IF IT WAS A FAULT AND START DRIVING AND EVERYTHING DIED INSTANTLY AND CAR HAD TO BE TOWED FROM SPOT.

Jul 23, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,ENGINE

1 complaint

2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BEING UNRESPONSIVE. *LD CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL ISSUES SINCE PURCHASING IT. ON 05/07/18 , WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, VEHICLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON 02/21/19 THE VEHICLE'S REMOTE START STOPPED WORKING AND THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND THE CYLINDER HEAD AND CATALYST WERE REPLACED. ON 05/30/19 THE A/C UNIT WOULD NOT BLOW OUT COLD AIR AND VIBRATED WHEN TURNED ON. THE A/C BLOWER MOTOR WAS REPLACED. ON 07/02/19 A LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND A RATTLING SOUND CAME FROM VENTS. DEBRIS WAS FOUND IN THE VENTS AND TRACES OF METAL WERE FOUND IN OIL. THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND PARTS WERE REPLACED. ON 12/2719 THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL. VEHICLE RECEIVED A NEW ENGINE. ON 02/17/20 A NOISE IS HEARD WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF FAILURES. MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO PAY REMAINING BALANCE ON VEHICLE, SO THAT CONSUMER COULD TRADE-IN VEHICLE. CONSUMER DECLINED OFFER. *DL

Mar 19, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

MARCH 5, 2020. 2018 VW ATLAS, 2017 MID-YEAR DELIVERY. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OCCASIONS OF EMERGENCY BRAKING BEING PERFORMED BY THE CAR WITHOUT DRIVING CONDITION NEEDING THE SAFETY INTERVENTION. THERE HAVE BEEN FIVE OCCURRENCES TO DATE WITH THE VEHICLE: 1. DRIVING I-75 IN TO ATLANTA --WHILE DRIVING NEXT TO AN 18 WHEELER (18-W) [TANKER] , THE CAR SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES WHILE AT A SPEED AROUND 75 UNTIL THE CAR WAS BEHIND THE REAR OF THE TRAILER. THERE WAS NO CONDITION FOR NEED THIS REACTION (THE 18-W AND I MAINTAINED LANE CONTROL.) 2. SOME RANDOM MONTHS LATER, THE CAR PERFORMED A EMERGENCY BRAKING WHILE ON I-20 WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN TWO 18-WS [ 2 TANKER]. THE CAR SPEED WERE INTERSTATE SPEEDS AND NO CONDITIONS THAT NEEDED THE INTERVENTION. 3. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC CLOSED TO I-20 ON A FOUR LANE SECONDARY ROAD, THE VEHICLE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE DUE TO TRAFFIC BACKUP AT A STOP LIGHT. IT CASED MY CARGO TO SLIDE FORWARD TO ALL THE SEAT BACKS. 4. THIS WAS ANOTHER BRAKING ACTION OCCURRED WITH AN 18W [FLATBEAD]. 5. MARCH 3, 2020, THE LATEST WAS A SIMILAR EMERGENCY BRAKING WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS. THE BRAKING ACTION WAS NOT AS HARD AND RELEASED AFTER CLEARING THE REAR TRAILER OF THE 18-W. SINCE THE CARS DO NOT GENERATE AN ERROR CODE THE COMMON DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS ARE NOT ABLE TO FIND A FAULT. THE SAFETY SYSTEMS SHOULD BE MODIFIED TO GENERATE INCIDENT CODE WHEN EMERGENCY BRAKING OCCURS SINCE THE CONDITIONS ARE PERFORMED IN A ROBOTIC FUNCTION (NON-DRIVER CONDITION). I GENERALLY TALK TO THE VW SERVICE TECH ABOUT THIS FINDING EVERY TIME I AM IN VW SERVICE AREA TO SEE IF THE CONDITION IS PRESENT IN OTHER VEHICLES.

Mar 05, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

I OWN A VW ATLAS WHICH IS 2 MONTHS OLD. BATTERY DIED ALL OF A SUDDEN 2 MONTHS BACK. HAD TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE. COUPLE OF DAYS BACK BATTERY WAS COMPLETE DOWN AGAIN. I USED THE CAR EVERYDAY BEFORE BATTERY WENT COLD IN MY GARAGE.

Feb 02, 2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON AT LEAST 10-12 OCCASIONS AS OF TODAY, 1/28/20, THE ERROR:AIRBAG MESSAGE HAS POPPED UP ON OUR SCREEN BEHIND STEERING WHEEL BOTH WITH A PASSENGER PRESENT AND WITHOUT. THEN THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATES THAT BOTH AIRBAGS ARE TURNED OFF. ALSO, THERE APPEARS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE DRIVERS VISOR LIGHT. IT WILL TURN ON WHEN YOU MOVE THE MIRROR SLIGHTLY BUT IF YOU OPEN THE MIRROR ALL THE WAY IT BLINKS A FEW TIMES THEN TURNS OFF.

Jan 28, 2020

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

ON MANY OCCASIONS, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEMS HAVE ENGAGED AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES. MOST RECENTLY, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED WHEN SAFELY MERGING WITH PROPER SIGNALING FROM THE RIGHT LANE, WHICH WAS ENDING, TO THE NEXT TO THE LEFT LANE WHEN THE ONLY VEHICLE IN THE VICINITY WAS FULLY IN THE LEFT TURN LANE. THERE WAS ENOUGH SPACE BETWEEN OUR VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BEHIND TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION BUT THE HARD BRAKING WAS UNNECESSARY AND COULD HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE OR MORE SERIOUS INJURIES THAN THOSE SUSTAINED BY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER CAUSED BY THE SEATBELT LOCKING ON THE COLLARBONE AND CHEST BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN APPLICATION OF BRAKES. ANOTHER RECENT INCIDENT WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SAFELY CHANGING LANES WITH PROPER SIGNALING FROM THE FAR LEFT LANE TO THE CENTER LANE AND THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM PREVENTED CHANGING LANES WHEN THE CLOSEST TO THE RIGHT VEHICLE WAS IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE, ONE LANE FURTHER THAN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE INTO. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED WHILE CHANGING LANES TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH DEBRIS OR ANOTHER VEHICLE, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE OR INJURIES.

Jan 20, 2020

Injuries: 2

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

PROBLEMS WITH FUEL INJECTOR WHERE THE MANUFACTURER ADVISE TO CHANGE THE ALL INJECTORS AFTER 100K MILES . WHERE THEY SENDING ME TO PAY FOR THIS EXPENSES. THE ACC AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL ALSO FAILED WHERE THEY CHARGING $600 TO REPROGRAM THE SYSTEM FOR SOME REASON STOP WORKING HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN WITH A NEW CAR.

Dec 30, 2019

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

PURCHASED THE ATLAS BRAND NEW. 2000 MILES IN STARTED TO HEAR LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR LIKE THE STRUTS WERE GOING BAD, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THEY STATED MY DUST BOOT COVER WAS STUCK AND JUST NEEDED TO BE GREASED. 1000-2000 MORE MILES LATER SAME NOISE CAME BACK TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE NOISE IT IS ESPECIALLY LOUD WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. I MADE SHOP MANAGER RIDE WITH ME AND HE HEARD THE NOISE. HE REPLACED A STRUT MOUNT AND DUST COVER. 2500 MORE MILES LATER AND THE NOISE IS BACK. BOOT COVER IS STUCK AGAIN. DEALERSHIP FIXED IT AGAIN CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE NOISE AGAIN. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO VW NO RESPONSE YET. THIS IS THE 4TH RENTAL CAR I HAVE HAD DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. ON THE THIRD GO AROUND THEY TOLD ME THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM AND I DIDN'T EVEN GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND HEARD THE NOISE. TURNED RIGHT AROUND AND TOOK IT BACK. THEY GAVE MY RENTAL CAR BACK AND HAD MY CAR FOR A WEEK.

Jun 11, 2019

STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE 3,000 MILES. CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE. DEALERSHIP FIXED IT ON THE 3RD TRY AFTER GETTING VW INVOLVED. IT WAS A FAULTY GAS TANK, LEAKING FUEL INTO THE LINES. THEY REPLACED THE TANK AND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER. LANE ASSIST FEATURE SEVERELY MALFUNCTIONS SINCE DAY 1 OF OWNING THIS CAR. NEARLY EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT, THE VEHICLE STEERS ITSELF INTO MEDIANS, INTO CURVES OR INTERSECTIONS, INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ALWAYS WHILE I'M ACTIVELY DRIVING STRAIGHT. I CONTACTED VW; THEY RECOMMENDED HAVING THE SYSTEM INSPECTED. DEALERSHIP COULD FIND NO PROBLEMS WITH IT, STATING IT WAS JUST A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. I WILL NOT JUST TURN THAT FEATURE OFF WHEN I'M PAYING FOR IT. I ASKED VW TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK, AS IT HAS INCREASINGLY BECOME MORE DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN. THEY DENIED MY REQUEST. I HAVE CONTACTED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IN HOPES OF GETTING A MORE SENSIBLE OUTCOME, BUT VW HAS ONLY OFFERED TO SETTLE MY CONCERNS FOR $2,500, WHICH IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

May 29, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

WAS DRIVING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AND THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE ALL OF A SUDDEN MALFUNCTIONED AND TURNED ON, AND LOCKED UP ALL MOVEMENT. THE SYSTEM WAS SCREAMING ELECTRONIC BRAKE MALFUNCTION, DO NOT DRIVE, BRAKE IS ACTIVATED. I WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY PUT IT BACK UP NEAR MY HOUSE IN THE PARKING PORTION OF THE DRIVEWAY. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THE BRAKE HAS MALFUNCTIONED HOWEVER IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT IT HAS DONE IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING, NORMALLY I CAN TURN OFF THE CAR WAIT ABOUT 5 MINUTES OR SO AND THEN IT'LL STOP MALFUNCTIONING HOWEVER THIS TIME THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I COULD NOT GET THE BRAKE TO TURN OFF. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (STILL SHOWING A MALFUNCTION AFTER VEHICLE WAS OFF ALL DAY). AT THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL DAYS, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE INCIDENT AND THE CAR DOES NOT KEEP A LOG OF MALFUNCTIONS INTERNALLY SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE DONE. I HAVE A LONG LIST OF PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS, CAMERA SYSTEMS, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC FAILURES GOING BACK THROUGH AUGUST 2018

Mar 11, 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE AND OBJECT DETECTION WERE NOT WORKING WHEN I PICKED UP THE NEW LEASE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER ON JUNE 19, 2018. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE A MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE CONSOLE THAT THE FRONT ASSIST IS "NOT AVAILABLE". AUTOMATIC BRAKING, COLLISION AVOIDANCE IS AFFECTED. ACC (ASSISTED CRUISE CONTROL) IS ALSO NOT OPERATIONAL WITHOUT THE FRONT ASSIST FUNCTIONING. THE DEALER HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE HAVE BEEN FIVE SEPARATE ATTEMPTS BY VW SERVICE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. EACH TIME THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM IT STOPS WORKING WITHIN 1-5 DAYS. I HAVE TAKEN THE SUV IN FOR REPAIR FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 7/12/18, 7/24/18, 10/8/18, 2/12/19, 2/26/19.

Feb 26, 2019

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

VEHICLE DOES NOT STAY IN ECO MODE. DIGITAL DISPLAY SHUTS DOWN RANDOMLY (RADIO DISPLAY) STRUT NOISE UNIDENTIFIED

Feb 25, 2019

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

TAKATA, OIL WAS LOW UPON PURCHASE, HAD TO REPLACE OIL WITHIN THE FIRST 100 MILES AND SECOND TIME AT 5,000 MILES ALONG WITH THE COOLANT! COOLANT WAS COMPLETELY GONE AT 5000 MILES. AIR VENTS ARE HORRIBLE- SMELL OF OIL/COOLANT SEEPING INTO THE VENTS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON. OUTDOOR SMELLS COME INTO THE CAR ALONG WITH EXHAUST FROM OTHER CARS. SHIFTER JUMPS AND IS STIFF WHILE GOING OUT OF PARK TO NEUTRAL, FROM PARK TO DRIVE ETC. VERY TOXIC THIS VEHICLE IS, NOT SAFE WHEN IDLING...WHEN IN NEUTRAL THE VEHICLE AS I WOULD BE IN A DRIVE THRU PERSE AND THEN BRAKE TO GO FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE, THE TRANS WILL "JUMP" GRIND INTO GEAR!

Feb 06, 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO AVOID A REAR COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GUNTHER VOLKSWAGEN OF COCONUT CREEK (4300 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 590-3750), BUT THEY REFUSED TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE CONTACT HAD AN APPOINTMENT. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. AFTER A FEW HOURS OF WAITING, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO FULLY RESTART AND WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE DEALER. ONCE AT THE DEALER, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT HIS CUSTOMER PROFILE HAD BEEN DELETED FROM THEIR SYSTEM. THE CONTACT HAD HIS INFORMATION RE-ENTERED INTO THE SYSTEM. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS AND THEY PERFORMED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. AFTERWARDS, THE FAILURES RECURRED EVEN MORE FREQUENTLY, INCLUDING MULTIPLE TIMES EACH DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A THIRD TIME WHERE IT WAS KEPT FOR THREE DAYS, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY EVEN THOUGH THE CONTACT CAPTURED MANY OF THE FAILURES ON VIDEO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THEY REFUSED TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE BASED ON THE DEALER'S INFORMATION. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO REFUSED TO LOOK AT ANY OF THE VIDEOS AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANOTHER DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.

Feb 05, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

LEFT FOG LIGHTS SPORADICALLY BLINK ON AND OFF FOR NO SPECIFIC REASON. THIS HAPPENS DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHTS.

Jan 24, 2019

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

THERE HAVE BEEN SEVEN RECALLS ON THE 2018 ATLAS LAUNCH EDITION. COOK VW IN FALLSTON HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR AT LEAST 5 RECALLS. IT'S BEEN MONTHS AND THEY HAVEN'T REPAIRED ANYTHING. WE TOOK FAITH IN THESE PEOPLE AND THEY COULD CARE LESS FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. TODAY WE GOT A RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE IGNITION. THAT MAKES 6 RECALLS THEY WILL NOT FIX. MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. DON'T HAVE DATES BUT THEY SHOULD BE IN THE DATABASE AT THIS DEALERSHIP. THEY ALL HAPPENED IN 2018.

Dec 26, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE

1 complaint

MY VEHICLE BATTERY DIED AFTER REFUELING. AND I HAD TO CALL FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR A JUMP. VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SHOWED 2 MESSAGES: 1) 12 VOLT BATTERY LOW AND RECHARGE WHILE DRIVING 2) ERROR START/STOP SYSTEM

Dec 02, 2018

SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

TAKATA RECALL

Nov 08, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 VW ATLAS WITH 8,800 MILES ON IT ON 11/5/18. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE CAR'S ENGINE DID NOT TURN BACK ON FROM IDLING AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED GOING OFF TELLING ME VARIOUS THINGS. I DO NOT THINK HAVING AN ECOFRIENDLY CAR IS WORTH IT TURNING OFF TO NOT TURN BACK ON WHEN IT'S SUPPOSED TO. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO FIXED THE CAR TELLING ME THAT THERE WERE SOFTWARE UPDATES AND THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THE PRINTOUT FROM WORKING ON IT SAYS THAT THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM IS GOOD BUT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE INTERNALLY, ON A CAR THAT'S A LITTLE OVER A YEAR OLD. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING, THE CAR WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE MY KEY, WOULD NOT TURN ON, AND ESSENTIALLY WAS USELESS IN TRAFFIC AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I AM THANKFUL MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR. VW CLAIMS THE PROBLEM IS FIXED BUT READING OTHERS COMPLAINTS I AM DOUBTFUL AND AFRAID THAT IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS HAPPENS, WITHOUT WARNING, AGAIN. I CANNOT HAVE THIS HAPPEN DUE TO SAFETY REASONS, BEING A SINGLE PARENT OF TWO YOUNG KIDS, AND I HAD TO ALSO MISS A DAY OF WORK TO DEAL WITH A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE. I AM ALSO WONDERING IF THIS PROBLEM HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY CAR HAVING AN OIL SPILL AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THAT THE DEALERSHIP DID INCORRECTLY IN AUGUST. THEY DID NOT TIGHTEN THE CAP TO THE EXTENT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED AND OIL SPILLED ALL OVER MY GARAGE, STAINED IT, AND IT'S NEVER COMING OUT. VW FIXED THAT AND GAVE A FREE OIL CHANGE IN THE FUTURE? I REALLY HOPE THAT DID NOT MESS UP MY NEW CAR AND CAUSE THIS NEW ISSUE TO HAPPEN. I CANNOT HAVE ANY MORE ISSUES HAPPENING WITH THIS CAR AND THE BATTERY/COMPUTER ISSUES NEED TO BE FIXED SO THAT THEY DON'T EVER HAPPEN AGAIN.

Nov 07, 2018

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 10/31/18 AND ON 11/4/18 WE ARRIVED AT A RELATIVE'S HOME IN WESTCHESTER. THIS AREA HAS NO SIDEWALKS OR PARKING LANE. WE PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE STREET TO PARK. THE STREET IS A SLIGHT HILL AND THE SHOULDER WAS VERY UNEVEN. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS UPHILL. MY HUSBAND HAD CUT THE WHEELS TO TH E ROAD WHEN PULLING IN. ONCE IN PARK AND THE CAR OFF, HE EXITED AND WALKED BEHIND THE CAR TO COME ROUND AND HELP ME GET OUT ON THE ROUGH SHOULDER. BEFORE HE MADE IT TO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWNHILL INTO THE STREET. I INSTICTIVELY WENT FOR THE SHIFT. THE SHIFT WAS ALREADY IN THE PARK POSITION BUT THE CAR WAS MOVING! BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A VERY STEEP HILL, THE ELEVATION CHANGE AT THE TRANSITION FROM THE DIRT SHOULDER TO THE ASPHALT ROAD STOPPED THE CAR WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL MET THE ASPHALT EDGE. THIS ROAD IS NARROW AND WINDING. WE WERE FORTUNATE NOONE WAS COMING ROUND THE BEND. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP 30-40% INTO THE CAR LANE WITH NO DRIVER BEHIND THE WHEEL. IN ITS SIMPLEST STATE IT APPEARS THAT THE TRANSMISSION PARK GEAR DID NOT ENGAGE, YET IT WAS DEFINITELY IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE A MANUEL PARKING BRAKE. TO BE HONEST, THE HILL WOULD NOT HAVE SEEMED TO WARRANT THE NEED FOR A PARKING BRAKE IF THE PARKING GEAR WERE ENGAGING PROPERLY. WE HAVE JUST CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO CLAIMED IGNORANCE OF ANY SUCH PROBLEMS EVER EXISTING. HE SUGGESTED WE MAKE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT & HAVE THE AUTO CHECKED OUT. I SUSPECT SO THEY CAN FORMALLY TELL US IT IS OUR IMAGINATION. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS ON FILE, I AM SORRY WE DID NOT LOOK HERE BEFORE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT DOESN'T SEEM THAT VW OR ANY OTHER CAR MANUFACTURER SEEMS ANXIOUS TO CORRECT DESIGN FLAWS UNTIL THERE ARE SUFFICIENT DEATHS.

Nov 05, 2018

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

BATTERY ISSUE- THE START/STOP FEATURE DRAINS THE BATTERY. A 2018 ATLAS BATTERY DIED WHILE THE CAR WAS ON AT AN INTERSECTION. WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO TURN AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN. IT CAUSE EVERYTHING TO TRY OFF AND STEERING AND BRAKING WERE IMPOSSIBLE. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AT VW AND THERE IS NO RECALL.

Oct 20, 2018

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION AT TAKE OFF; PASSENGER DRIVER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR WEATHERING SEAL COMING OFF; NOISE COMING FROM STEERING WHEN TURNING SOUNDS LIKE UPPER SUSPENSION MOUNT FAULTY.

Oct 15, 2018

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS

1 complaint

AT AROUND 60 TO 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE HAS A SLIGHT VIBRATION WHICH SHAKES THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL. ALONG WITH VIBRATION THERE IS A SLIGHT FLUTTERING NOISE AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS THREE DIFFERENT TIMES BUT THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THIS IS JUST HIGHWAY NOISE. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS VIBRATION AND NOISE IS ON DIFFERENT KINDS OF HIGHWAY SURFACE. I BROUGHT THE NEW ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017 AND DROVE IT HOME FROM CINCINNATI OH TO MY HOME IN NEWARK OH ABOUT 150 MILES. I NOTICED THE VIBRATION AND NOISE ON THE TRIP HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS NEW CAR. THIS CAR 18 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN I TOOK DELIVERY ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017. I HAD MOVED TO MICHIGAN IN JUNE 2018 HAD TAKEN TO WILLIAMS VOLKSWAGEN TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. WILLIAMS VOLKSWAGEN HAD TWICE TRIED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND EACH TIME CLAIMED IT WAS REPAIRED SATISFACTORY. THE FIRST TIJE I TOOK IT TO WILLIAMS VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CLAIMED I HAD HIT A POT HOLE. I TOLD HIM IT WAS THAT WAY WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR. THEY BALANCE ALL WHEELS AND CLAIMED IT WAS REPAIRED. I TOOK BACK AGAIN AND THEY DID A "FORCED" BALANCE AND REPLACE TWO FRONT TIRES AND SAID IT WAS REPAIRED. I CONTACTED WILLIAMS VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE MANAGER AND HE ADMITTED HE ALSO HEARD AND SEEN THE VIBRATION IN THE CAR BUT CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO ROAD CONDITIONS, NOT THE CAR. I AM CONCERN THERE COULD BE A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR MAYBE WITH THE STEERING AND OR WHEELS.

Aug 19, 2018

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP ON A CITY STREET AFTER FULL APPLICATION OF BRAKES CAUSING COLLISION AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER . I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM WALKS WAGON THAT CERAMIC COATING ON THE BRAKES NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY BRAKE ISSUES PRIOR TO THE COLLISION .THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 4100 MILES AND CURRENTLY AT THE COLLISION CENTRE .

Aug 06, 2018

Crash: 1

SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

VOLKSWAGEN DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INFORMED ME THAT THEY CANNOT RELEASE MY VEHICLE WITHOUT FIXING THE 69X1 SEAT-BELT RECALL ISSUE. THEY STATE THAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS NO ETA ON THE FIX, EFFECTIVELY LEAVING ME WITHOUT MY VEHICLE FOR SOME UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME.

Jul 19, 2018

AIR BAGS,SEATS,ENGINE

1 complaint

RECALL 20AH IS COMPLETELY UNNACEPTABLE. THERE ARE 8 DIFFERENT POSSIBLE REPAIRS THAT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. THESE REPAIRS RANGE FROM AIRBAG SOFTWARE UPDATES TO SUNROOF REPAIRS. HOW IS IT LEGAL FOR THEM TO COMBINE THESE REPAIRS? AS A MECHANIC AND A CONSUMER IT IS BAD FOR BUSINESS AS THE VARIOUS PARTS/ INSPECTIONS NECCESSARY MAKE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCOMODATE THE REPAIRS.

Jul 17, 2018

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. WITHIN WEEKS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE STRUT MOUNTED SYSTEM. FURTHERMORE, AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT ASSIST WITH AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SEIZE WHILE IN MOTION WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE NEARBY. THE DEALER (DANBURY VOLKSWAGEN, 29 SUGAR HOLLOW RD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 744-5201) HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO MONTHS FOR SERVICING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Jun 20, 2018

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

THE DRIVER SIDE, FRONT WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE DUE LOUD VIBRATION NOISES, RATTLING NOISES, AND REPEATED STEERING ISSUES. THE STEERING WHEEL VIOLENTLY JERKS TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT AND PULLS THE CAR OUT OF THE DESIRED DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. THE VW ATLAS IS AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR A THIRD TIME SINCE DATE OF PIRCHASE (FEB 2018) FOR THE SAME STEERING ISSUES AND NOISE ISSUES. THE 'AUTO-BRAKING' SYSTEM THAT'S DESIGNED TO PREVENT REAR END COLLISSIONS HAS MALFUNCTIONED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. BOTH MALFUNCTIONS WERE WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT WITH A DOWNGRADED SLOPE TOWARD THE STREET. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT TO MERGE INTO MOVING TRAFFIC, THE ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AS THE CAR WAS MOVING DOWN THE SLOPED PARKING LOT EXIT LEAVING THE VW ATLAS FROZEN IN PLACE AS STREET TRAFFIC WAS RAPIDLY APPROACHING. I HAD TO PUT THE VW ATLAS IN 'PARK' AND BACK IN 'DRIVE' IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE ELECTRONIC BREAK SYSTEM. THIS AUTO-BREAKING FEATURE HAS CREATED TO SAFETY SITUATIONS WHERE MY VW ATLAS WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE WITH MOVING TRAFFIC, NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS IN BOTH SITUATIONS.

May 31, 2018

2018 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

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