2019 Volkswagen Atlas Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 138 3 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, when veering towards the left or right with the vehicle, the vehicle would turn in the opposite direction the steering wheel was being directed. The contact would have to turn the steering wheel in the desired direction to straighten the vehicle and turn it towards the intended direction. The lane assist would cause the vehicle to misread the direction of the road and turn the vehicle in the opposite direction. The failure had become progressively worse and more persistent. The contact stated tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11727979, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Windows roll down by themselves. Parking brake applies itself without warning. Multiple warning lights saying parking brake error, start stop error, hill assist error, window sensor code, and constant dinging. Hill assist will come on even when not on a hill jarring you at higher speeds. Airbags deployed late during no fault Accident. The flaws in the vehicle didn’t cause the car accident, yet it wasn’t protecting me as it should have, but could very well cause an accident with the abrupt stopping, for no reason. I do have videos of the caution codes, it wouldn’t let me up load them so I to…”
NHTSA complaint #11457566, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On Saturday, November 18, 2023, at approximately 2100 hrs. my wife was returning home from a volunteer event traveling N/B SR-269 near MM 15.7 when she encountered an elk crossing the roadway in front of her. She subsequently hit the elk with the left front of our 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SEL. The impact collapsed the hood, grill, front bumper, and left fender. The driver and passenger door, left fender, and windshield were also severely damaged. The entire front windshield was shattered and collapsed into the front passenger compartment. What did not happen was the activation of the front and si…”
NHTSA complaint #11557150, 2023 · crash

Service Brakes 76 1 crash 3 injury

“On 5 Dec 20212, at approximately 1:30 while driving to the Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1707 69th Street, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047, we turned onto 69th street but missed the right turn to the hotel, so I went up the hill and made a U-turn back and the accelerator got stuck somehow and the brake pedal did not work. We were going down the hill extremely fast pumping the brakes with no luck. Rather than hit the car waiting for the Red Light I turned my car toward a power pole, and crashed extremely hard. My wife and I were both transported by ambulance to the Hackensack University Medical Ce…”
NHTSA complaint #11443332, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE AUTO BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATS ON ITS OWN WHILE IN MOTION. ON MULTIPLE OCCASSIONS THE CAR HAS SUDDENLY BRAKED AND IVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. NO CARS, DEBRIS, HAZARDS, OR ANYTHING WERE IN FRONT OF ME THAT SHOULD HAVE ACTIVATED THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM. IT IS SO SUDDEN THAT IT LEFT MY NECK AND SHOULDERS (SEAT BELT AREA) VERY SORE. THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE BUT NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM BUT EVERYTIME THEY SAY THERE ARE NO ERRRORS REPORTED…”
NHTSA complaint #11353009, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“Multiple occurrences where forward collision warning goes off with no vehicles Incident 1. 5/15/2026 Road: Highway I-94 Weather: Clear and sunny Condition: Cruise control on, light traffic, nearest vehicle at least 4 cars in front, 2 vehicles behind and to the right (fast lane), driving in the middle left lane. Forward collision warning went off and took cruise control off. No vehicles stopping in front of me. Incident 2. 6/3/2026 Road: Urban side streets Weather: Clear and sunny Condition: Coasting towards a roundabout approximately 200' from the intersection, no vehicle in front, no vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11744272, 2026

Electrical System 73 1 crash 2 injury

“Windows roll down by themselves. Parking brake applies itself without warning. Multiple warning lights saying parking brake error, start stop error, hill assist error, window sensor code, and constant dinging. Hill assist will come on even when not on a hill jarring you at higher speeds. Airbags deployed late during no fault Accident. The flaws in the vehicle didn’t cause the car accident, yet it wasn’t protecting me as it should have, but could very well cause an accident with the abrupt stopping, for no reason. I do have videos of the caution codes, it wouldn’t let me up load them so I to…”
NHTSA complaint #11457566, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE AUTO BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATS ON ITS OWN WHILE IN MOTION. ON MULTIPLE OCCASSIONS THE CAR HAS SUDDENLY BRAKED AND IVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. NO CARS, DEBRIS, HAZARDS, OR ANYTHING WERE IN FRONT OF ME THAT SHOULD HAVE ACTIVATED THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM. IT IS SO SUDDEN THAT IT LEFT MY NECK AND SHOULDERS (SEAT BELT AREA) VERY SORE. THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE BUT NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM BUT EVERYTIME THEY SAY THERE ARE NO ERRRORS REPORTED…”
NHTSA complaint #11353009, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“The infotainment display in this vehicle intermittently fails to power on, most often at startup. When this occurs, the screen remains dark while audio and physical controls continue to function. The vehicle sometimes must be restarted, and the display does not always return. When the display is dark, the rearview camera image is unavailable. This defect first occurred approximately three weeks after the vehicle was purchased as a manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, and it remains unresolved. The most recent occurrence was yesterday, Jul 25 2026. At least 15 video recordings document th…”
NHTSA complaint #11752918, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 72 1 crash

“I was driving on the SB 55fwy in light stop and go traffic and had my ACC w/ traffic aware system engaged. My car was doing as it normally does, keeping a safe distance to the vehicle in front of me, automatically slowing, stopping and accelerating at a safe speed for the conditions. This feature I had been using on my car since I originally purchased it and paid for these safety features. When traffic was not stopped it was traveling between 15-20mph. All of the sudden my dashboard lit up with error messages, audible warnings, and check engine light, all flashing and beeping at me and before…”
NHTSA complaint #11682261, 2025 · crash

“Multiple occurrences where forward collision warning goes off with no vehicles Incident 1. 5/15/2026 Road: Highway I-94 Weather: Clear and sunny Condition: Cruise control on, light traffic, nearest vehicle at least 4 cars in front, 2 vehicles behind and to the right (fast lane), driving in the middle left lane. Forward collision warning went off and took cruise control off. No vehicles stopping in front of me. Incident 2. 6/3/2026 Road: Urban side streets Weather: Clear and sunny Condition: Coasting towards a roundabout approximately 200' from the intersection, no vehicle in front, no vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11744272, 2026

“There is a yellow triangle on my dash and when the dealer did the troubleshooting they indicated that there is a fault in the system with the transmission shifter and a part is needed to correct the issue. The vehicle is just beyond the warrantee period with 39,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11708170, 2025

Engine 59

“For powertrain: failure of right front CV axle before 100k miles on a certified pre-owned vehicle; associated failure of shocks and struts in right front axle. The problem was inspected by an ASE certified VW mechanic, attested to be true and shown to us, and repaired. There were no warning lamps/lights, and the finding was made on a full vehicle inspection when brought in for a brake pad change. The issue appeared at approx 79000 mi on the odometer, 3 months after purchasing the vehicle. Obviously failure of the CV joints and components provide a risk to drivers and other motorists with the p…”
NHTSA complaint #11740419, 2026

“2 fuel injectors have gone bad and 2 more are on their way out with 52,000 on the car. Just outside of the 6 year warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11731449, 2026

“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine and the HVAC systems. Specifically, a persistent "ghost misfire"—where the engine vibrates and shudders without triggering a dashboard warning light—and a total heater failure. The vehicle is currently held at the dealership; all service records (RO# 367641, 367891, 367980, 368179) are available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The "ghost misfire" causes shaking and hesitation during acceleration, creating a risk of losing power or stalling in high-speed…”
NHTSA complaint #11721328, 2026

Unknown Or Other 59 2 injury

“I was driving with my husband in the passenger seat and my 5 month old baby girl in the back seat. All of a sudden we heard a loud sound that sounded like a gunshot and our sunroof shattered. There were no other cars around and we were not driving under any bridges. We pulled over immediately and checked to see if we could find a something in the car but we did not find anything. There was a hole in our sunroof and shattered glass on us.”
NHTSA complaint #11523467, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“WE BOUGHT THIS NEW VEHICLE ON NOVEMBER 8, 2019. AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR PROTRUDED FROM THIS VEHICLE INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AND WHEN TURNED OFF. IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING PAINT OR AN ENGINE BURNING SMELL. IT WAS NAUSEATING AND MADE MY SIX YEAR OLD SON VERY SICK. THIS WAS OUR PRIMARY AND MOST IMPORTANT, VITAL CONCERN AND WORRY.”
NHTSA complaint #11281763, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“Hello, The auto start stop function on my vehicle has malfunctioned. The vehicle will turn off when coming to a stop and I am not accelerating (making turns). The vehicle also would not remote start. This happens even when the auto start/stop function is off. When taken to my local Volkswagen for diagnosis, they stated a new battery was needed and that I also had a gas tank issue ( stated that is was collapsing and that it was an issue with a lot of those models). I got a new battery and the issue was fixed for about a week and then it started doing the same thing again. Currently the auto s…”
NHTSA complaint #11749786, 2026

Steering 35

“Vehicle experiences intermittent front end vibration and shaking at highway speeds, sometimes during light braking. The vibration feels similar to driving over rumble strips and can become strong enough to affect steering feel and driver confidence. The issue occurs intermittently and is more noticeable at higher speeds. Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended replacement of the steering rack and tie rod components. During the inspection, I was informed the steering rack/tie rod related component was currently on backorder, raising concern that this may not be an isolated…”
NHTSA complaint #11740449, 2026

“We purchased a 2019 Atlas in 2020 and recently had to take it to the dealership in [XXX] multiple times with no answers as to why the steering is shaking and the car vibrating at speeds over 50 mph. Apparently according to this complaint link, [XXX] it is very common and consumers have had the same poor response from their dealerships to fix this safety concern. I got a quite (PARTS ONLY) for $1181.85 and feel there is no way we are responsible for this cost to resolve an Atlas safety issue after expressing concern over and over and over again. File attached for your review. We have an impe…”
NHTSA complaint #11736101, 2025

“Vehicle vibrates and rumbles at very low speeds and almost feels like the engine is giving out. I was told by my local VW dealership that the rack and pinion steering is failing and is the cause for this vibration. When attempting to have the problem resolved by their mechanics, I was told that it could take 30 days to get the part. After 60 days of waiting for the part, I cancelled the order and took my deposit back. I've recently learned that this part needed to replace rack and pinion can take up to 7-12 months to acquire. I am interested in seeing this mechanical issue being recalled by th…”
NHTSA complaint #11726222, 2025

Power Train 33 1 crash 1 injury

“WE BOUGHT THIS NEW VEHICLE ON NOVEMBER 8, 2019. AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR PROTRUDED FROM THIS VEHICLE INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AND WHEN TURNED OFF. IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING PAINT OR AN ENGINE BURNING SMELL. IT WAS NAUSEATING AND MADE MY SIX YEAR OLD SON VERY SICK. THIS WAS OUR PRIMARY AND MOST IMPORTANT, VITAL CONCERN AND WORRY.”
NHTSA complaint #11281763, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“I PULLED TO THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY AND STOPPED. I TURNED THE CAR OFF WITH THE BUTTON BUT IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND IT DID NOT ADVISE ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK. THE CAR PROCEEDED TO ROLL BACK INTO A TREE. EVERY OTHER CAR I OWN WHETHER IT HAS A KEY OR KEYLESS START ALERTS YOU THAT YOUR CAR IS NOT IN PARK IF YOU TURN IT OFF IN ANOTHER GEAR OTHER THAN PARK.”
NHTSA complaint #11286938, 2019 · crash

“For powertrain: failure of right front CV axle before 100k miles on a certified pre-owned vehicle; associated failure of shocks and struts in right front axle. The problem was inspected by an ASE certified VW mechanic, attested to be true and shown to us, and repaired. There were no warning lamps/lights, and the finding was made on a full vehicle inspection when brought in for a brake pad change. The issue appeared at approx 79000 mi on the odometer, 3 months after purchasing the vehicle. Obviously failure of the CV joints and components provide a risk to drivers and other motorists with the p…”
NHTSA complaint #11740419, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 29

“I took my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas to Family Volkswagen in [XXX] on April 28, 2026. They were supposed to fix my airbag recall and I told them many times about the issues i've been having that is tied to the carbon canister/ purge valve issues on my car (extended warranty (VWP-23-04) They disregarded every thing I told them about my fuel tank audibly popping out, the vacuum seal on my gas cap, the start/stop intermittently working. They are charging me a $225 diagnostic fee and saying they can't do anything about it because the codes are passive right now. They see the code high purge flow (N80)…”
NHTSA complaint #11735762, 2026

“2 fuel injectors have gone bad and 2 more are on their way out with 52,000 on the car. Just outside of the 6 year warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11731449, 2026

“The vehicle warning lights come on and off to make it seem like I am about to hit or to close to something when I am not moving at all. The vehicle putts and stalls while driving like it wants to cut off. It also does this when I am at a complete stop as well as if I am backing up Warning lights on the dash appear than disappear sometimes as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11721334, 2026

Suspension 14

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. While the contact's wife was driving, the contact entered the rear back seat of the vehicle, where the sound was more pronounced. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact inspected and hit the rear driver’s side coil spring, which made the same abnormal clicking sound. The contact verified that there was no abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side coil spring. Upon investigation, the contact disco…”
NHTSA complaint #11748444, 2026

“The contact owns 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while his wife was driving 45 MPH, she heard a clunking noise coming from the rear vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired as the rear coil springs are being repaired as of today. The contact related to the failure NHTSA Campaign Number:18V904000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11742042, 2026

“Vehicle experiences intermittent front end vibration and shaking at highway speeds, sometimes during light braking. The vibration feels similar to driving over rumble strips and can become strong enough to affect steering feel and driver confidence. The issue occurs intermittently and is more noticeable at higher speeds. Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended replacement of the steering rack and tie rod components. During the inspection, I was informed the steering rack/tie rod related component was currently on backorder, raising concern that this may not be an isolated…”
NHTSA complaint #11740449, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 13 3 crash 3 injury

“On 5 Dec 20212, at approximately 1:30 while driving to the Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1707 69th Street, North Bergen, New Jersey 07047, we turned onto 69th street but missed the right turn to the hotel, so I went up the hill and made a U-turn back and the accelerator got stuck somehow and the brake pedal did not work. We were going down the hill extremely fast pumping the brakes with no luck. Rather than hit the car waiting for the Red Light I turned my car toward a power pole, and crashed extremely hard. My wife and I were both transported by ambulance to the Hackensack University Medical Ce…”
NHTSA complaint #11443332, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Windows roll down by themselves. Parking brake applies itself without warning. Multiple warning lights saying parking brake error, start stop error, hill assist error, window sensor code, and constant dinging. Hill assist will come on even when not on a hill jarring you at higher speeds. Airbags deployed late during no fault Accident. The flaws in the vehicle didn’t cause the car accident, yet it wasn’t protecting me as it should have, but could very well cause an accident with the abrupt stopping, for no reason. I do have videos of the caution codes, it wouldn’t let me up load them so I to…”
NHTSA complaint #11457566, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while waiting in a drive-thru line with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle lurched forward crashing into the vehicle in front. The contact stated that she attempted to shift into the park however, the vehicle shifted to reverse while the brake pedal was still depressed and the vehicle crashed into the vehicle in the rear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that no one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where no failure cause could be determined as well as the failu…”
NHTSA complaint #11465165, 2022 · crash

Wheels 10

“Struts but were told it's either stabilizer or steering rod”
NHTSA complaint #11750880, 2026

“Vehicle experiences intermittent front end vibration and shaking at highway speeds, sometimes during light braking. The vibration feels similar to driving over rumble strips and can become strong enough to affect steering feel and driver confidence. The issue occurs intermittently and is more noticeable at higher speeds. Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended replacement of the steering rack and tie rod components. During the inspection, I was informed the steering rack/tie rod related component was currently on backorder, raising concern that this may not be an isolated…”
NHTSA complaint #11740449, 2026

“The rear driver side seat belt does not stay in place when the seat is lowered, therefore, leaving this seat without a seatbelt. The adaptive cruise control sometimes works and sometimes does not work. There is no specific reason for this. It works during the snow and does not work during the sunshine. When making a hard right or left turn, there is a grinding noise underneath, I am guessing it has something to do withthe wheels or what the wheels are attached to... I have brought each of these items up to the dealership service department and they look at me like I am crazy stating this is t…”
NHTSA complaint #11619260, 2024

Seat Belts 9

“The second row captains chair seat belt latch on the passenger side does not latch fully. It latches and can be pulled out by hand. If a wreck were to happen, the passenger would not be truly restrained causing bodily harm or death. The problem has been reproduced at a service center. It has not been inspected by police, insurance or representative. No warning lights or messages for the seat belt. The car will randomly stall while rpms are low, liking making a turn, pulling into a parking spot or stopped at a traffic light (while auto start/stop is turned off). It makes me put the vehicle in…”
NHTSA complaint #11698880, 2025

“Seatbelt sensor will not go off even when seal belt is fastened.”
NHTSA complaint #11652680, 2025

“With the past year, have had 2 dangerous safety issues pop up. 1. April 2024, seat belt malfunctioned causing an error message. From what the VW dealer told me, the seat belt would not lock, therefore requiring a replacement of the entire assembly Had to drive home several hours with this error message. Should a 5 year old car have such issues? 2. January 2025, steering began to feel very sloppy. Was informed Steering rack assembly had excessive play inside the steering gear. Presume losing steering at highway speeds would be quite dangerous. Replacing seat belt assembly cost $1261.25, t…”
NHTSA complaint #11637158, 2025

Back Over Prevention 8

“The blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert have now turned themselves off 3 times. Each time it will not turn back on by selecting in menu. All 3 incidents have required a trip to the dealer to fix. This is dangerous because when you start the car, there is no warning that they are not on.”
NHTSA complaint #11583887, 2024

“I was driving on the freeway on 10/13/2023, it was raining and I was startled by an alarm and a flashing warning on my dash stating brake booster failure, the abs light went on and I was concerned because I recently had by brakes done at the Volkswagen dealership in Brooklyn Center Minnesota on 10/4/2023. I was afraid of not being able to brake and I pulled over and put my car in park and I received a park assist failure warning on my dash as well as the park assist light turned on by the shifter. I shut my car off and called Volkswagen in Brooklyn Center. I was assured that my brakes wouldn’t…”
NHTSA complaint #11551964, 2023

“I have owned my Atlas for seven months. During this time my 2019 VW Atlas SEL will slam on the brakes without any need to. This has happened five times. There is not an object or person around, but the brakes engage and all the sensors start beeping. I will need to put my car in park and restart my engine to drive again. I consider myself lucky that the incidents have happened in parking lots or while entering the roadway with no other cars have around. One month ago my car was taken in to an auto body shop for a repair due to a back bumper collision. The repair seems to have made the probl…”
NHTSA complaint #11534880, 2023

Seats 7 2 injury

“Captain seat became unlatched when braking quickly, causing the 40lb child sitting in forward facing booster seat to slam head first into back of passenger seat. Seat was then difficult to re-set and lock back into proper position from driver's seat while pulling off highway to a safe location, resulting in child being trapped between captain seat and front passenger seat until vehicle was stopped. Latch appears to be working as expected and has not released unexpectedly otherwise.”
NHTSA complaint #11456329, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“WHEN LOWERING THE THIRD ROW SEATS OF THE ATLAS THE SEATS SLAM DOWN AND FORWARD WITH GREAT FORCE. WHEN PARKED TODAY, I WAS LOWERING THE SEATS AND THE SEAT LOWERED WITH SUCH FORCE THE MY FOOT WAS MASHED AND PINNED IMMEDIATELY A LARGE KNOT APPEARED. I PLAN TO HAVE AN X-RAY OF THE FOOT TOMORROW. MY IMMEDIATE THOUGHT WAS THE DAMAGE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO A SMALLER CHILD.”
NHTSA complaint #11341214, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“The seat unlocked indicator does not activate showing that the seat is locked and safe to sit in. I informed the dealer in 2019 and filed a complaint when my child’s car seat was in an unlocked seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11583650, 2024

Structure 7

“I had just completed filling my car with gas and was still parked at the gas pump. The gas cap had been replaced and I got back into the car and started it. I thought that the engine had fully started, but when I shifted into drive, the engine sputtered a little. I put it back in park, and attempted to start the car again. There was a huge bang under the hood and a puff of smoke. Upon opening the hood, the cover over the intake manifold had exploded into pieces. There was enough force that one of the shards of plastic dented the hood from the underside. Luckily nothing caught fire, but…”
NHTSA complaint #11624599, 2024

“Faulty driver door lock actuator / micro switch. Below freezing drivers door (only) freezes. Only way to open door is from inside. Once door open, door latch does not re-engage resulting in you manually having to hold your door close while driving. This has happened multiple times over the years and this past January occurred 4 mornings in a row. No other doors ever impacted other than drivers door. Dealership aware of the issue but cannot replicate as the car warms up in their shop. VW corporate will not authorize any repair unless a fault code active. Despite calling the dealership whil…”
NHTSA complaint #11572461, 2024

“In Jan 2022, the air bag system error light lit up at start-up and remained lit. A first-available dealer appointment was made for 1/28, two weeks away. During those two weeks, the car started to issue a burst of random alerts during cold startup - driver door contact switch failure, cruise control (ACC) failure, start/stop system failure, and the rear driver side window would roll down several inches. Shutting off and restarting the car solved these alerts. The car was inspected on Jan 28; the dealer confirmed a faulty wiring harness in the driver side door. They also confirmed the random a…”
NHTSA complaint #11455355, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 7

“The infotainment display in this vehicle intermittently fails to power on, most often at startup. When this occurs, the screen remains dark while audio and physical controls continue to function. The vehicle sometimes must be restarted, and the display does not always return. When the display is dark, the rearview camera image is unavailable. This defect first occurred approximately three weeks after the vehicle was purchased as a manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, and it remains unresolved. The most recent occurrence was yesterday, Jul 25 2026. At least 15 video recordings document th…”
NHTSA complaint #11752918, 2026

“Windshield wiper falls out of alignment when operated in freezing temperatures. Maintenance log reports "Wiper caused by being stuck and being operated in weather conditions"”
NHTSA complaint #11568854, 2024

“For 12 months, the windshield wipers, while in the off position, will turn on by themselves. Typically occurs when on the freeway in clear, sunny conditions, and occur as a result of hitting bumps in the roadway while traveling at speeds between 60 and 80 mph. They may go off once or multiple times over the course of a drive. Dealership was asked last summer and again this July to look into the issue with no resolution; was advised they could not replicate the error, they did not see any fault codes associated with the wipers and all electrical wires were in good condition with no damage. Be…”
NHTSA complaint #11541791, 2023

Lane Departure 6 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, when veering towards the left or right with the vehicle, the vehicle would turn in the opposite direction the steering wheel was being directed. The contact would have to turn the steering wheel in the desired direction to straighten the vehicle and turn it towards the intended direction. The lane assist would cause the vehicle to misread the direction of the road and turn the vehicle in the opposite direction. The failure had become progressively worse and more persistent. The contact stated tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11727979, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“When the lane assist is active the vehicle will launch the car into other lanes without any reason or warning. This has been an ongoing issue since we bought the car. When driving I have been launched into the the next lane over. At a stop light I have had the vehicle jump into the other lane. We have told the dealer about the issue and have been told it will be fixed with a recall. I don't see there is an active recall. The lane assist is more dangerous than it is helpful. It is a feature we paid for and cannot even use. My wife was driving the car on 5/26 during the rain and she told me the…”
NHTSA complaint #11740618, 2026

“Vehicle has auto stop/start. Vehicle shuts down when at a stop sign and does not start .Deactivating the stop/ start function does not help.”
NHTSA complaint #11618232, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4

“I BOUGHT MY NEW VW ATLAS IN DECEMBER OF 2019. WHEN I BOUGHT IT, I NOTICED A RUBBING/SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL BUT WAS TOLD THAT WAS NORMAL FOR A NEW VEHICLES. SO, I LET IT GO, THEN CAME TO REALIZE IT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AND LOUDER OVER TIME. SO AT MY 10,000 MILE CHECK, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE STEERING RACK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ASAP BUT THAT IT WAS ON BACK ORDER AND COULD TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR THE PART TO COME IN. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A COMMON ISSUE. SO I WAITED 3-4 WEEKS, AND THE PART FINALLY CAME IN. IT WAS REPLACED AND I THOUGHT I WAS DONE WITH REPAIRS…”
NHTSA complaint #11365258, 2020

“CAR DISENGAGED ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND EMERGENCY BRAKED SUDDENLY ("SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES"), WHILE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED WARNINGS OF FRONT END IMPACT AND DISENGAGEMENT OF ACC AND ALL ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING 68MPH ON A STRAIGHT LINE, FLAT BRIDGE OVER WATER. OTHER CARS WERE TO THE SIDE AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE, BUT NO FRONT END COLLISION WAS POSSIBLE AT THE TIME. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THIS IS A RADAR ISSUE THAT "EVERY CAR HAS." EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!”
NHTSA complaint #11353353, 2020

“THE CAR IS 6 MONTHS OLD. WE HAVE 5 DOCUMENTED CASES OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING/BRAKING ON IT'S OWN FOR NO REASON. THE DEALER AND VW CORPORATE DO NOT HAVE A FIX AND SUGGESTED WE KEEP DRIVING IT TO GET MORE DOCUMENTED OCCURRENCES. THE VEHICLE POSES AN EXTREME SAFETY RISK AT THIS TIME DUE TO FAULTY BRAKING ASSIST MECHANISMS. 2 OF THE 5 OCCURRENCES INVOLVED IT THROWING THE PARKING BRAKE ON BY ITSELF AND THE OTHER 3 WERE DRASTIC SLOW DOWNS WITH NOTHING AROUND. ALL INCIDENTS REPORTS ARE ATTACHED AND ARE EXACTLY WHAT WAS TURNED INTO THE DEALER AND VW CORPORATE.”
NHTSA complaint #11246080, 2019

Tires 4

“We purchased our Volkswagen Atlas in September of 2019 and have driven it under 27,000 miles. In that time we have had 3 flat tires. The first one was when we first got it and was triggered by a hit to the curb. It was a gentle hit that surprised that it caused a flat. A few days ago on a clear day on a smooth road, we heard a pop from our front passenger tire. It was a flat. There was no pothole or object in the road. We took to the dealer and spent $1,500 where they replaced that tire and also replaced the front drivers tire due to dry rot cracks found in the thread. They also completed 4…”
NHTSA complaint #11545605, 2023

“255/50 R20 105 KUMHO 7 CRUGEN PREMIU 23186 MILES FRONT TIRES ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. CAR ONLY HAS 28,000 MILES. IT CAUSES CAR TO LOSE TRACTION AND SKID.”
NHTSA complaint #11447801, 2022

“Tire sidewall separating causing an immediate flat tire while traveling in the fast lane at 70mph on the freeway. This put me and other vehicles at risk as it was with no warning, just immediately a flat tire. Dealer was called and seems uninterested in seeing the tire as it was not apart of the most recent recall regarding this same issue with Continental tires. Continental tire manufacturer also seems uninterested in helping as the tire was replaced by a different brand as that was the only option on Labor Day so I could return home due to being 400 miles from home at the time of the in…”
NHTSA complaint #11431937, 2021

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the Central Warning Light illuminated. The contact arrived at the destination and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact stated that the same warning light illuminated several weeks later and remained illuminated even after turning off and restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank had experienced a minor collapse due to a malfunctioning valve and needed to…”
NHTSA complaint #11684734, 2025

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The START/STOP warning light and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that while driving at approxima…”
NHTSA complaint #11529440, 2023

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the electronic power control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. In addition, there was a fuel odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the top fuel rail assembly was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11438403, 2021

Parking Brake 3

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 
 Full Electrical system failure. Yes, car is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car became inoperable while driving, parking brake auto engaged and cannot be manually disengaged. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem, believed to be caused by the wiring harness being soaked in water in the driver side door panel, occurred 3 weeks later after initial inspection. After sealing and a car w…”
NHTSA complaint #11503384, 2023

“Thos vehicle has opened the rear hatch on two separate occasions, which was confirmed as an issue by both the local dealer, McLarty Volkswagen in North Little Rock, and Volkswagen Corporate. The airbag light is constantly on, and the parking brake may engage randomly. Volkswagen Corporate told us to "drive it as long as you feel comfortable with it, or just park it, but there isn't a plan and new parts can take 4-6 months to be ready." They also said no loaner vehicles are available due to the large amount of issues they are having. This is unacceptable as my wife and children ride in this ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11464544, 2022

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver's and front passenger’s side window failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the parking brake failed to operate as designed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was not able to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11458209, 2022

Visibility 3 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that there was no warning or impact prior to the failure. The contact then closed the sunroof shade and veered to the side of the road. The contact sustained injuries to both legs but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,480.”
NHTSA complaint #11512022, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the sunroof glass detached from the sunroof frame. the contact pulled over to the side roadway before driving to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11462051, 2022

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver's and front passenger’s side window failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the parking brake failed to operate as designed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was not able to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11458209, 2022

Exterior Lighting 2

“●Vehicle tries to pull me into a completely different lanes I have no intentions of trying to go into while on the highway ●Vehicle completely shut off WHILE DRIVING. Electrical panel flashed with all the lights then said to start Vehicle manually. ●Vehicle's gas saving feature when stopped, works intermittently and RANDOMLY, even with same applied brake pressure.”
NHTSA complaint #11671001, 2025

“This is a safety issue where this can be dangerous for drivers like myself and their families life, and others life at risk. This reporting is to prevent and avert future accidents. Headlights brightness in 2019-2020 Atlas Se with Tec is very poor. Due to dull brightness (Low Beam) night driving is very exhaustive and need to very extreme alert state. This causes strain eyes and causes fatigue during long drive. Lights are so dull when an oncoming very old cars with halogens lights passes by, led lights in Atlas fades away from road. Usually leds lights are suppose to have more brightnes…”
NHTSA complaint #11445567, 2019

Chest Clip 1

“The magnetic chest clip does not stay clipped/locked. Can easily undo the chest clip without use of the buttons to release it. If car seat was in a crash, child may not be adequately restrained. Car seat has not been inspected by anyone other than parents, mother is a CPST though. Chicco is currently mailing out a replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11634397, 2024

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while using the key fob, the doors would not unlock and the contact was unable to open the doors. After manually opening the front driver’s side door, no other door could be unlocked and opened from inside the vehicle. In addition, both the front driver’s side and passenger’s side floor carpets were wet from the air conditioning condensation and moisture coming from under the front dash panel. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11460644, 2022