NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
59 reportsClear category filter5,000 miles · Sep 2, 2020
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES WILL AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGE SLAMMING THE CAR INTO A STAND STILL AND POTENTIALLY BEING HIT. THERE ARE SENSORS THAT ACTIVATE THE BRAKES AND THEY GO OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING AROUND TO SET THEM OFF. TOOK THE CAR IN. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY CALLED THE TECH ASSIST LINE AND THEY…
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WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES WILL AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGE SLAMMING THE CAR INTO A STAND STILL AND POTENTIALLY BEING HIT. THERE ARE SENSORS THAT ACTIVATE THE BRAKES AND THEY GO OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING AROUND TO SET THEM OFF. TOOK THE CAR IN. THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY CALLED THE TECH ASSIST LINE AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT THEY HAVE HEARD OF BUT WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY SAY IF THE BRAKES SLAM ON THEN THE SENSORS ARE WORKING. THIS WAS HAPPENING TO MY CAR DAILY AND I HONESTLY WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. THIS IS A TOTAL SAFETY ISSUE FOR YOUR CAR TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES FOR NO REASON IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION. I HAVE TURNED THE MANEUVER BRAKING OFF BUT I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THAT FEATURE THAT DOES NOT WORK SAFELY. I ALSO GET OTHER RANDOM WARNING LIGHTS THAT GO OFF FOR NO REASON. THEY PLUG IT IN TO LOOK FOR CODES AND NOTHING SHOWS UP SO THEY DO NOT FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM TO ADDRESS.
NHTSA ODI #11352800
500 miles · Aug 10, 2020
Power TrainService BrakesUnknown Or Other
CAR JUST STOPS WHEN LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND MY DRIVEWAY , NO OTHER CARS ARE IN THE AREA. BRAKING IS JERKY ALERT SYSTEM GOES CRAZY WITH NO ONE AROUND THE CAR JUST STOPS. THIS HAPPEN TO US A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES SO FAR. I THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED TO THE DEALER WAS ON JUNE 8 THE CAR HAD 500 MILES. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER LATE JUNE A…
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CAR JUST STOPS WHEN LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND MY DRIVEWAY , NO OTHER CARS ARE IN THE AREA. BRAKING IS JERKY ALERT SYSTEM GOES CRAZY WITH NO ONE AROUND THE CAR JUST STOPS. THIS HAPPEN TO US A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES SO FAR. I THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED TO THE DEALER WAS ON JUNE 8 THE CAR HAD 500 MILES. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER LATE JUNE AND THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR WITH US. IT DIDNT STOP BUT THE SERVICE MANGER DID WITNESS THE SENSITIVE ALERTS AND STATED THAT HE WOULD CONTACT THE FIELD MANAGER. NO FOLLOW UP FROM THE DEALER WAS RECEIVED FOR THREE WEEKS . THIS DEALER IS NOT ACTING IN GOOD FAITH. THEN HE SAYS THAT THERE IS NO UPDATES TO THE COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM AND TOLD US TO CALL CUSTOMER CARE. I HAVE A 43,000 CAR THAT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #11348391
1 miles · Jun 23, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING 35MPH,NO ONE IN EITHER DIRECTION, FLAT STREET SURFACE,BRAKING SYSTEM WENT ON WITH THE ALERT ON DASH AND NOISE.IT HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES WHERE THE CARS BRAKING SYSTEM TURNS ON, BRAKES WHILE ACCELERATING, AND THEN IT TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN MOVE FROM THE INTERSECTION, HOPING NOT TO HAVE A COLLISION FROM CA…
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WHILE DRIVING 35MPH,NO ONE IN EITHER DIRECTION, FLAT STREET SURFACE,BRAKING SYSTEM WENT ON WITH THE ALERT ON DASH AND NOISE.IT HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES WHERE THE CARS BRAKING SYSTEM TURNS ON, BRAKES WHILE ACCELERATING, AND THEN IT TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE YOU CAN MOVE FROM THE INTERSECTION, HOPING NOT TO HAVE A COLLISION FROM CAR THAT IS BEHIND.TOOK TO THE DEALERS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY CANNOT VERIFY. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS.ONE DEALER SAID THEY CANNOT SEE ME FOR ANOTHER 2 WEEKS. CALLED VW HEADQUARTERS TO GET ME IN SOONER. THE TRIANGLE LIGHT WITH EXCLAMATION POINT WAS ALSO ON. THE KEY LIGHT WAS ON AS WELL WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING, STATING THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE CAR. WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE, CAR TURNED OFF. SUNROOF WAS LEAKING--HAVE A VIDEO REMOTE KEYS DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. START UP HAS ISSUES, DOORS LOCK WHEN I AM CLOSE TO THE CAR FOR NO REASON, DOORS DO NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE UNTIL I TURN ON THE CAR, THE REAR DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AT TIMES- HAVE A VIDEO, IF KEYS ARE IN POCKET, DOORS DO NOT UNLOCK EASILY(WAS TOLD I HAVE TO HOLD THE HANDLE CORRECTLY OR IT WILL NOT OPEN) THE SIDE ALERT SYSTEM GOES OFF ALL THE TIME WHEN NOTHING IS THERE. FRONT WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO DOWN -ON RECEIPT THEY STATED THEY FOUND WINDOWS WERE FINE. ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT THE BUTTON ON THE DOOR WAS BURNED OUT, BUT THEY DID NOT WRITE THAT IN THE REPORT. STEERING ISSUES WHERE THE CAR WAS MOVING RIGHT TO LEFT AND VERY LOOSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11330388
2,300 miles · Jun 15, 2020
Unknown Or Other
THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 25MPH AND WE WERE ABOUT TO CROSS RAILROAD TRACKS. JUST BEFORE REACHING THE TRACKS, THE FRONT ASSIST SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE APPLIED THE BREAKS AUTOMATICALLY AND CAME TO A SUDDEN AND FULL STOP. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE SYSTEM TO ENGAGE SINCE THE ROAD AND THE TRACKS WERE EMPTY AND THE RAILR…
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THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 25MPH AND WE WERE ABOUT TO CROSS RAILROAD TRACKS. JUST BEFORE REACHING THE TRACKS, THE FRONT ASSIST SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE APPLIED THE BREAKS AUTOMATICALLY AND CAME TO A SUDDEN AND FULL STOP. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE SYSTEM TO ENGAGE SINCE THE ROAD AND THE TRACKS WERE EMPTY AND THE RAILROAD RAMP WAS IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328975
8,600 miles · Jun 11, 2020
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, EXITING A PARKING LOT WITH A DOWNWARD SLOPE TOWARDS A STREET, THE CAR'S AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, IMMEDIATELY CAUSING THE VEHICLE STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. NO OTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM PERCEIVES THE ROAD AS AN OBSTACLE. THE UNEXPECTED STOP CAUSE…
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WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, EXITING A PARKING LOT WITH A DOWNWARD SLOPE TOWARDS A STREET, THE CAR'S AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, IMMEDIATELY CAUSING THE VEHICLE STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. NO OTHER CAR WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM PERCEIVES THE ROAD AS AN OBSTACLE. THE UNEXPECTED STOP CAUSED ANOTHER VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO NEARLY REAR-END MY VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THEY AEB SYSTEM DID NOT ALLOW ME TO QUICKLY RESTART ACCELERATION, WHICH LEFT ME TEMPORARILY STRANDED FOR A COUPLE SECOND PERPENDICULAR TO THE STREET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328322
6,500 miles · Feb 5, 2020
StructureUnknown Or Other
PANORAMIC SUNROOF POPPED AND SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY ROCKS OR DEBRIS HITTING IT PRIOR TO IT EXPLODING. GLASS SHOWED OUTWARD DEPRESSION, NOT INWARD, AFTER CRACKING.
NHTSA ODI #11307273
4,900 miles · Jan 12, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. ORIGINALLY HAPPENED WHEN GOING IN REVERSE UP A HILL, VEHICLE WARNING TO PUT INTO PARK AND MANUALLY RESTART. HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES AND WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CONTACTED VW AND …
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VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. ORIGINALLY HAPPENED WHEN GOING IN REVERSE UP A HILL, VEHICLE WARNING TO PUT INTO PARK AND MANUALLY RESTART. HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES AND WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CONTACTED VW AND RECOMMENDED THE FUEL PUMP BE REPLACED. THEY COMPLETED THE REPAIRS. THEN A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AT APPROX. 75 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN SLOWING DOWN, I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE, I WAS ABLE TO START TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER AS THE VEHICLE STARTED DECLINING SPEED, I WAS UNABLE TO USE THE GAS, SO I WAS ALMOST COASTING TO THE SHOULDER. THEN IT STATED PUT IN PARK AND START VEHICLE MANUALLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND AT A SPEED OF 45. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING LOCKED UP. THERE WAS AN EPC LIGHT ON, A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.
NHTSA ODI #11298885
700 miles · Jan 12, 2020
Unknown Or Other
THE REMOTE START DOES NOT WORK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT STARTED AROUND 1500KM AND WENT AWAY AFTER AWHILE. NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON AND THE REMOTE START STOP WORKING AGAIN. THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING KNOWING THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 5000KM.
NHTSA ODI #11298651
Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2019
SteeringUnknown Or Other
I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW ATLAS IN OCTOBER. WE DECIDED ON ATLAS DUE TO THE GREAT SAFETY RATINGS. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, THE ATLAS WAS IN THE SHOP FOR O2 SENSOR #1. THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT WAS IN FOR REPLACEMENT OF STEERING RACK. THE EXTREMELY LOUD NOISES STARTED WHILE DRIVING ON A S…
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I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW ATLAS IN OCTOBER. WE DECIDED ON ATLAS DUE TO THE GREAT SAFETY RATINGS. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, THE ATLAS WAS IN THE SHOP FOR O2 SENSOR #1. THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT WAS IN FOR REPLACEMENT OF STEERING RACK. THE EXTREMELY LOUD NOISES STARTED WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT THE SECOND O2 SENSOR REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. NOW I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING IT IN ON MONDAY BECAUSE THE REMOTE START THAT I USE EVERY MORNING STOPPED WORKING TUESDAY. AS OF TODAY, IT HASN'T EVEN HIT 3,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11291335
5,700 miles · Dec 2, 2019
StructureUnknown Or Other
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 5 MONTHS AGO AND IT HAS LESS THAN 6K MILES ON IT. YESTERDAY, WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, I NOTICED THE STORAGE NOOK UNDER THE RADIO COMPARTMENT WAS WET. I LOOKED UP AND SAW WATER DRIPPING FROM THE CEILING ON PASSENGER SIDE CONSOLE. I DID TAKE VIDEO OF DRIPPING. IT DROPPED WATER WHILE MOVING AND AT A C…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 5 MONTHS AGO AND IT HAS LESS THAN 6K MILES ON IT. YESTERDAY, WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, I NOTICED THE STORAGE NOOK UNDER THE RADIO COMPARTMENT WAS WET. I LOOKED UP AND SAW WATER DRIPPING FROM THE CEILING ON PASSENGER SIDE CONSOLE. I DID TAKE VIDEO OF DRIPPING. IT DROPPED WATER WHILE MOVING AND AT A COMPLETE STOP, SO LONG AS IT WAS RAINING. I'VE LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT ON FORUMS. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO VW DEALER TODAY AT 8AM AND IT IS STILL THERE AT 3:32 AM. I CALLED TO GET A STATUS AND THE RETURN CALL SAID THAT I NEED A NEW DRAINHOSE AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. THEY SAID IT WILL BE IN 2 DAYS AND THEY WILL CALL TO SCHEDULE REPAIR. I ASKED WHAT HAPPENS IF SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD "WE USUALLY JUST HAVE TO REPLACE CARPET". THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY'RE WELL AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. THIS DEALERSHIP DOES NOT GIVE LOANER VEHICLES. I'M NERVOUS AFTER READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND READING OF PEOPLE WHO'VE HAD THEIR VEHICLE IN THE SHOP REPEATEDLY FOR THIS PROBLEM. I'M FILING A COMPLAINT ON MY FIRST GO ROUND BECAUSE OF ALL I'VE READ AND THE RESPONSE I GOT FROM THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11286413
Official recalls
12Sep 11, 2026
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Oct 4, 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side impact air bag may be missing a weld at the side air bag housing.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The driver's side impact air bag could deploy improperly or detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side impact air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FK.
Mar 29, 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
Oct 31, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Mar 28, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
Feb 16, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
Mar 5, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R1.
Aug 21, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BU.
May 22, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Mar 20, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
Dec 19, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.
Nov 26, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA24004 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Opened Dec 18, 2024 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Forward Collision Avoidance; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 226 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or stated that Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 44 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 187 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include four reports on injury incidents and one report involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 226 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or stated that Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 44 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 187 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include four reports on injury incidents and one report involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Forward Collision Avoidance
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 226 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or stated that Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 44 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 187 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include four reports on injury incidents and one report involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE23017 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Opened Sep 28, 2023 · Closed Dec 18, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Forward Collision Avoidance; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Forward Collision Avoidance
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations. However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE21008 · Fuel Injector Leak
Opened Mar 29, 2021 · Closed Oct 3, 2022
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780
Fuel System, Gasoline
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780
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