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2022 Volkswagen Atlas

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 169.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 14 of 181 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports2 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

181 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2025
Electrical System

The infotainment system on my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE failed completely at 58,435 miles. The screen goes blank/black and the system will not remain operational. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership (AutoNation Volkswagen of Hilton Head, Repair Order #434220). The dealer confirmed failu…

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The infotainment system on my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE failed completely at 58,435 miles. The screen goes blank/black and the system will not remain operational. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Volkswagen dealership (AutoNation Volkswagen of Hilton Head, Repair Order #434220). The dealer confirmed failure of the 5F Information Electronics (Infotainment) Control Module and recommended full module replacement. Volkswagen Customer CARE acknowledged the diagnosis but denied goodwill assistance solely because the vehicle was approximately 8,000 miles beyond the warranty period. No misuse, modification, water intrusion, or customer-caused damage was alleged. This failure renders core vehicle functions inoperable and is consistent with widely reported failures of Volkswagen/Audi infotainment control modules (5F / MIB / MMI systems). This appears to be a premature failure of a non-wear electronic control module and may represent a broader defect pattern affecting multiple vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11705408

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2025
Air Bags

November 26th, I was leaving my home to go tPublix. Upon exiting the Eagle Creek community gate, I proceeded down Eagle Creek Sanctuary Boulevard to avoid hitting a cat, I ended scraped the side of my tires and rims on the side curb. Unexpectedly, while driving, the airbags deployed, even though I had not come into contact with …

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November 26th, I was leaving my home to go tPublix. Upon exiting the Eagle Creek community gate, I proceeded down Eagle Creek Sanctuary Boulevard to avoid hitting a cat, I ended scraped the side of my tires and rims on the side curb. Unexpectedly, while driving, the airbags deployed, even though I had not come into contact with the cat or any other object. The steering wheel airbag did not deploy only the airbags on the side a cop did show up because he was coming out of the eagler creek community and stopped to ask if I needed assistance I showed the office inside my vehicle he was shocked to see that my airbags deployed and the gentlemen that was Towing the vehicle was shocked as well the officer and the towing gentleman inform me I should contact Volkswagen. I contacted volkswagen customer service but I also wanted to report it to the NHTSA my concern is this should be investigated further.

NHTSA ODI #11705405

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2025
Service Brakes

Brake system-Unresolved repair and inadequate investigation.

NHTSA ODI #11704712

Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

The vehicle has experienced multiple serious safety failures involving the steering, electrical system, and powertrain. Most recently, while driving, the steering wheel locked unexpectedly, causing a temporary loss of control. Multiple dashboard warning lights began flashing, and the EPC light turned on and off repeatedly. I had…

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The vehicle has experienced multiple serious safety failures involving the steering, electrical system, and powertrain. Most recently, while driving, the steering wheel locked unexpectedly, causing a temporary loss of control. Multiple dashboard warning lights began flashing, and the EPC light turned on and off repeatedly. I had to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and restart the engine to regain control. The camshaft/camshaft position sensor and steering system appear to be malfunctioning, and the issues have recurred multiple times. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer for inspection and repairs several times, but the failures continue. These problems have created a serious safety risk, as loss of steering and erratic electrical behavior can lead to accidents, putting myself, passengers, and others on the road at risk. Warning lamps first appeared intermittently after prior repairs, but the steering wheel lock incident is the most severe event to date.

NHTSA ODI #11701497

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2025
Engine

On November 13, 2025, the vehicle, a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (EA888 Gen 3 engine), experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway at 71,602 miles. What Happened A loud bang was heard, followed immediately by heavy smoke billowing from the engine bay and profuse oil expulsion onto the engine, exhaust,…

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On November 13, 2025, the vehicle, a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (EA888 Gen 3 engine), experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway at 71,602 miles. What Happened A loud bang was heard, followed immediately by heavy smoke billowing from the engine bay and profuse oil expulsion onto the engine, exhaust, and roadway. The failure caused the vehicle to lose all motive power, requiring an immediate, dangerous emergency stop on the freeway, placing the occupants and other motorists at risk. Component Failure and Safety Risk The root cause of the incident is the premature failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve / Oil Separator. This component is defective and subject to Volkswagen's Service Campaign 10LP. The PCV failure created excessive crankcase pressure, which physically blew the dipstick tube clear out of the engine block, demonstrating the catastrophic nature of the pressure spike. This failure forced hot engine oil out of the system. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of engine oil created a high risk of engine seizure and fire due to hot oil spraying onto the exhaust system. This condition resulted in the vehicle being disabled on a high-speed freeway, posing an immediate danger. Confirmation: The vehicle is currently held at an authorized VW service center. The technician's notes confirm the physical result of the pressure failure: ruptured seals (Upper Timing Cover and Cambridge seals) that were forced to leak due to the internal over-pressurization. Manufacturer Awareness: The manufacturer (VWoA) is aware of this specific incident under Case #07146593.

NHTSA ODI #11700365

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2025
Service Brakes

Drumming/Grinding Brakes and my pads and rotors are still have life left on them. This is an ongoing problem.

NHTSA ODI #11699655

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2025
Engine

The oil light often comes on due to low oil inbetween oil changes. This has happened ever since the car was new. I always stop at a local auto parts store and add more oil, but there are no noticeable oil leaks. This is a dangerous issue as it could cause overheating especially if not near a auto parts store. I also always carry…

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The oil light often comes on due to low oil inbetween oil changes. This has happened ever since the car was new. I always stop at a local auto parts store and add more oil, but there are no noticeable oil leaks. This is a dangerous issue as it could cause overheating especially if not near a auto parts store. I also always carry extra oil in the back of my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11694706

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2025
Engine

Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (VIN: [XXX] ), current mileage: . Failure: The engine water pump / integrated thermostat housing failed due to a coolant leak. I first noticed coolant odor and dried pink/white residue around the pump area on //. Coolant level dropped between services and I observed active seepage. Dealer diag…

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Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (VIN: [XXX] ), current mileage: . Failure: The engine water pump / integrated thermostat housing failed due to a coolant leak. I first noticed coolant odor and dried pink/white residue around the pump area on //. Coolant level dropped between services and I observed active seepage. Dealer diagnosis on // confirmed failed water pump/thermostat module and recommended replacement. Frequency/Progression: Began as a slow weep that progressed to an active leak. Coolant requires top-offs; leak is visible after parking. Safety risk: Sudden coolant loss can cause engine overheating and potential stalling while driving, creating a crash hazard and risk of engine damage. Context: This appears to be the same EA888 2.0T water-pump/thermostat leak pattern documented across VW/Audi vehicles; VW previously extended coverage to 8 yrs/80k miles for many 2014–2021 models in a settlement, but 2022 Atlas is not listed—leaving similar failures unaddressed. (Request ODI review for potential broader coverage.) Attachments/Proof: Photos of residue and leak, dealer repair order/estimate for pump module, service history, and receipts (upload available). Ask: Please record this as a safety-related cooling-system defect and consider investigation given recurrence on EA888 vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11694691

56,279 miles · Oct 14, 2025
Electrical System

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 29,000. It was later discovered that the mileage was 56,279.

NHTSA ODI #11693284

Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2025
Exterior Lighting

While under warranty the passenger side headlamp unit was replaced. This was about one year ago- now the drive side has gone out on a car that is less than 3 years old. The dealership quoted me $1792.33 for this repair. There is no reason why these should be going out when they are LED. I am part of a facebook group for ATLAS ow…

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While under warranty the passenger side headlamp unit was replaced. This was about one year ago- now the drive side has gone out on a car that is less than 3 years old. The dealership quoted me $1792.33 for this repair. There is no reason why these should be going out when they are LED. I am part of a facebook group for ATLAS owners and this a known issue. I see the daylight running light on multiple ATLAS vehicles daily when I am driving around town. This should be a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11690754

Official recalls

7

24V464000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

Jun 20, 2024

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 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 September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.

22V807000 · Suspension:critical Fasteners

Oct 26, 2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.

22V753000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

Oct 7, 2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).

22V657000 · Trailer Hitches

Aug 31, 2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The trailer hitch bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loose bolts may fall out, causing the remaining bolts to break, which could lead to separation of the trailer hitch and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N8.

22V514000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera; Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software

Jul 20, 2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:electrical:infotainment:software

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

22V245000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors

Apr 13, 2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.

22V152000 · Air Bags:side/window

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.

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

1

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.