NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Steering rack and pinion (steering gear) is failing. There is a violent intermittent vibration in the steering wheel when driving. I have had an import repair shop check out the car - I did have some suspension work done on the rear as well as replaced the sway bars in the front (still had the vibration and it continues to worsen). After more review of the issue and numerous test drives it was determined that the steering rack and pinion was the issue and needed to be replaced. I authorized the shop to order the parts back in January, however they have been unable to get the part as it has been on back order. I have contacted other shops as well as dealerships and getting the part will require a substantial wait. This is a significant safety issue and even Volkswagen parts department here in High Point NC acknowledged that the part has been "upgraded" a few times so clearly its a known issue. I do not know how this sort of a safety issue cannot be a recall. As the car's warranty is expired and this is not a recall, we are stuck navigating between driving a car that may be unsafe, renting a car or trying to get by on one car when we require 2. We have no option here but to wait, hope and pray that nothing significant happens.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed when the remedy was available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Vehicle will get a stop/start error and stall at low speeds in traffic or at stop lights/signs. Have to put vehicle in park and manually restart. had the same issue at 20k miles and they replaced the carbon canister. This time they won’t replace it until the error code shows. Truly a safety hazard and I can not put my kids back in this car
On [XXX], when I was driving the car at [XXX] at normal speed, suddenly my car accelerator stopped working (Not moving forward while giving the throttle) and I hardly managed to pull my car to the side from the middle row of the road and the car stopped its engine. I saw an indication in the tachometer -EPC. I waited for 30 seconds as I was panic, then I tried to restart the car, it started after a few seconds and the EPC error slowly disappeared. I was so frightened and managed to drive the car to the hotel later. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have an error for my passenger airbag sensor, it is the same error that is present on current recalled Atlas models from the same year that I have, however; my vin is included. I would like some type of solution from the manufacturer to resolve this issue due to the current status and frequency of this issue on 2019 Atlas models
2019 VW Atlas SE V6 fwd with 66,xxx miles USA. Just very recently at this mileage I experienced stalling at low speeds or coming to stop and engine has died on 2 occasions. Once reversing out of my driveway sand dealing getting reverse to neutral to eventually fully stop and to shift into drive as I occasionally do but this time the engine died as I shifted to neutral. No known warning lights at that time. Second time I came to slow and then stop at a median to u turn as I've done numerous times but while stopping there waiting for cross traffic to clear, engine died and dash message said to restart manually. I put into neutral and restarted car. Days after, I see dash message of error, start stop disabled/malfunction. Thereafter for almost a week, start/stop would not engage at all. I researched and had a gut feeling that the service campaign letter I received from VW regarding charcoal canister extended warranty would be relevant. My gut feeling, and research, and now finally confirmed by dealership, the issue is in fact the charcoal canister and N80 valve. I now lost confidence in VW quite beyond fully. My very first issue was the sway bar end link issue which I think became a service campaign issue. I wasn't informed of any issue in this case but felt a gradual degradation in handling and ride quality around 3x,xxx miles and took it into dealership to inspect. End links replaced under warranty with updated parts and car felt normal and can to itself. Second big issue and annoyance was the passenger airbag detection system. I received letter that my car affected and thought a fix would arrive soon but was paranoid about having front passenger riding bc the issue was that system might not detect person sitting there and not deploy airbag in accident. Frustrating to have a fix come almost a year later!!!! Other issue, leaking or low or missing coolant warning, cylinder misfire and water pump replaced.
While performing a low speed left hand turn the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control system falsely detected an imminent crash triggering the auto braking system and subsequently malfunctioned to release the vehicle’s side curtain airbags on both the passenger and driver side. The police were called and responded but no police report was prepared as there was determined to be no motor vehicle accident or property damage done (other than to the vehicle itself). The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a diagnostic test was performed, results attached. The manufacturer has verbally responded that they determine the airbag release to be of outside influences and they deny malfunction. They will not provide their response in writing. At the time of the accident there were no warning lights indicating a problem; however, the vehicle diagnostic results indicate that there were brake system issues earlier in the day. The vehicle diagnostic results include multiple system malfunctions that contributed to this malfunction.
passenger side airbag sensor indicated problem. Sensor mat in the passenger side was replaced once, now it needs to be replaced again. Being told that because the repair was done 19 months ago it is out of parts warranty and my bumper to bumper is out of warranty. This is the SAME problem as the vehicles with a recall from VW. If the airbag does not inflate upon impact, it will kill the passenger. The repair is estimated at $800. This is an airbag, as safety issue.
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.
I have the same airbag error issues as same year and model car. They are not considering it as part of the recall.
My vehicle cut off twice while idling. The 2nd time I was sitting at a red-light and it was very busy. There was no warning or lights that appeared on the dashboard. Although I currently use the automatic starter system, this should not be an issue that puts me and my family in unsafe conditions. This is the first time this has happened, so I have not taken it to the dealership. After chatting with other Atlas owners who are having the same issue, it was suggested to report the issue to you all. It is my perception that this becominga recall issue.
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 I fear that it could have. I had the car towed to a repair shop, and they confirmed that at minimum, the intake manifold needs replacing, but really couldn't guess as to the cause of the failure at this point. They are the only people who have had an official look at the vehicle. It would be available for inspection by someone else. My engine had been running fine with no warning signs in sound or performance. I am someone who keeps up with regular car maintenance. I did have a check engine light on back in late spring that indicated (I'm looking around to see if I still have the print out) a minor issue with the gas cap seal, but the light cleared itself before my appointment at the dealership to have them investigate it and the technician told me that in the absence of other issues (noise or performance) it should be fine to drive. I read a few other accounts online of owners having the same issue with their VW vehicles.
I own a 2019 VW Atlas SE, purchased it new. The car has never been in an accident of any sort. While away from town this weekend, on Saturday an "airbag error" popped up on the car when starting the car Saturday morning. Had no idea, texted my VW dealership and brought the car in Monday morning. Note: I had to drive home ~80 miles on Sunday. Apparently the drivers side from seat belt assembly has to be replaced. The front seat belt tension igniter N153 resistance malfunctioned, causing the "Airbag error." First, in hindsight, I presume this means that if I got in an accident while driving home on the highway yesterday, I could have died due to this error. Second, I am a very cautious driver, if there is a way to check on the car, would clearly see that there have been VERY VERY FEW hard braking situations so I'm not sure why this would happen. Very dangerous and should not fail in a 5 year period and cost nearly $750 out of pocket to repair. The code the the seat belt assembly 3CN-857-705-E-RAA, costing $286.15, and another $379.90 for labor.
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 the way volkswagon works. I do not believe this is so.
vehicle constantly shuts down in the middle of road and have to put in park and restart. all signs point to faulty EVAP system which seems to be the largest VW problem in EVERY forum that I have come across to figure out how to fix it. I have contacted the dealer and the dealer are not nice people and very money hungry. I have had to buy and change out charcoal canister myself.
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.
While approaching an intersection at about 20 mph, vehicle suddenly applied the front collision braking and almost caused an accident from the vehicle behind me. There were no vehicles in front of me or any other obstacles. Other 2019 models have been recalled with he same issue for a harness wiring or software update. This is dangerous and risks my family's life.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, causing the vehicle to decelerate to approximately 25 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Today, my atlas gave an error message; air bag error. I called my dealership, who informed me that there is a recall in this. But not for my VIN number. But it’s the same issue. Now, I have to pay out of pocket or chance my air bag not working properly.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the steering rack parts were on backorder and the vehicle was not able to be repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel began to vibrate intensely. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the struts. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The car would randomly stall in the middle of intersections after leaving a stop and a message in the dash said I needed to restart manually. Then I have to put the car in park and restart. This has happened over 5 times, the first was 2 years ago and the last 4 on the last four months. We have almost been hit multiple times. If my vehicle acts up in the wrong situation, it could not only cause a major accident affecting me and others in my vehicle, plus unsuspecting people on the road. There were no warning signs or messages prior to the failure. This is very scary and frustrating. Every time it happed we have took it to the dealer and it is always a different thing. Right now , the vehicle is in the dealer since July 19, 2024, and still they have not communicated to me what its happening with the vehicle.
The car would state, “Do not exit the car unless it is in park.” “Transmission is in safety mode.” Appointment was made and over July 17th. Part was not in until August 15th. This presents a danger for Atlas drivers if the shifter fails and the car could roll. Volkswagon had a similar recall for Golf, Beetle, and Jetta models.
The car shuts off while driving. The dealership can’t re-create and isn’t sure what the problem is.
While stopped at a red light awaiting a turn light, my vehicle made clicking noises and turned off. Although the lights and other items remained on, we were unable to restart the vehicle or move it. After the turn light already turned green and someone began to road rage us, the car let us restart it and we were able to drive normally. The vehicle behind us followed us aggressively as they had missed the turn light and were apparently very upset. The car then drove normally. This issue has happened several times.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Our instrument panel went completely black. It wouldn’t display any information and wouldn’t fix itself. We took it to the dealer and it was replaced on our dime for $2300
Car turns itself off when stopped when still in drive. Happens even when the auto stop/start feature is disabled. It happens randomly, doesn’t matter if engine is hot or cold or weather is different. First happened while sitting at bank or drive thru, happened twice in car wash rollers, now happening at stoplights.
I have a start/stop error message on my dash and my car stalls when I am braking sometimes the car turns off completely. my car is available for inspection anytime. It is a safety concern for me and anyone who might be following me as my car will just completely shut off in traffic.
Overcast day. No rain, dry roads. 60 degree weather. Dash displayed forward collision warning (in red) and emergency brakes applied. Nothing in the road, no vehicles around. Thankfully I was driving slowly in the city and no vehicles behind me.
Manufacturer says they don't have the part to fix the Recall issue
I work for an Automotive Tool supplier and closely follow ADAS calibration information. I’ve noticed a sharp uptick of posts and comments that ADAS systems calibration equipment produced by Autel and Topdon are often providing incorrect and inaccurate calibration information. The latest comment I saw today was a user calibrated a 2019 VW Atlas using an Autel ADAS calibration stand and the vehicle did not function correctly after the calibration. He discovered the information provided by the tool was drastically incorrect. How are Autel and Topdon still allowed to sell tools that are incorrectly calibrating sensitive safety systems in the US? These tools by Autel and Topdon will cause ADAS systems to function incorrectly in emergency situations.
The vehicle would start from the remote and upon getting into the vehicle the push start won’t engage with the steering wheel locking and the vehicle being inoperable. The steering will will make locking mechanism sounds and the vehicle won’t start. The vehicle will then not turn on and I am unable to drive. It has sputtered for weeks now yet it turns on and I am able to drive. When first purchasing the vehicle the engine had to be replaced as it backfired and went out the same start stop issue was present then.
The engine mount of my 2019 VW Atlas SE failed around April 2024. The specific part (Engine Mounting Right 3QF199262G) has been unavailable since then. There were no warning lights before the failure. My mechanic identified the problem when the engine started moving forward and backward with gear changes. This issue caused the steering wheel to vibrate while driving and made the vehicle harder to control, especially at stops where the vibration became severe. Both my mechanic and I contacted various dealers across multiple states, but none had the part available, with one dealer mentioning a waitlist of around 300 Atlas vehicles needing the same part. Despite initial promises of delivery by mid-August, the part’s arrival has been delayed. We eventually found the part on eBay and ordered it from Latvia, but we are still waiting for it to arrive. The failure of the engine mount presents a significant safety risk to both drivers and passengers, given the critical role the engine plays in the vehicle’s operation.
Passenger Airbag on - Dashboard stating Airbag Faulty issue - Passenger Airbag turns off automatically
The ABS or AES malfunctioned while driving. The brakes were automatically applied, without warning, with a medium amount of traffic and vehicles behind me. This poses a significant safety issue to myself and others when the brakes get applied without warning. A vehicle behind me had to swerve to avoid rear-ending me and others had to go around me on an onramp to the highway. I am taking my vehicle to Volkswagen of Waco today to have this issue looked at. I am also looking into a dashcam to see if I can get the issue on camera in case the dealership isn't able to duplicate the issue. This issue has occurred other times, this has not been an isolated incident. I do get a faulty brake booster light while the vehicle is braking so there is no warning before it happens, just me flying into my steering wheel.
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.
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.
The car keeps jerking and stalling when in traffic, car line or just driving very slowly. It feels like there is not enough fuel coming to the engine and it shuts off. The message that comes on the screen- Please start engine manually. I have been numerous times to the dealer but they say they can’t help me as there is no code. Obviously the car has issues and I want someone to be responsible for them. It is dangerously to driver it like that. I have kids that I driver to school and I don’t feel safe driving it.
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It has been nearly a year since Volkswagen announced a recall effecting airbags in the Atlas. My warning lights continue to go off intermittently. I have brought this to the attention of Volkswagen many times, to no avail. The recommendation is to not drive with a passenger in the passenger seat. Well, it has been a year, I bought this car to seat six. With no solution in sight, I feel I am being taken advantage of and was sold a lemon. I would like pressure to be put on Volkswagen to correct the problem so my family can drive this vehicle with confidence, since that is what I spent my money for.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and was unable to confirm when the parts would become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
In April 2023, VW issued a recall on the passenger side airbags. Recall number 69FB for 2018-2020 VW Atlas. It is now coming up on a year since this recall with no remedy in site. I have been trying to trade in or sell my vehicle and being told by multiple dealerships they cannot take the vehicle due to the open recall. Their main reason is due to the fact this recall has no remedy. How long does a manufacturer have to fix open recalls before they have to compensate the customer for their inconvenience.
Dripping water from roof center control and wet on interior when it’s rain.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I believe the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable time for a recall remedy for the current recall.
Electronic Brake keeps activating on its own. Passenger airbag warning light goes off when no one is in the seat.
It has been over 9 months since VW issued a recall of the front passenger airbag. We were instructed not to use the front passenger seat. With children and sports equipment to haul around it is extremely inconvenient, bordering on making the vehicle obsolete with an inability to use the front passenger seat. We have not heard anything from VW regarding a fix and they have not responded to my attempts to contact them.
While driving approx 20MPH while turning a corner in a neighborhood, the FAULT BRAKE BOOSTER warning went off and braked my vehicle. The car continued to flash this warning and the brakes were not easily depressed (felt somewhat like when ABS happens in icy roads). This happened multiple times until I could get home.Took the vehicle to VW dealer and they replaced a sensor. 3 weeks later the same warning and braking situation happened while in a parking lot. Returned to dealer and still being evaluated. Online, this is a recall for 2019 Atlas' but not for my VIN. Concerned this should be included in a recall. Worried for my safety as this has happened multiple times including after repair and causes the car brakes to go automatically and unexpectedly.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026