RoadVitals

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
37
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
23%
of 162 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
6

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 37 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

The 25 most recent of 37, in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Aug 5, 2026

Got an airbag alert light on driver console. Took it to VW dealer in [XXX]. They said the driver side airbag has a short to ground. And it’s not covered under the warranty. And it’s $2000 to fix. There has been a lot of problems with the wire harness from the manufacturer. And I feel like they should repair it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11755031
Incident
Aug 2, 2026
Airbags
Filed Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that after being stopped at a traffic light, while making a left turn in the snow, the contact was unsure if the vehicle had fallen into a pothole or had driven over a speed bump when the driver's side curtain air bag, and the passenger's side curtain air bags, unexpectedly deployed. Additionally, unknown sensors were beeping, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the sensors beeped while driving in the snow. No warning light was illuminated. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The Police Department was called to assist with traffic because the vehicle was blocking the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it remained unrepaired pending an inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. However, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID
11714960
Incident
Jan 30, 2026
Mileage
35,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 4, 2025

I received notification via carfax, VW app, AND by mail about the passenger air bag faulty PODS system recall in September 2024. I was told by my local dealership there was no active fix for the issue at the time. I then had my 50k mile service completed in December 2024 the week before Christmas and the service department stated they still had not received a fix for the recall code and that it would be rolling out in stages and to wait for a resolution. It is now March 2025 and I do not feel safe driving this vehicle with my family knowing there is a possibility of the airbags not deploying in the event of a car accident. The website even suggests not to drive the vehicle with this recall.

NHTSA ID
11646156
Incident
Sep 30, 2024
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Feb 26, 2025

Car dealership attempted to fix recall related to Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS). Dealership technicians experienced issues completing the repair and contacted the vehicle manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer claims that the issues experienced during repair are due to damage and are refusing the pay for any fix to the recall. I am not aware of any damage the system would have experienced, other than being known to be defective and under recall. The manufacturer's proposal is that I pay approximately $1,300 to replace the system, which is known to be defective and under recall, or accept my vehicle back with a faulty PODS. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to replace this system, which is known to be defective and under recall. The nature of the problem is extremely serious and could involve injury or loss of life to my family. Therefore, I am not willing to accept the vehicle back with a defective PODS.

NHTSA ID
11645114
Incident
Feb 25, 2025
Airbags
Filed Dec 10, 2024

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport that more recently in June 2024 received a recall on its Passenger Airbags stating that it may not function properly in event of a crash. I want to point out that this is the only vehicle in the family and teenagers do ride in the front seat. I was informed of the recall via my Progressive App in June 2024 and Volkswagen who issued the recall did not inform me until end of August 2024 a 3 month delay. I have been in communication with Volkswagen Corporation to work together to come up with a plan to resolve the issue in a manner that would work for both parties. I was notified by Volkswagen on December 4, 2024 that a repair for my vehicle is available and I should contact my local VW dealership to make an appointment to get this recall repaired. I went in person to VW of Tacoma, I made contact with one of their representative (not sure if this person even worked there as she had no proper name tag or proper VW uniform). The whole process seemed non transparent as when I asked for her name she would not give her name despite of multiple requests. My experience with this person was very nerve racking as it was unclear if I was being subject of fraud. I specifically asked to speak to the manager whose name was Jerry Podgoski. Despite of the information regarding the availability of the my recall repair part the dealership still refused to provide repair for my vehicle's recall. Jerry Podgoski gave me the false idea that their dealership would be in touch however to date I have not heard back. I later found out the name of the service tech who refused to give her name was Maile Magpoc, she was not a pleasant person to deal with and the whole interaction seemed shady. I would like NHTSA to be involved as the recall from VW involves airbag and from the information I received from VW America repair is available and VW of Tacoma is refusing to provide the repairs on the recall issued by VW of America.

NHTSA ID
11629952
Incident
Dec 4, 2024
Airbags
Filed Dec 10, 2024

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport that more recently in June 2024 received a recall on its Passenger Airbags stating that it may not function properly in event of a crash. I want to point out that this is the only vehicle in the family and teenagers do ride in the front seat. I was informed of the recall via my Progressive App in June 2024 and Volkswagen who issued the recall did not inform me until end of August 2024 a 3 month delay. I have been in communication with Volkswagen Corporation to work together to come up with a plan to resolve the issue in a manner that would work for both parties. I was notified by Volkswagen on December 4, 2024 that a repair for my vehicle is available and I should contact my local VW dealership to make an appointment to get this recall repaired. I made an appointment with VW of Olympia for the repair of the recall on December 10, 2024 and at this time they are refusing to make the repair. I am concerned about the safety of my teenagers who ride on the passenger seat. This 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport is the only vehicle in the family and at this time neither the VW nor the dealership are offering any alternatives nor loaner car disregarding safety of my teenagers who ride in the passenger seat. I am asking NHTSA to be involved to help offer a resolution so that I can get this recall remedied in a timely manner. I appreciate your time. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11629921
Incident
Jun 29, 2024
Airbags
Filed Nov 6, 2024

My car was purchased on Sept 5th, only to be told there was a recall and could not legally be released to me. Its been months and still no answers.

NHTSA ID
11623744
Incident
Sep 5, 2024
Airbags
Filed Nov 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000(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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11623462
Incident
Nov 4, 2024
Airbags
Filed Oct 24, 2024

The recall has been an ongoing issue; since I am from a smaller valley, Imperial Valley, my dealership has not been able to provide the parts for the repair, this is a major recall seeing as the passenger seat airbag may not deploy. I see no urgency to repair and no customer care. I personally have had to call the dealership asking for updates multiple times and no one is able to assist with the repair due to not having parts. I use my vehicle to rent on the TURO app and this has held up part of my income due to not being able to list the vehicle due to the safety concern. A prompt response or repair would greatly be appreciated from the dealer if they truly car about the safety of their customers.

NHTSA ID
11621799
Incident
Jun 19, 2024
AirbagsTires & wheels
Filed Sep 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light illuminated and turned on and off. The contact inflated the tires. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11616176
Incident
Jun 29, 2024
Airbags
Filed Sep 4, 2024

Passenger airbag system error light has been on for at least 14 months and avoided repair in June of 2023 at Orem, UT dealership. Air bag may not deploy in the event of accident. My pregnant wife is primary passenger. It’s a known issue that has a recall but no fix. The recall numbers are 24V464 (nhtsa) and 69PZ (Volkswagen). This recall was issued June 2024. Dealership instructed me to wait for fix and not allow anyone to sit in passenger seat. This instruction is impractical.

NHTSA ID
11612596
Incident
Sep 4, 2024
Airbags
Filed Sep 3, 2024

We have been told by our dealership and manufacturer that there is no timeline on when this part is going to be available to be fixed. We have to operate our business in compliance with the NHTSA, and not having a timeline or any compensation for this recall is a big hindrance to our business.

NHTSA ID
11612408
Incident
Sep 3, 2024
Airbags
Filed Jun 27, 2024

Air bag error message comes on and off while driving

NHTSA ID
11597165
Incident
Jun 27, 2024
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed May 23, 2024

Air bag error displayed on dashboard Dealer diagnostic done 5/20 Dealer stated airbag mat and wiring issue in seat

NHTSA ID
11590344
Incident
May 16, 2024
Airbags
Filed Jan 15, 2024

Airbags deployed for no reason. There is a known issue with this year make and model with the same issue. For some reason my car was not included in the recall. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11565622
Incident
Jan 13, 2024
Airbags
Filed Nov 14, 2023

Airbags deployed randomly while driving. Nothing hit the car.

NHTSA ID
11555012
Incident
Nov 14, 2023
AirbagsVisibility
Filed Aug 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, she noticed an excessive amount of water inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the water was coming from the HVAC system. Additionally, the contact stated that the display screen failed to operate as designed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V892000 (Visibility, Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that HVAC drain tube might be clogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ID
11538309
Incident
Sep 15, 2022
Mileage
17,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000(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. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11494136
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
Airbags
Filed Sep 20, 2022
Crash reported

The passenger airbags did not deploy during a crash . A suv vehicle hit my vehicle on the side and caused over $7000, in damage.

NHTSA ID
11485487
Incident
Mar 13, 2022
AirbagsBrakesElectrical
Filed Aug 30, 2022

Windows open on their own. Emergency Brake engages at low speed, left me in the middle of oncoming traffic as I was about to slowly turn. At times continuously has the alarm bell own. Has Keyless entry, however often times Car Alarm goes off. Eliminating AC lights very dim hard to see. Radio screen sometimes is just blacked out.

NHTSA ID
11482036
Incident
Aug 25, 2022
AirbagsBrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 18, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

This is a well known issue but their has now been several incidents where my forward braking should have activated and did not and now stela’s on 4 different occasions 2 of which were on the highway where the emergency brake was triggered and i have lost control of the vehicle , yet in completely empty parking lots now two separate times i have been able to catch on video that it told me i was within 12 inches of something and there is nothing. I’ve had this issue starting 10/21 and happened as recently as 8/7 and it’s almost gotten me killed, never,one the known recall for airbags not being deployed during two pretty significant accidents . PLEASE HELP ME AS VW IS AWARE OF THIS AND WILL DO NOTHING IM IN A 50,000$ death trap. Pre knowing it was my car ( former finance director at quirk vw ) They told my body shop to not let me drive the car as my car is effected by this deadly issue , then after the fact reaching out myself i was not only denied service but threatened by the gym and vw executive is acting like it is not a big deal , this is horrible and after 1 yr ago 5 months having been given a coupon for 20% off any morphine due to not buying back a vehicle that should have been bought back and the cpa , told me they do that to bribe people so they do not / HAVE 100S OF UPLOADS ON MY LAPTOP WONT LET ME LOAD FROM THIS IPAD

NHTSA ID
11480042
Incident
Dec 14, 2021
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Aug 18, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle in front of him swerved into another lane and he noticed there was a vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway 40 feet away from his vehicle. However, the automatic emergency braking system failed to engage. The contact depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle crashed into the rear end of the other vehicle due to the short distance. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained soreness to the lower back, hips, and shoulder. The contact sought medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 25 MPH, another vehicle pulled in front of his vehicle unexpectedly and the contact crashed into the driver's side of the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was then towed to an auto body shop where it was repaired. However, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt harness and the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system had failed. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Boston Volkswagen (43 N Beacon St, Watertown, MA 02472) where the seat belt harness and the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system were repaired. However, the contact stated upon pulling out of an empty parking lot, the 360-degree forward collision chime engaged and an image indicating that the vehicle was entirely surrounded by objects was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact parked the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at 65-70 MPH, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system engaged and the vehicle started slowing down. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment. The contact continued driving at slower speeds

NHTSA ID
11479958
Incident
Sep 22, 2021
Mileage
7,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 1, 2022

Manufacturer Recall Number97GF NHTSA Recall Number22V152 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete I went on July 12th to my VW Dealer (Deel Volkswagen), they inspect the car and confirm that my car was affected by this recall. At that moment they mention that they don't have the spare part to fix the problem but in one or two weeks they should have it, once they get it they will call me. Since then, I have not received any call from the dealer, and the only time that they answer me they said taht they do not know when the part will arrive.

NHTSA ID
11477057
Incident
Jul 12, 2022
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jul 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the front and rear passenger’s side windows activated and rolled down independently and without warning. The contact also stated that the windows occasionally failed to roll up after multiple attempts. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags). The dealer was notified about the recall and the contact was scheduled an appointment. Once the vehicle was serviced, the contact was informed that the driver’s side of the vehicle was repaired; however, the part for the passenger’s side repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle was not fully repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11474923
Incident
Jun 27, 2022
Mileage
11,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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.

NHTSA ID
11467832
Incident
Jun 6, 2022

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .