RoadVitals

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
78
+4 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Jun 20, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 78 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and electrical categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 439 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Jun 20, 2024
271,330 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69PZView on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Oct 26, 2022
33 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 42M2View on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Oct 7, 2022
76,515 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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).
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number VW: 13i4, Audi: 13i5View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Oct 26, 2026

Certified warranty-extension charcoal canister failed, completely collapsed my fuel tank, and damaged the fuel pump. AutoNation Volkswagen in Savannah, Ga and Volkswagen Corporate are refusing to address a structurally compromised, hazardous fuel system.

NHTSA ID
11773789
Incident
Oct 21, 2026
Airbags
Filed Oct 26, 2026

The passenger airbag off-light stays illuminated on the center console even with a passenger. I just took a road trip to Florida, where I drove, and my brother drove. One of us was always in the passenger seat. We are each 250 lb. The passenger airbag off light remained illuminated throughout as well as in any short trips while we we down there. and the airbag warning lights on the dash the yellow light or orange light would illuminate and beep periodically throughout the entire trip.

NHTSA ID
11773728
Incident
Oct 24, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 26, 2026

The car stalls at low speeds causing a safety concern for me and my kid. Reading in the VW Atlas Forum, this could be caused by a failed vapor (or carbon) canister. VW has not issued a recall on this as far as I know. This happens randomly. When this happens, the check engine light comes out.

NHTSA ID
11773621
Incident
Oct 25, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 21, 2026

COMPONENT FAILURE: Gas tank “sucked in”. Faulty EVAP vapor charcoal canister. Safety Issue: July 2026 while driving during Rush Hour on a two lane street and approaching a stoplight my vehicle stalled and shutdown. Problem reported to Volkswagen dealership service center: 07/09/2026 I informed them that my vehicle’s air conditioner was not cooling the interior cabin and of the stalled incident. VW test and diagnose: Air/C System checked, A/C system flushed and nitrogen leak check. Cost: $355.60. Component Issue: October 2026 check engine light came on. Manual stated light meant exhaust system malfunction. Vehicle serviced at VW Service Center 10/02/2026. Diagnosis summary invoice: Fault Code FL03 Fuel Tank. Replace causing p0441 fault and sucking tank inward. It was determined that the fuel tank was sucked inward. Explanation: gas tank vapors were not dissipating properly. Mechanic/Dealership recommended replacing fuel tank. In addition, I was provided a video stating this recommendation. Estimated cost $2,075.00 plus tax. I was provided a loaner while my vehicle was in the Service Center. Picked up my vehicle 10/08/2026. Cost: $218.31. Check Engine Light: October 2026 check engine light came on. Problem was the same. 10/06/26 Fault with EVAP System Vent Citric /Circuit. Diagnosis summary invoice: Replace the EVAP Canister assembly with LDP, N80 and clean purge line of compressed air. Cost: $37.29 Same Component Issue: October 2026 check engine light came on evening of 10/12/2026. Returned vehicle to VW Service Center and I provided another loaner vehicle. Diagnosis summary invoice: Found Radiator Grill Shutter failed. Radiator Grill Shutter replaced and necessary systems recalibrated. Cost: $257.33. VW Service Center determined that there were no cracks in the gas tank, therefore the Service Center did not replace the gas tank because my vehicle is out of warranty. This “sucked in” gas tank is through no fault. I am seeking full compensation to replace my gas tank.

NHTSA ID
11772578
Incident
Jul 9, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 10, 2026

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding the repeated premature failure of the LED daytime running light (DRL) on my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which currently has approximately 80,000 miles. This is the second occurrence of a daytime running light failure on my vehicle, despite having previously replaced the failed component. The repeated failure raises serious concerns about the reliability and durability of Volkswagen’s LED lighting system and suggests a potential underlying manufacturing or design defect. Daytime running lights are an important safety feature intended to improve vehicle visibility to other motorists, pedestrians, and oncoming traffic. When one of these lights fails, the vehicle loses part of its intended daytime visibility system, potentially increasing the risk of an accident, particularly during cloudy weather, reduced visibility, or other challenging driving conditions. It is especially concerning that this issue has occurred again after a previous replacement. Vehicle owners should not have to repeatedly replace expensive lighting components that are designed to provide reliable, long-term operation. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these recurring LED daytime running light failures in Volkswagen Atlas vehicles to determine whether a widespread safety-related defect exists and whether a recall or manufacturer-funded corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA ID
11770363
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Oct 10, 2026

The 5F module for the infotainment system became defective at ~52,000 miles causing the reverse camera to not be functional. Due to how common this issue appears to be, the part is on backorder leaving many drivers without a backup camera for extended periods of time. My vehicle was without a backup camera for approximately two weeks.

NHTSA ID
11770301
Incident
Sep 21, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 27, 2026

I was on day trip (XXX) and car worked fine in the morning. After a lunch stop, started the car, infotainment system would not turn on, had multiple errors on my dash including road sign recognition system not being available, error message for SOS system, handsfree phone connectivity was non-functional, no back up camera displayed on screen, no charging ports functional below the infotainment unit, wireless charging system failed, etc. VW dealer which has done 99% of the service to my car diagnosed on XXX the "5F module and the back up battery" had both failed. They indicated they could get the back up battery but the 5F module was on national backorder with "no ETA on when the parts will become available". To date I am now over one month since the issue occurred with zero ETA on the parts to repair the issue. I still have no backup camera, no phone connectivity, no radio, no navigation, the advanced drivers aid for road signs recognition is still not working, nor do I have the SOS emergency safety feature. In addition, I've learned this is a frequent point of failure on multiple lines of Volkswagen automobiles, not just the Atlas (confirmed via discussions with other VW owners whom have experienced the same issues as well as via dealer service employees). I have reached out to Volkswagen Customer Care and all they continue to ask me a laundry list of basic questions which is frustrating as they have all the history on Atlas as my vehicle has been serviced since new at their dealership in [XXX]. I just want my cars safety features back and for Volkswagen to accept responsibility for this being a failed component / design of their own doing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11767299
Incident
Aug 29, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that overnight 1/3 of the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. While starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal oil burning odor and visible smoke coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VVT sensors, timing cover gasket, and timing cover needed to be replaced. The parts were replaced; however, the oil leak persisted, and the parts were replaced a second time. The contact was informed that the PCV was inoperable as per the Emissions Service Action Code: 10LP. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the contact was advised that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense, minus the PCV. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 82,933.

NHTSA ID
11764055
Incident
Jul 13, 2026
Mileage
82,933 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V0017132033846_27

ENGINE

Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.

V1718032037201_21

ENGINE

Checking engine oil level.

V0118122014603_22

ENGINE

Reprogramming Control Module process

V9422012066639_7

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation

V9419012011521_22

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses

Bulletin 91UB 20261026

This OTA update addresses a potential issue with special characters being broadcast over HD radio.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026020—
2025255051.9
20241028056.4
2023206051.4
2022Viewing787052.8
202116514057.3
202010811160.3

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.