2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes2321.5%
- Engine2119.6%
- Electrical2018.7%
- Driver assistance1413.1%
- Airbags1110.3%
- Fuel system98.4%
- Exterior lighting43.7%
- Steering21.9%
- Body & structure10.9%
- Powertrain (other)10.9%
- Visibility10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Front brakes make scratching sound, dealer alleged brakes and rotor are fine after inspection. Steering wheel shakes at times when braking down hill. Cabin too noisy, air and sauna enter cabin by driver side door. Reported issue to dealer, they alleges the seal may need to be replaced; but not covered by warranty.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal metal on metal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure while slowing for traffic or while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but over time became more frequent. Additionally, the "Emergency Stop" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had then taken the vehicle to an authorized dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,285.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Description of Fault This vehicle exhibits a recurring, intermittent failure of the electronic throttle control system. Three distinct symptom patterns have been observed: 1.Throttle non-responsive at stop-start (approx. monthly/bi-monthly): After coming to a complete stop (e.g. at a traffic light), pressing the accelerator pedal produces no engine response. The vehicle will not move. Switching the ignition fully off and performing a cold restart resolves the issue immediately. 2.Throttle failure while vehicle was in motion (Wednesday, March 4, 2026): While my wife was driving the vehicle, the throttle stopped responding entirely mid-journey. The accelerator pedal produced no engine response while the vehicle was moving at speed. This is a direct and serious safety hazard. As with other incidents, switching the ignition fully off and performing a cold restart resolved the issue. 3.Erratic/hypersensitive throttle response on inclines: On slight uphill gradients, a light press of the accelerator pedal produces a disproportionately strong acceleration response, suggesting inconsistent signal output from the accelerator pedal position sensor (APPS). Safety Concern The occurrence of complete throttle loss while the vehicle was in motion — experienced by my wife on March 4, 2026 — is a serious safety defect. A driver who loses throttle response at highway speed, on a merge, or when crossing an intersection is at significant risk of collision. I am formally documenting this concern so that it is part of the vehicle's permanent service record.
when I got in my car the display showed that my driver’s door was open, but it wasn’t. When I tried to put it in drive, the car had an awful beeping sound and wouldn’t go into drive unless I released the emergency brake button. Once I came to a stop the car would automatically go into park and wouldn’t not proceed unless I released the emergency brake again. I did look up if there was a recall and there was back in February 15, 2023. I would like to bring it to Volkswagen for it to be fixed and not have to pay for it as I have only owned the car since October of 2025.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer had not informed the contact of the cause of the failure but informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to another unknown dealer, where the same information was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The daytime running light on the passenger side is out. The entire headlight assembly and bumper have to be removed to repair this. It will cost $1400 to repair. This is a safety issue and should be covered by Volkswagen.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle shimmies/shakes when braking of speeds over 50 mph. It is currently at the VW service center and was informed the Electro-Mechanical Steering gear needs to be replaced. The repair tech also said that he wasn't sure when the part would be in and he has a few others on backorder for repair as well.
While driving on the highway, going approximately 70 mph, a red Steering Malfunction light lit up on the dash and beeped loudly. The steering wheel almost immediately locked up and would not turn left or right. It took pulling hard in one direction to get in over three lanes and onto the shoulder. After attempting to turn off and turn the vehicle back on, the light remained and the beeping would occur a few times before stopping. The vehicle had to be towed from its location. The light remained on and steering wheel continued to be locked up the following day when service at VW turned on the vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a metallic rattle in the driver's side b-pillar (similar to the issue in the 2018 Tiguan LWB). Every component in the pillar has been replaced and the rattle persists. The first time I complained about it to the dealership the car only had 1,500 miles on it. 3 years and several months of the car sitting in the shop they have not been able to fix it nor have they bothered working with VW of America to find a solution. I'm guessing it is structural. The brakes are also very concerning and I have mentioned it many times over the last few years. It is not the normal VW squeal -- it is a grinding that causes the car to shake. I was told by my local VW that "Apparently you've never driven high performance vehicles before--that's normal". Uh, no it is not normal. Often times when shifting into drive from park (even on flat ground) the shifter is hard to move and then makes an awful clunking noise. Coolant disappears. And, indicator light does not come on. I was refilling the wiper fluid reservoir and noticed the coolant reservoir was almost empty, however, no light has come on. I've had to top off the coolant at least every couple months.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a metallic rattle in the driver's side b-pillar (similar to the issue in the 2018 Tiguan LWB). Every component in the pillar has been replaced and the rattle persists. The first time I complained about it to the dealership the car only had 1,500 miles on it. 3 years and several months of the car sitting in the shop they have not been able to fix it nor have they bothered working with VW of America to find a solution. I'm guessing it is structural. The brakes are also very concerning and I have mentioned it many times over the last few years. It is not the normal VW squeal -- it is a grinding that causes the car to shake. I was told by my local VW that "Apparently you've never driven high performance vehicles before--that's normal". Uh, no it is not normal. Often times when shifting into drive from park (even on flat ground) the shifter is hard to move and then makes an awful clunking noise. Coolant disappears. And, indicator light does not come on. I was refilling the wiper fluid reservoir and noticed the coolant reservoir was almost empty, however, no light has come on. I've had to top off the coolant at least every couple months.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear camera, back over prevention system malfunction. Rearview camera image does not display, fails to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.” This happened after the PODS repair was made. Local VW dealer is requiring a diagnostic fee though the problem started immediately after it was serviced.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .