2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Engine Problems

On two consecutive occasions, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport suddenly lost almost all ability to accelerate after highway driving. Both times, after exiting the highway and stopping at a traffic light, pressing the accelerator would only allow the vehicle to travel a few miles per hour. The vehicle was effectively unable to accelerate normally or keep up with traffic. Turning the vehicle completely off and restarting it restored normal acceleration. The same problem occurred again the following day under similar circumstances. Multiple dashboard warnings appeared, including the check-engine light. During the second occurrence, a red coolant-related warning also appeared. I took the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer. The dealer documented a fault for “ENGINE COOLANT FLOW LOW/PERFORMANCE” and found Volkswagen TSB 01-24-06 applicable. The repair order states that DTC P00B7, P0116 or P2681 was stored in the engine/motor control module. The dealer performed the prescribed ECM programming update under warranty. The dealer inspection showed the coolant system as OK and did not identify or repair a coolant leak or replace any cooling-system components. My safety concern is the sudden, severe loss of propulsion/acceleration in normal traffic. Had this occurred while merging onto a highway, crossing an intersection, or in other high-speed traffic, the inability to accelerate could have resulted in a collision. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA has a record of this loss-of-propulsion condition and its association with the documented ECM/coolant-flow fault and Volkswagen software update.

NHTSA ID

11756349

Incident

Aug 9, 2026

Discovered oil leak after smelling burning oil in garage. I have the 2 liter turbo motor.. Service tech at VW confirms loose cover bolts plus an additional leak. Online search shows recall for same problem with Audis equipped with same motor because of fire hazard. I have video of inspection but was unable to download. Attached are photos

NHTSA ID

11724842

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

Despite repeated repair attempts, months-long delays due to unavailable parts, and providing dealership technicians with clear video/audio evidence, authorized Volkswagen dealerships failed to properly diagnose/document defects causing severe safety hazards. My vehicle continues to suffer from persistent braking defects, defective sensors resulting in sensor failures, recurring software safety malfunctions from recall-related defects and safety hazards. Charges Related to repairs/replacements for Defective Sensors, Alignment Calibration for safety-assist systems & Software Safety Issues: Engine Cover (Battery adjacent), Engine Damage/Stalling, Untorqued Chassis/Brake/Suspension Bolts, Brake Master Cylinder, Passenger Air Bag Defect, Back Over Prevention / Camera., infotainment, software/engine safety issues. These charges stem directly from defects/malfunctions causing severe safety hazards associated with systemic recall-affected vehicle components. These severe defects have substantially impaired the use, value, and safety of my vehicle. Texas law requires a true remedy, replacing a defective vehicle with another year/model known to have the exact same safety recalls does not resolve the problem or cures the defect. Therefore, a replacement vehicle with ongoing systemic recalls across multiple safety systems with 2024–2025 Atlas Cross Sport models including braking, chassis bolt torque, camera visibility, engine cover fire risk, and airbag defects is not an acceptable remedy. Volkswagen’s failure to repair, dismiss complaints, and refusal to document safety defects constitute a material breach of warranty, breach of contract, fraudulent concealment, and fraudulent conduct under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and Federal laws. Waiting several months for parts due to recalls/defects, increasing hazards, and safety risks place me and my special needs child in grave danger creating extreme anxiety and fear of driving our vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11716371

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

Acceleration problem upon accelerating passing a vehicle has become a safety issue. Approaching a vehicle and slowing down to pass, upon accelerating to pass, RPM drops drastically to almost a complete engine stall. I am partially in the passing lane with no power. Engine RPM then increases after the stall. I have been to the dealer with this, they cannot find the problem. No codes are set. This is a safety issue to me and other drivers approaching me due to the engine hesitation. Thank you for your consideration in this problem.

NHTSA ID

11697844

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

On the afternoon of Wednesday August 6th I was no less that 3-4 miles from my home when the car stopped in the middle lane of a very busy 3 lane highway and never started again. It was 90+ degrees outside and even hotter inside the vehicle with leather seats. I became extremely nervous and my small 10 pound puppy began to have anxiety and overheat. When I pulled away from my home the car was bucking and jerking. The car had just completed an OTA software download and installation a few hours earlier so I assumed it was the after affect of the software update. As I pulled onto the main road the car was still driving very roughly and when I cam to a red light the car started to shake back and forth very roughly and once the light turned green I was unable to accelerate. Error messages where coming up on the screen. I tried to start the car to move out of the middle lane but it would not start. A state trooper had pulled behind me and got out to assist. She noted she saw gray smoke coming from behind the vehicle as I was driving up to the light which prompted her to get behind me initially. She and I both worked to try to get the car into park but it would not shift gears. She noted fluid was running out of the car but we both assumed it was coolant or antifreeze. She radioed the local police to assist since we were in the middle lane of a dangerous highway and I contacted VW roadside assistance. The local police officer arrived on the scene and was able to assist with getting the manual parking brake on. When the tow truck arrived he asked if the car would go into Neutral we advised NO he then stated we were standing in gasoline and if we tried to start the vehicle the car could have exploded or the engine could have caught fire. If someone had rear ended or hit us there would have been a fire because the entire gas tank has leaked onto the ground that was the fluid the state trooper saw running from the back of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11689455

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

Our 2024 Atlas Crossport has been in the shop for 22 days today. The vehicle we purchased NEW in January has been sitting at VW for 3 weeks. We dropped off our 2024 Atlas Cross Sport at 2 pm on Wednesday, August 27. The vehicle was presented for service for: -Oil change -Broken console spring -Remote start not working -Recall work Three weeks later the vehicle is STILL not ready and the service consultant, understandably, does not want to release the vehicle due to safety concerns -- this is literally mentioned in a text message. We have been told the outstanding issue involves Carnet. We have been told that multiple attempts have been made to connect with Carnet. Today we were told they have no idea when it can be fixed.

NHTSA ID

11688084

Incident

Aug 27, 2025

This was already fixed by replacing thermostat sensor but now happening again about 1 month since repair. While driving the car has a red alert come up reporting high temp pull over and my car then just loses power, ability to steer and to even be able to pull over safely (rpm’s go way up but little movement steering wheel freezes)- not when I’m at a complete stop but literally middle of driving. Not sure if it’s engine if it’s the thermostat.

NHTSA ID

11686674

Incident

Sep 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Error Drive Speed" was displayed. Additionally, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH, with the message "Engine Overheating" displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact became aware of an abnormal coolant odor and allowed the engine to cool down for several minutes. The contact stated that the "Drive System" message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that it would take two weeks to diagnose the vehicle due to the dealer's service schedule. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,160. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11677448

Incident

Jul 30, 2025

Mileage

30,160 mi

Hi, I received a recall for my car about the engine cover but VW doesn't have a solution. They just took the cover away and left the motor without cover or protection. I don't think is normal and appropiate to have the engine expose like that. Besides this problem, the car has brake problems I already report and also Oil problems that VW won't give a correct answer. I worried because I have 3 children and I don't feel safe to travel with them in a car I bearly have 1 year with it. I'll appreciate your help.

NHTSA ID

11651726

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

The brakes sound like their grinding and the motor drives funny

NHTSA ID

11647164

Incident

Feb 12, 2025

About 6 months after purchasing a new 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport, I started smelling gasoline inside the vehicle. It was a very strong smell, like someone had poured it on the carpet. After a few days, I noticed the smell when walking up to the car, not just inside. At this time, an error message appeared on the dash saying the start-stop system was malfunctioning, as well as the ABS system. That day, I took a look underneath and spotted a leak; gasoline was dripping from the bottom of the car. So, I scheduled service at the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. After a week, I received a call saying a rodent had entered the engine bay and chewed through the engine harness and a fuel line, and that these damages were not covered under the warranty. I asked for pictures of the "chewing"; however, the images they provided were not conclusive, in my opinion. My insurance paid, and the repair was started, but when they went to fix it, they said they found extensive damage to the primary harness, secondary harness, and a bunch of other things. Insurance again approved; however, the dealership has said that these parts need 30-90 days to come in. I believe there to be a defect in manufacturing that allows rodents into the vehicle since I have parked vehicles, including VW and just about every other brand, in the same location for 30 years and have never had this issue. Also, when I pressed the service department at the dealership, they said they had other cars here for the same issue and that it was "not uncommon."

NHTSA ID

11638247

Incident

Dec 27, 2024

Multiple occasions the start/stop malfunction has turned on. The brakes grind and screech horribly and I’ll get breaking malfunction warning. It has been checked by vw and they state that the brakes are fine and they’ve had several come in with same issue but there’s no recall that has been issued. They stated it is the material that was used to manufacture brake parts that cause this problem. It worries me one day they will give out. Also the error drive system has come on and it feels I lose power. I stop car and sometimes that helps as I restart. They tell me the antifreeze needs to be topped off. I’ve already had to refill in less than 3 months which I find crazy with antifreeze. No other car I’ve owned have I had to refill this so much. So several issues have occurred with this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11632579

Incident

Dec 27, 2024

Multiple error codes populated on my vehicle while driving to work. This occurred less than 3 months & less than 1500 miles since ownership. The car went into a reduced power/speed mode and advised for me to get service asap. I barely made it off the highway to my destination. Dealer said it was the fuel pump. If it was a faulty fuel pump - should I have been a part of the stop sale/recall? Engine/Transmission/PowerTrain- Error: Drive System. Please service vehicle. (Engine) Error: Start/Stop (Engine)

NHTSA ID

11628224

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

Vehicle had multiple engine malfunction lights appear and start/stop failures. Vehicle failed to start properly and speed was limited to prevent damage engine. Happened while I was driving it and I had to pull over and had the vehicle towed. An authorized dealer, Auto Import Inc in Brainerd, MN has had the vehicle since July 29th. They are unable to diagnose the problem, want to send the vehicle elsewhere and VW quality technicians have not shown up to inspect the vehicle. I had noticed prior to the engine failure that my fuel economy was not going down with driving, but rather up, which made me suspicious. Stop and go City driving should not increase fuel economy in the manner which it was. I became nervous about fuel amounts. My last three fill ups were about 6 gallons only after driving 250 miles, equating to 40 mpg, which is way higher than any reported mpg estimate I have a customer care rep and case with VW. They are not helping me at all.

NHTSA ID

11607846

Incident

Jul 28, 2024

The engine failed flashing a warning sign of rpm max 4000 from day 1 of me having the car. It is available for inspection. During the multiple times this has happened the car will come to a hault while driving on busy expressways of at least 70 mph. The dealer has not found a solution to the problem after at least 4 attempts.

NHTSA ID

11598097

Incident

Sep 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V593000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA ID

11548638

Incident

Sep 6, 2023

Mileage

3,000 mi