2018 Volkswagen Atlas

On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.  In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engine. The subject investigation concerns vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. Prior to opening the investigation, ODI also observed that warranty data for the fuel system from TREAD reporting was an outlier for the MY 2018 Atlas.The allegation involved fuel injectors leaking fuel near engine compartment components that operate at high temperatures. Consumers allege a fuel leak, fuel odor, and/or an illuminated check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) on that alerts them to the condition. Fuel leaking in the engine compartment has a higher potential risk of fire as nearby components are operating at higher temperatures compared to other areas of the vehicle. No fires have been connected to this issue to date.The 3.6L engine is a VR6 type engine. Due to its specific design, the VR6 has two types of injectors with different designs installed. Cylinders 1, 3, and 5 use long injectors and cylinders 2, 4, and 6 use short injectors. Unlike the short injectors, the long injectors require an extension pipe necessary to reach cylinders 1, 3, and 5. Volkswagen stated that the potential root cause for a leaking injector is typically either a damaged, misaligned, or missing supporting ring or a damaged O-ring. These rings assist in connecting the injector to the extension pipe. If one of these conditions is present in a vehicle, the O-ring has difficulty withstanding fuel pressure over time.Volkswagen stated that an analysis of warranty data related to leaking injectors in vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines showed that the vast majority of leaking allegations were related to internal leaks. Fuel can leak into the cylinder causing misfiring in the affected cylinders. This condition would not cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. Volkswagen states that these internal leaks pose no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition is an early-life failure with a relatively low failure rate. The average failure mileage calculated from all data sources was determined to be approximately 14,000 miles. Only two failures were reported outside of the vehicles' warranty coverage period. The average time to failure for the subject vehicle population is approximately 12 months in service (MIS). The majority of failures were below the average of 14,000 miles or 12 MIS. Analysis of reported failures showed that the failure rate is approximately 0.08% or 0.8 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate of failure, the nature of early-life failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11446833, 11438403, 11382958, 11298402, 11291955, 11218819, 11218780

My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL has experienced repeated unexpected engine stalling, hesitation, surging, and fluctuating RPMs despite numerous warranty repairs. Since XXX, the vehicle has undergone at least six EVAP charcoal canister replacements, multiple N80 purge valve replacements, and a fuel tank replacement. These repairs have repeatedly failed to permanently correct the problem. On XXX, while departing the [XXX] with my family, the vehicle stalled while pulling into traffic from a stop sign. An approaching vehicle was forced to swerve around us to avoid a collision while I attempted to restart the engine. This incident created an immediate risk of a serious collision and is consistent with the recurring stalling condition I have reported to Prestige Volkswagen of Melbourne for years. The vehicle has approximately 126,000 miles. Despite repeated dealership repairs, the condition continues to recur, and I am concerned that the vehicle may stall again without warning. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this recurring engine-stalling condition and the repeated failures of the EVAP system components. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776536

Incident

Nov 7, 2026

My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL has experienced recurring engine stalling, fluctuating RPMs, hesitation, and surging associated with repeated failures of the EVAP charcoal canister and related components. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while reversing, approaching stops, and operating in traffic, creating a serious safety risk to occupants and surrounding motorists. Symptoms typically begin with fluctuating RPMs and hesitation, progressively worsening until the engine stalls. Since April 2023, an authorized Volkswagen dealership has replaced the charcoal canister at least six times, frequently replacing the N80 purge valve as well. In October 2024, the fuel tank was also replaced. Dealership technicians have repeatedly confirmed internal charcoal canister deterioration, including charcoal particles contaminating the EVAP system. Despite these warranty repairs, the symptoms typically return within a few months. I have repeatedly reported the early warning symptoms to the dealership, but repairs were often not performed because the condition could not be reproduced or no diagnostic faults were identified. The problem was generally confirmed and repaired only after symptoms progressed to engine stalling. The most recent charcoal canister and N80 purge valve replacement occurred July 29, 2026, at approximately 121,095 miles. By October 2026, the same symptoms had returned. The vehicle currently has approximately 126,200 miles. The dealership has documented multiple failures, but the underlying cause has not been identified or permanently corrected. I am concerned that the vehicle may unexpectedly stall again during normal operation, potentially resulting in a collision. I request that NHTSA investigate this recurring safety-related defect and determine whether other Volkswagen Atlas vehicles may be affected.

NHTSA ID

11775221

Incident

Apr 7, 2023

Months ago I heard a knocking noise under my steering wheel/near the driver's side wheel. I took the car in and reported what I was hearing. I had services completed but it didn't stop the noise. The noise was inconsistent and hard to duplicate for the dealership on test drives. It was most pronounced when going over speed bumps or turning the wheel when parking. The dealership did all they could do and provided great services replacing/fixing anything that could cause the issue to no avail. They assured me the vehicle was safe to drive even though the noise remained so I drove it. About a week ago, I had an error light come on and the car started to shut off without warning. The error said auto shut/off was disabled due to an engine issue - but no check engine light. I was almost rear ended twice when slowing the car down at a red light due to the car shutting off without warning when driving under 5-10mph or parking. I scheduled an appointment to take the car back in to address the error. Before the appointment, the car registered a check engine light. I called back and the dealership allowed me to bring the car in right away. The diagnosis stated I needed a few things, but specifically a new steering rack. They said there was "wear" on the rack but didn't provide any additional details (car has 121k miles). I called VW to inquire on potential recalls and learned about the steering rack mount/assembly (i forget exact terminology) recall but was informed the actual steering rack was not in the recall. I recited the symptoms I was reporting to the dealership months ago to the rep (case 07823488 and 07825005) and confirmed those are the symptoms listed in the recall but only for the mount. VW should have the entire steering rack and assembly covered in a recall because damage/wear to an assembly can put stress on the full rack causing a safety issue. Thank goodness my kids and I were not rear-ended by the auto shutoff but it could have been worse.

NHTSA ID

11774231

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

This vehicle has too many issues. Electrical, enhine, suspension, seat release latches, EPC. Water pump was replaced a week after buying the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11768807

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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.

NHTSA ID

11767960

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. Additionally, the vehicle shut off while driving and came to a stop in the middle of the road, nearly causing a crash. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failures was a persistent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11766987

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A #6 CYLINDER, FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR. ERROR CODES: P030000; P030600; P21A100. TECHNICIAN STATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NO RECALL. NHTSA CLOSED INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER IN 2022 FOR 2018-2019 VW ATLAS'S, ONE REASON STATED FOR NO RECALL IS THE LIMITED NUMBERS OF REPORTS FOR THIS ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN 4 YEARS SINCE AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW MANY MORE HAVE BEEN REPORTED SINCE 2022? IT IS AN OBVIOUS ENGINEERING PROBLEM AND THE VW MECHANICS KNOW IT. THEY QUOTED $4,000 TO FIX! WE PAID $20,000 FOR THE VEHICLE USED 5 MONTHS AGO! VW IS MAKING MONEY OFF THE MECHANICAL FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11766872

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

Fuel line leak due to the angle the manufacturer line is coming out of the fuel tank. Rubbing on the line caused a wear on the line, gas leak and has to be repaired and rerouted by mechanic to keep this from happening again. Very unsafe condition due to fumes and risk of fire. No warning lights just a very strong fuel smell and fuel leaking from under the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11759117

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

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