2019 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 226 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 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 stated that 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. To date, ODI has received a total of 44 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 187 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include four reports on injury incidents and one report involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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

Something is not right with the windshield on VW Atlas models. The windshield of mine has cracked twice in less than 3 years. I have never had cracked windshield with any other cars i have driven. Both times the crack began in the same region - behind the rear view mirror. Both times it spread rapidly from just an inch or two down across the entire windshield on the passenger side. This last time, there was no noticeable incident, no rock hit, nothing in the days leading up to the crack appearing. Both of the cracked windshields were OEM VW. Upon researching the topic, I see many people have posted online about the insane amount of times their VW Atlas gets a cracked windshield, regardless of if it is OEM or aftermarket. Something is really wrong with the design of these vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11776765

Incident

May 3, 2026

Vehicle stalls in normal driving. Problem was inspected and noted at Kuhn Volkswagen [XXX] Phone# [XXX]. Problem creates dangerous situation while driving because the engine stalls and prevents acceleration, steering, and creates a hazard for other traffic due to a disabled vehicle in traffic. Warning light has been intermittent. Problem has been confirmed by at least 2 separate mechanics. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776431

Incident

Oct 14, 2026

This recall was repaired by KEN GARFF [XXX] location - I need this taken off your site before car can be put back into service Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775033

Incident

Oct 22, 2026

I was proceding through an intersection when my car's automatic braking system activated with no warning or reason. I was driving on [XXX] on [XXX] at around [XXX]. I was stopped at a red-light behind another vehicle waiting for the light to change. When the light changed green, I proceded to drive forward through the intersection with about a car distance between the car in front of me. As soon as I cleared the intersection, my car suddenly stopped and made a loud noise while it slid forward. Unsure of what had happened, I looked around and saw nothing in the road or around my car. My car had suddenly jerked as if I hit or ran a large object over. After observing my surroundings for causes of what had just happened, I looked down at my dash and saw the red foward collision warning icon lit up on my dash. I noticed it for a few seconds before the car released and I was able to continue proceding forward. I am not sure of my exact rate of speed, but I am guessing it was around 25mph. In my experience with the car, when the front collision warning system activates, there is an audible and visual warning with both an audible chime and bright red car icon on the dash alerting me to brake. Neither or these occurred before my car quickly and unexpectedly slammed on its brakes. Thankfully nothing came out of this experience except for rattled nerves from both me & my passengers. The car behind me was keeping a safe distance from my car and was able to brake safely. I was also able to keep control of my inoperable car through the busy intersection. If in other circumstances such as if the weather had been different, I could have very well have been involved in a car accident. As this happened last night, I have not taken my car to the dealer to be inspected. I have had issues with the warning system coming on without reason in the past, but this is the first time the car has done an unsafe maneuver like this. My car is available for inspection INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U

NHTSA ID

11773634

Incident

Oct 25, 2026

During routine rear brake service, my mechanic discovered that both rear coil springs were broken on my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 111,000 miles. There had been no noticeable symptoms, unusual noises, or changes in handling to indicate a suspension problem. I have since learned that Volkswagen previously issued NHTSA Safety Recall 18V904000 (VW recall 42J3) for premature rear coil spring failures on certain 2018–2019 Atlas vehicles. However, my VIN ([XXX]) is not listed as having an open recall. The failure of both rear springs raises serious concerns about the durability and safety of these components, particularly given Volkswagen's history of similar failures. Broken coil springs can potentially shift out of position, damage tires, or compromise vehicle handling. In all my years of owning vehicles from numerous manufacturers, including several that accumulated significantly more mileage than this Atlas, I have never experienced a coil spring failure, let alone the failure of both rear springs. I am reporting this incident because I am concerned that the defect may extend beyond the vehicles included in the original recall. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether additional 2019 Atlas vehicles may be affected by premature rear coil spring failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11772671

Incident

Oct 20, 2026

Digital instrument cluster is not working.

NHTSA ID

11771186

Incident

Oct 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally loud rumbling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking sound while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics on several occasions to be diagnosed, but the contact was informed that no failure was found. The failure became progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with steering rack and pinion failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11768436

Incident

May 15, 2026

Mileage

68,000 mi

Vehicle would stall out of no where every time I would accelerate or put into reverse. Sometimes when I turned into intersections it would stall out. There was no check engine light until over a week later stating evap system charcoal canister. This has happened multiple times, even after being replaced it goes bad again. It’s dangerous when I stall in the middle of traffic especially with having my children with me. I lose all power to the vehicle when it stalls

NHTSA ID

11766670

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.

Checking engine oil level.

Reprogramming Control Module process

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

Identifying and Mixing Volkswagen Engine Coolants

Engine missfire diagnostic aid