2019 Volkswagen Atlas Steering Problems

Vehicle experiences intermittent front end vibration and shaking at highway speeds, sometimes during light braking. The vibration feels similar to driving over rumble strips and can become strong enough to affect steering feel and driver confidence. The issue occurs intermittently and is more noticeable at higher speeds. Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended replacement of the steering rack and tie rod components. During the inspection, I was informed the steering rack/tie rod related component was currently on backorder, raising concern that this may not be an isolated issue affecting only this vehicle. Front brake pads and rotors were replaced afterward through an independent repair facility in an attempt to correct the issue, however the vibration and shaking still continue while driving. Vehicle currently has approximately 87,000 miles. No warning lights were present at the time of the issue.

NHTSA ID

11740449

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

We purchased a 2019 Atlas in 2020 and recently had to take it to the dealership in [XXX] multiple times with no answers as to why the steering is shaking and the car vibrating at speeds over 50 mph. Apparently according to this complaint link, [XXX] it is very common and consumers have had the same poor response from their dealerships to fix this safety concern. I got a quite (PARTS ONLY) for $1181.85 and feel there is no way we are responsible for this cost to resolve an Atlas safety issue after expressing concern over and over and over again. File attached for your review. We have an impeccable driving record, have not had any accidents and take pride in our vehicle ownership. However, this experience over the past 8 months has been nothing but a nuisance and we are highly concerned for the safety of our family while driving the 2019 Atlas. Please review and contact us to resolve this matter at your earliest convenience. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11736101

Incident

Sep 2, 2025

Bad steering rack for 2019 Atlas VW. No recall announced but multiple vehicles having similar issues nationwide. Car has always had a small vibration in the steering and over time it has steadily gotten worst. I recently added new tires and an alignment. the problem is mechanical in nature and presents an extreme safety risk to the vehicle. The vehicle has been looked at multiple times in the past few years by a VW dealership. Nothing until recently has a problem been identified. VW dealership even mentioned “this should not happen with a vehicle that is this new”

NHTSA ID

11735294

Incident

Mar 31, 2023

Vehicle vibrates and rumbles at very low speeds and almost feels like the engine is giving out. I was told by my local VW dealership that the rack and pinion steering is failing and is the cause for this vibration. When attempting to have the problem resolved by their mechanics, I was told that it could take 30 days to get the part. After 60 days of waiting for the part, I cancelled the order and took my deposit back. I've recently learned that this part needed to replace rack and pinion can take up to 7-12 months to acquire. I am interested in seeing this mechanical issue being recalled by the NHTSA to have Volkswagen held responsible for such a travesty.

NHTSA ID

11726222

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving over a bumpy road surface at 5-10 MPH or at higher speeds, the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was determined that the front stabilizer coupling rod had failed. The contact related the failure to Volkswagen Campaign Number: 40R1; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a power-steering rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the case was escalated to the supervisor. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA ID

11725171

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

Mileage

166,000 mi

The electronic steering gear is malfunctioning and making a clicking sound when the steering wheel is turned at 90-degree angles in either direction. The dealership (Bud Brown VW, Olathe, KS) advised me that they have had 3 VW Atlas vehicles with the same problem over the past month. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that could cause loss of steering and potential injury or loss of life.

NHTSA ID

11695172

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

Driving at highway speeds when the vehicle hit certain bumps the front end would wobble and cause significant vibration and loss of control steering (death wobble). This was reproduced by both and independent shop as well as mechanics at West End Volkswagen in Henrico Virginia. They replaced the entire steering rack to resolve the problem. They stated while I was there that this was the second steering rack on an Atlas this week they had replaced. The problem started around [XXX] and was fixed on 7/9/25. I don't currently have the original part and I don't know whether the Volkswagen dealership kept it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11672627

Incident

May 15, 2025

●Vehicle tries to pull me into a completely different lanes I have no intentions of trying to go into while on the highway ●Vehicle completely shut off WHILE DRIVING. Electrical panel flashed with all the lights then said to start Vehicle manually. ●Vehicle's gas saving feature when stopped, works intermittently and RANDOMLY, even with same applied brake pressure.

NHTSA ID

11671001

Incident

Jul 2, 2025

My steering wheel and front wheels shake uncontrollably make it dangerous to drive . A complete rack and pinion needed to be replace . The atlas only has 85000 miles . This happened at as slow as 10 miles an hour. Making the vehicle very unstable

NHTSA ID

11662781

Incident

May 12, 2025

I am filing this complaint due to a serious and unresolved safety issue with the steering system of my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SEL 4Motion R-Line. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed steering rack, which presents a significant safety hazard due to impaired steering response and potential loss of control. The part needed for the repair has been on national backorder for over a month, with no estimated time of availability. This delay has left me without a safe, operable vehicle and has created a major hardship for my family. I contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE to request assistance and escalation. Unfortunately, they were unable or unwilling to escalate the issue to a Regional Case Manager, and offered no support, solutions, or alternatives to address the safety or mobility concerns caused by this prolonged delay. In contrast, the dealership—Volkswagen of South Mississippi—has been extremely helpful and professional throughout the process. They confirmed the diagnosis and are ready to perform the repair, but are completely dependent on Volkswagen to supply the required part. Through online research and owner forums, I’ve learned that steering rack failures and backorder delays are common with the 2019 Atlas, which indicates this could be part of a larger systemic issue affecting many owners. I am concerned that this situation poses an ongoing public safety risk, particularly if drivers experience steering loss unexpectedly. I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate this matter and determine whether it warrants a broader safety recall or regulatory action. The current lack of support from Volkswagen, combined with the unavailability of critical steering components, is unacceptable and may leave affected drivers at serious risk.

NHTSA ID

11662516

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

-Service inspection on my vehicle found my steering rack is failing (video at dealership and service report notes this) -Due to no part availability from the manufacturer, we were unable to repair the vehicle at this time -I inquired about a loaner vehicle when picking up the vehicle at the dealership and was instructed to call customer service -Customer service stated they did not have control over a loaner and instructed me to call dealer again (Case number [XXX]) -Due to safety concerns as well as risk for further damaging the vehicle, I am unable to continue to drive my car in its current condition -When discussing the issue with the dealership they stated they did not have enough loaners to offer a vehicle and instructed me to again call customer service Upon investigation it appears VW Atlas vehicles 2019 has not issued a recall on the steering rack. Forums from customers have stated things like “you are 400th on the list to receive this part” I have been told another customer attempted to drive their vehicle in the 7 months they have been waiting on a steering rack and the vehicle is now no longer drivable but was also instructed by the technician that “the vehicle is safe to drive” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11661721

Incident

May 16, 2025

My wife and children are currently stranded 800 miles from home after our Volkswagen began shaking severely on the freeway. She brought the vehicle to Douglas VW in NJ, where the service team confirmed the steering rack is failing and verified the symptoms she experienced. Despite this, they told her it could take up to a year to fully fail and that it was “safe” to drive—an unacceptable and dangerous recommendation. We were then told the part is back-ordered for up to a year. Volkswagen has refused to provide a loaner vehicle during this wait, leaving my family without transportation. Meanwhile, we’ve been offered only a $1,500 credit toward a new vehicle, which does nothing to address the immediate issue. This is not an isolated case. It’s well documented online that this is a recurring issue with this year, make, and model. We’ve also been told the shortage is due to the part being reengineered, and that VW is prioritizing new vehicle production over existing customers dealing with critical failures. This is not just inconvenient—it’s unsafe. Volkswagen’s refusal to provide adequate support leaves my family in an impossible position through no fault of our own. We are asking for immediate action. Our case number with VW customer is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11661013

Incident

May 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the steering rack parts were on backorder and the vehicle was not able to be repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11659726

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

Mileage

78,000 mi

My car started shaking while driving at high rates of speed. Also while hitting bumps at high speed or the brakes. I took it to the VW dealer and they told me the steering rack was going out. When trying to get it fixed I was told the part is on back order for months. They told me there was 400 people ahead of me. This seems like it should be a recall with so many people reporting the problem. And a safety issue with not being able to get the part. VW is bad about doing an extended warranty to avoid a recall also. It NEEDS to be recalled before someone gets hurt or killed. And if they can’t get the parts they need to offer another way out of it. Please help!

NHTSA ID

11657038

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Steering rack and pinion (steering gear) is failing. There is a violent intermittent vibration in the steering wheel when driving. I have had an import repair shop check out the car - I did have some suspension work done on the rear as well as replaced the sway bars in the front (still had the vibration and it continues to worsen). After more review of the issue and numerous test drives it was determined that the steering rack and pinion was the issue and needed to be replaced. I authorized the shop to order the parts back in January, however they have been unable to get the part as it has been on back order. I have contacted other shops as well as dealerships and getting the part will require a substantial wait. This is a significant safety issue and even Volkswagen parts department here in High Point NC acknowledged that the part has been "upgraded" a few times so clearly its a known issue. I do not know how this sort of a safety issue cannot be a recall. As the car's warranty is expired and this is not a recall, we are stuck navigating between driving a car that may be unsafe, renting a car or trying to get by on one car when we require 2. We have no option here but to wait, hope and pray that nothing significant happens.

NHTSA ID

11648740

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

With the past year, have had 2 dangerous safety issues pop up. 1. April 2024, seat belt malfunctioned causing an error message. From what the VW dealer told me, the seat belt would not lock, therefore requiring a replacement of the entire assembly Had to drive home several hours with this error message. Should a 5 year old car have such issues? 2. January 2025, steering began to feel very sloppy. Was informed Steering rack assembly had excessive play inside the steering gear. Presume losing steering at highway speeds would be quite dangerous. Replacing seat belt assembly cost $1261.25, the steering rack assembly replacement will cost $1988.75. Both should be recall items and covered by VW.

NHTSA ID

11637158

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

Since we purchased our vehicle in 2019 the steering wheel will shake when turning the steering wheel. The VW Service Center claimed it was the clockspring and did the repair in early 2020 and the vehicle issue seemed improved with that repair. However, shortly after the same issue began and it has gotten much worse. I am concerned that if it is the clockspring then there can be a sudden serious issue depending on what is happening to the wiring with the clockspring. We have attempted several more times to get this issue fixed, but the VW Service Center claims to not detect the issue and on the last attempt refused to service the vehicle after having it for a week.

NHTSA ID

11608722

Incident

Dec 31, 2019

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel began to vibrate intensely. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the struts. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11605257

Incident

Jul 29, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

The vehicle would start from the remote and upon getting into the vehicle the push start won’t engage with the steering wheel locking and the vehicle being inoperable. The steering will will make locking mechanism sounds and the vehicle won’t start. The vehicle will then not turn on and I am unable to drive. It has sputtered for weeks now yet it turns on and I am able to drive. When first purchasing the vehicle the engine had to be replaced as it backfired and went out the same start stop issue was present then.

NHTSA ID

11587078

Incident

May 3, 2024

Vehicle steering wheel shakes when turning hard to the left or right. Sounds like tires are getting stuck on vehicle, but dealership has confirmed that it is an issue with the steering rack. Issue started in April 2023 and after first steering rack replacement, issue persists. Now steering rack software is being updated and possibly parts replaced again. Car is not operating safely.

NHTSA ID

11549815

Incident

Oct 13, 2023

The steering rack continues to fail in the VW Atlas.

NHTSA ID

11542234

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Steering assist failure at low and highway speed. Lurching and speed fluctuating at low and highway speed. Adaptive cruise control failure at low and highest speed. Yes, it is reproducible.

NHTSA ID

11498839

Incident

Dec 23, 2022

Steering Wheel column fully locked while parked. Was not able to turn the car on as the steering wheel had issues. Had to call a tow company to take it to the dealership for repairs. They had to replace the steering wheel column module.

NHTSA ID

11465889

Incident

Feb 23, 2020

Military Combat Retired Veteran, purchased CPO 2019 Atlas from VW dealer. Claim filed with VW Customer care. Numerous issues with Steering Rack, and excessive vibrations at normal speeds. Vehicle has never sounded or handled like would be expected. First alignment and 4 wheel balance 1 month after purchase - 2 months later, steering rack replaced. 5 months and 5500 miles after rack replaced, brakes and tires worn 50% post-steering rack replacement. Dealer state 'steering rack retorqued', and ware on tires and brakes due to 'underinflation'. When asked what psi was on the tires, dealer did not take a readings. Tire ware does not indicate 'underinflation', or misalignment. Indicates issues with toe or camber - presumably from when steering rack was replaced. Dealer resolution was to replaced tires, brakes, and rotors at a cost of over $2000 - all of this without knowing exactly what is causing the excessive ware... each time, dealer indicates that "underinflation" or "alignment" issue - of which tire tread ware does not align with cause. Dealer still 'unsure' of what has caused issues, but 'is confident that it is good now'. At this point, without knowing the 'why' something is happening, and with dealer unable to determine root cause of problems, do not feel safe with my family in this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11460886

Incident

Apr 6, 2022

Vehicle is on its 3rd steering rack in 6 months. The vehicle steering gets sloppy and pops when when going bad. Volkswagen refuses to issue a recall or take the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11429436

Incident

Aug 10, 2021