RoadVitals

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
175
Latest Aug 11, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, 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

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.

51
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Software update for the vehicle. Since we have completed the update we have had issues with the Radio unit flashing in and out intermittenly and finally the unit went black and will not work at all. This is now showing multiple fault codes including. Engine control module 1 (U105400), Brakes 1(C102D00), Adaptive Cruise Control (U112100), Dash Board (U111000), Gateway (U105400), Telematics Communication Unit (B104914, U112100,B1916f4), Light Control Left 2 (U140700,C123AFA) Light Control Right 2 (C123AFA). None of these codes started till the System update happened.

NHTSA ID 11756322 · filed Aug 11, 2026

i was exiting HWY 45 at highway speed. the car began to stutter, i lost control of the propulsion of the vehicle, the breaks did not seem to work, the EPC light came on after rolling to a stop. i had to put the car in park and upon turning the car off and back on the cars EPC light went off and i was able to drive it home. it now sits in my driveway and has not been moved since.

NHTSA ID 11755826 · filed Aug 10, 2026
All 51 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

i was exiting HWY 45 at highway speed. the car began to stutter, i lost control of the propulsion of the vehicle, the breaks did not seem to work, the EPC light came on after rolling to a stop. i had to put the car in park and upon turning the car off and back on the cars EPC light went off and i was able to drive it home. it now sits in my driveway and has not been moved since.

NHTSA ID 11755826 · filed Aug 10, 2026

This car has increasingly started stalling out as I come to a stop in traffic at lower speeds. There is no consistent pattern behind when it will occur. At times, I feel my car's engine start to shudder like it's going to stall, but it is not immediately followed by stalling. I have taken it to a dealer last month because it stalled at least three times in a month. They replaced the battery because they couldn't find cause, and this past Sunday, the car stalled as I pulled into a parking spot and shut off. Each time, I have my auto engine off disengaged. It is NOT the engine turning off at a red light and re-engaging when I take my foot off the brake. The car will turn off and not throw any error codes, making it impossible for techs to determine the problem. The dash will tell me to "Please start engine manually" and it has started up each time.

NHTSA ID 11751841 · filed Jul 21, 2026
All 50 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Software update for the vehicle. Since we have completed the update we have had issues with the Radio unit flashing in and out intermittenly and finally the unit went black and will not work at all. This is now showing multiple fault codes including. Engine control module 1 (U105400), Brakes 1(C102D00), Adaptive Cruise Control (U112100), Dash Board (U111000), Gateway (U105400), Telematics Communication Unit (B104914, U112100,B1916f4), Light Control Left 2 (U140700,C123AFA) Light Control Right 2 (C123AFA). None of these codes started till the System update happened.

NHTSA ID 11756322 · filed Aug 11, 2026

While driving my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, the infotainment system began malfunctioning. The audio stopped working intermittently, the touchscreen went black and displayed corrupted graphics, and the backup camera repeatedly cuts in and out or fails to display anything. Pressing the backup camera button can cause the infotainment system to shut down completely. I attempted to reset the system through a soft reset by pressing the power/volume button for 20+ seconds and when that didn't work I did a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for 15- 20 mins, but the issue persists. Because the camera is unreliable or unavailable when reversing or for my blind spots, I believe this creates a safety hazard by reducing rear visibility and increasing the risk of a backing collision and side collisions

NHTSA ID 11752976 · filed Jul 27, 2026
All 41 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I started the car to cool off and stepped out of the car and the curtain airbags deployed on both sides of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11745516 · filed Jun 21, 2026

All the airbags in the car deployed from a minor impact; it is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID 11741017 · filed May 30, 2026
All 30 reports naming airbags

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Software update for the vehicle. Since we have completed the update we have had issues with the Radio unit flashing in and out intermittenly and finally the unit went black and will not work at all. This is now showing multiple fault codes including. Engine control module 1 (U105400), Brakes 1(C102D00), Adaptive Cruise Control (U112100), Dash Board (U111000), Gateway (U105400), Telematics Communication Unit (B104914, U112100,B1916f4), Light Control Left 2 (U140700,C123AFA) Light Control Right 2 (C123AFA). None of these codes started till the System update happened.

NHTSA ID 11756322 · filed Aug 11, 2026

i was exiting HWY 45 at highway speed. the car began to stutter, i lost control of the propulsion of the vehicle, the breaks did not seem to work, the EPC light came on after rolling to a stop. i had to put the car in park and upon turning the car off and back on the cars EPC light went off and i was able to drive it home. it now sits in my driveway and has not been moved since.

NHTSA ID 11755826 · filed Aug 10, 2026
All 26 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Daytime running light went out and needs the whole assembly to be replaced which is $1400+ from the dealership. Vehicle is barley 4 years old

NHTSA ID 11749401 · filed Jul 9, 2026

The Daylight Driving Lights have failed 2X. Very expensive fix. Seems to be a common problem.

NHTSA ID 11749159 · filed Jul 8, 2026
All 13 reports naming exterior lighting

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On the week of 10/13/2025, I had an oil sensor alert appear after a recent oil change. I took the vehicle in on 10/30/2025 for a diagnostic check and was told the oil separator sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. After the service was completed, the total was $906.42 of which I paid $580.99 out of pocket post my extended warranty claim payment. I received a recall notice in November 2025 for Emissions Service Action 10LP - Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve / Oil Separator. The same issue I just paid for in October 2025.I had an unsuccessful attempt dealing with Jim Ellis Volkswagon in Kennesaw to try and retrieve a refund directly from them. I subsequently completed and emailed the reimbursement form to Volkswagon on 1/2/2026. I have not received any communication to them in regards to my reimbursement claim.

NHTSA ID 11722862 · filed Mar 8, 2026

Driving my car only a few minutes and it caught fire and blew up. Car was completely engulfed in flames. Son was barely able to get out before engine burst into flames.

NHTSA ID 11714592 · filed Jan 30, 2026
All 12 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle has experienced multiple serious safety failures involving the steering, electrical system, and powertrain. Most recently, while driving, the steering wheel locked unexpectedly, causing a temporary loss of control. Multiple dashboard warning lights began flashing, and the EPC light turned on and off repeatedly. I had to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and restart the engine to regain control. The camshaft/camshaft position sensor and steering system appear to be malfunctioning, and the issues have recurred multiple times. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer for inspection and repairs several times, but the failures continue. These problems have created a serious safety risk, as loss of steering and erratic electrical behavior can lead to accidents, putting myself, passengers, and others on the road at risk. Warning lamps first appeared intermittently after prior repairs, but the steering wheel lock incident is the most severe event to date.

NHTSA ID 11701497 · filed Nov 25, 2025

ENGINE RANDOMLY STOPS WHILE DRIVING, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, WARNING SAYS TO MANUALLY RESTART ENGINE. HAPPENS WITH AUTO START/STOP ON OR OFF. LASTEST INCIDENT, WHILE ENTERING AN INTERSECTION TURNING LEFT, ENGINE STOPPED, SAID TO MANUALLY RESTART, STEERING LOCKED UP SO COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT WAS VERY DANGEROUS PUT ME IN THE MIDDLE OF A LOT OF TRAFFIC, IN AN INTERSECTION. CAR IS BASICALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS POINT. HAD IT TOWED.

NHTSA ID 11679519 · filed Aug 9, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle has middle row captains chairs. While slowing down for a stoplight, the captain chair behind the driver side lunged forward pinning my son’s head between his car seat and the back of my seat. Prior to the incident, there was no error indication (would pop up RED) telling me there was a bad latch when putting my son in his car seat. Is it available for inspection upon request? Yes, I still currently own the vehicle. My [XXX] old was not safe in his seat it flung forward he was stuck squished between two seats. I was unsafe as I was in a turn lane at a stoplight and got out of my vehicle to assist him. Thankfully, there were no cars behind me. The problem has not been resolved produced by me. But I am aware of other people this has happened to, my friend this happened (same make and model year as mine) and two random people on a group on Facebook. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership tech and after they sent pictures to VW they deemed it to not be returned to me until repair was done. My major concern now is that they replaced one of two captains chairs. They will not replace the parts on the second captain chair because it did not fail. My kids are traumatized over this and my older daughter does not trust the seat. So they are waiting for this to happen in the other seat before they will repair it. I can’t be naive to think the situation could be worse next time and my job as a parent is to keep them safe. These seats are not safe. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, nothing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11707986 · filed Dec 31, 2025

The passenger air bag has a faulty sensor and the instrument cluster has an intermittent warning with audible chime. We are unable to use the vehicle for safe transportation and we are intermittently bombarded with the chime while driving. The dealership cannot repair until July 3 and does not offer any alternative transportation in the mean time or any loaner during repair. We have contacted VW Customer Care and they refuse to do anything about it. They have directed us to the dealership. We are unable to get around as a family currently due to this issue. There is an active recall for this issue.

NHTSA ID 11665932 · filed Jun 9, 2025

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While traveling at highway speeds with my family on our way to a college visit, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of propulsion due to a complete breach of the automatic transmission oil cooler lines (Part numbers: 3QF317801C and 3QF317820C). The breach caused hot, pressurized transmission fluid to violently spray out of the vehicle, covering the highway and completely coating the vehicle traveling directly behind us, creating an immediate multi-car road hazard. The sudden loss of fluid instantly destroyed the transmission internals, disabling the vehicle on a high-speed highway and requiring us to be towed to a Volkswagen dealership. The certified VW dealership technicians inspected the vehicle and explicitly identified the issue as a factory assembly flaw. They confirmed that these two parallel, closed-loop fluid lines were routed from the factory with zero clearance, causing them to rub together under normal engine vibration until friction wore a hole through both walls. This built-in engineering and routing defect poses a severe safety hazard due to sudden, un-alerted power loss in fast-moving traffic and the spraying of highly flammable fluid onto hot engine components and surrounding vehicles.

NHTSA ID 11755619 · filed Aug 8, 2026

I am reporting a recurring coolant system issue that raises safety concerns. My 2022 VW Atlas has triggered the coolant warning light several times since new. A dealership eventually replaced the head gasket under warranty, yet the warning returned again months later. At the most recent service visit, a pressure test showed no leak, and I was told the problem was likely "air bubbles" — the same explanation I received before the head gasket was replaced. VW has issued TSB 19-22-01, advising dealers to blame repeated warnings on trapped air and to avoid replacing parts unless a leak is confirmed. This contradicts VW’s own official dashboard warning guidance, which instructs drivers to “Stop! Engine coolant level too low, engine coolant temperature too high, or engine coolant system malfunction” and “Do not drive.” This creates a conflict: VW tells customers a coolant warning is urgent and dangerous, while internally telling dealers to do nothing unless symptoms worsen. Meanwhile, owners are left driving vehicles that could overheat, stall, or fail without proper diagnosis. I request NHTSA investigate whether this approach allows VW to underreport or delay addressing a possible defect. I am concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle and the potential for this issue to affect other Atlas owners.

NHTSA ID 11676446 · filed Jul 27, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

All the airbags in the car deployed from a minor impact; it is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID 11741017 · filed May 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, and pressed the brakes when suddenly the second row passenger side captain seat erroneously moved forward. The [XXX] child seated in a high-back booster seat in the second row passenger seat was pushed forward into the rear of the front passenger seat. The child had become trapped between the two seats. While trapped between the seats, the child also experienced distress caused by the seatbelt. The contact was able to free the child from between the two seat,s and the seat was eventually correctly repositioned. The child was later treated for trauma to the chest and abdomen. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11685050 · filed Sep 4, 2025

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am filing a complaint regarding a premature failure of a critical safety-related lighting component on my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The driver-side headlight daytime running light (DRL) has failed. After inspection by an authorized Volkswagen dealership (Momentum Volkswagen), I was informed that the DRL is not a serviceable component and that the entire headlight assembly must be replaced. This is concerning for several reasons: 1.The vehicle is a 2022 model year and has been properly maintained with no accidents or external damage. 2.The DRL is an integrated LED component that should reasonably last the life of the vehicle. 3.The failure of a non-replaceable LED strip forces replacement of the entire headlight assembly, resulting in excessive and unreasonable repair costs. I contacted Volkswagen Group of America requesting goodwill assistance, as this appears to be a premature component failure rather than normal wear and tear. Despite escalation and review with a supervisor, my request was denied. The only assistance offered was a 20% dealership discount, which does not adequately address the issue. I believe this situation reflects: •A potential design defect (non-serviceable LED component) •Unreasonable repair costs due to lack of modular repair options •Failure of a component that should not fail under normal conditions in such a short time frame Desired Resolution: I am requesting that Volkswagen provide goodwill assistance to cover a significant portion (preferably full coverage) of the headlight assembly replacement. Additionally, I encourage Volkswagen to review this design approach, as it places an unfair financial burden on customers for failures of non-serviceable components. I am seeking a fair and reasonable resolution consistent with customer satisfaction and product reliability expectations.

NHTSA ID 11719144 · filed Feb 19, 2026

windshield cracks very easily with very minimal impact. There are countless threads and reports of this chassis having this problem and unfortunately VW put many sensors into the windshield causing the replacement to require calibration to use the some of the safety features. Second time this has happened.

NHTSA ID 11712011 · filed Jan 20, 2026

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

All the airbags in the car deployed from a minor impact; it is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID 11741017 · filed May 30, 2026

Frontal detection sensors randomly go off usually while sitting stationary at traffic lights or stop signs, when there are no cars around the vicinity of my vehicle. Screen displays false detections and alerts with annoying beeps making you think something is going to collide with you. Dealership says there's an internal TSB on this problem, but they don't know how to fix it.

NHTSA ID 11626910 · filed Nov 22, 2024

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

Data on this page last refreshed .