2023 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.

Our 2023 Volkswagen Atlas complete Infotainment system stopped working and went blank/black back around XXX. This includes all lights, back up camera, and parking collision warnings especially when backing (vehicle in reverse). It has been a safety concern operating the vehicle without the rear back-up camera along with no navigation and other important information contained on the infotainment screen. We have 3 children and often carpool other children to and from their school and it has been stressful operating the Volkswagen without the rear back up camera, having no music, infotainment lights, no Bluetooth available to make calls safely as we are a hand free state here in [XXX] as it pertains to cellphone usage in the car. We took our car to a local VW dealer in [XXX] and it was diagnosed with the control module 005f not working and it could not communicate with the vehicle. The service advisor said this is 005f control module has been a common issue recently in VW Atlas and Tiguans. The part is on back order in [XXX] and out of the safety of our family and especially the children we drive in our VW Atlas we gave in an ordered the 00f5 module. We have yet to receive it and have it installed and still drive with a complete non-working infotainment system including no back up camera, warning notifications, no Bluetooth, no lights, etc. There was no warning really that this would go out but we are in dire need to get it repaired and get the safety standards back in the vehicle. Lastly, in addition our vehicle just went past the warranty mileage and this module and its installation are very costly. This is a huge safety concern that could arise for many other families across [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776377

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lunged forward and accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was associated with the battery. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11775587

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

Mileage

25,000 mi

front passenger headlight daytime running light went out right around 70k miles. paid $1200 to have it repaired, left one went out shortly after. can't afford to replace it. saw there's a lawsuit with these. makes it hard to drive at night with less light.

NHTSA ID

11775023

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

Backup camera screen and all related screen safety features unexpectedly stopped working. Safety features including backup / rear facing camera, parking assist, and blind spot warnings no longer function and put people and property at risk while maneuvering the vehicle. There was/is no warning that the systems do not work. Additionally, the health of children in the backseat is at risk as there is no way to control heating and cooling for backseat passengers. The failure to use safety equipment was confirmed by Ken Ganley North Olmstead VW dealership service department. Service department staff acknowledged other VW Atlas customers with similar problems. Service stated they could not provide a timely resolution or accurate estimate for when replacement parts would be available. Service department staff could not provide loaner vehicle. VW Corporate Customer Care center acknowledged the issue and denied ability to help fix the problem or expedite a solution.

NHTSA ID

11773931

Incident

Oct 11, 2026

A manufacturer-pushed OTA software update failed, completely bricking the 5F Infotainment Module. This has caused a total loss of the rearview backup camera, parking sensors, and safety alerts, creating an immediate, severe blind-spot safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11773712

Incident

Oct 3, 2026

I own a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, purchased new in March 2023. The vehicle has experienced two incidents of sudden loss of propulsion. The first incident occurred around June 2026 while stopped near a roundabout entrance. The vehicle became inoperable and required multiple restart attempts over approximately 4–5 minutes before normal operation resumed. I do not recall whether any unusual noise occurred during this first incident. The second incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while driving at approximately 20–35 mph and entering an intersection in Madison, Alabama. The vehicle suddenly lost propulsion, and pressing the accelerator produced no response. The vehicle continued coasting forward due to momentum. The dashboard remained illuminated, and the transmission remained in Drive (D). When I attempted to restart the vehicle, the system instructed me to shift into Park (P). During the restart attempt, I heard an abnormal grinding or ratcheting noise. After following the restart instructions, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The unexpected loss of propulsion while entering an intersection created a serious risk of collision with surrounding traffic. Fortunately, no collision or injuries occurred. The vehicle was brought to Hiley Volkswagen of Huntsville on [XXX]. The dealership reported finding no fault codes and has not identified the cause of the problem. No repairs have been performed to my knowledge. The vehicle remains at the dealership, and the dealer has indicated that it is working to open a technical assistance case with Volkswagen. The failed component is UNKNOWN. The incidents occurred approximately four months apart, making the problem difficult to reproduce during short test drives. I am concerned that this sudden loss of propulsion could happen again while driving and potentially cause a serious collision. I am requesting that this safety concern be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11772960

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the center entertainment panel blacked out, and the rearview camera display remained active while shifted into drive. The check engine, caution, and SOS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine misfire, and ignition coils were replaced. The battery was tested, and no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure progressed; the vehicle lost motive power, the power window rolled up when the down button was pressed, and roadside assistance provided a battery jump-start. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone store where the battery was replaced; however, the check engine, caution, and SOS warning lights remained illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 48,157.

NHTSA ID

11772369

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Mileage

48,157 mi

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Atlas due to the complete failure of the infotainment/electronic display system, including loss of the rearview backup camera. The system initially malfunctioned intermittently over several months before failing completely. The screen is now entirely black and nonfunctional. Most concerning, the rearview camera no longer displays an image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This creates a significant safety concern, particularly when backing up near children, pedestrians, or other vehicles. The loss of the camera is not simply an inconvenience; it is the failure of an important safety feature. My vehicle has slightly over 70,000 miles and was evaluated by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. I was advised that the repair would cost approximately $3,300. After goodwill assistance, my responsibility was reduced to $1,481. The dealership initially advised that the replacement part was backordered with no estimated arrival date. The part has now arrived, and I remain in a rental vehicle while the repair is pending completion. I am aware that Volkswagen issued NHTSA Safety Recall 24V-480 / VW Recall 91US for certain 2024 Atlas vehicles due to infotainment issues that could delay or prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. My 2023 Atlas is experiencing a similar safety-related symptom, although I understand the underlying defect may differ. I respectfully request that NHTSA review whether 2023 Atlas vehicles may also be affected by a related defect, whether similar complaints exist, and whether further investigation or recall action is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11772278

Incident

Sep 26, 2026

Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.

Checking engine oil level.

Reprogramming Control Module process

Condensation

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

Water Migration under RAPGARD® during PDI