2024 Volkswagen Atlas Owner Complaints

. Brake Master Cylinder Failure: The brake pedal feels soft and spongy and produces hydraulic groaning noises, indicating a failure of the master brake cylinder consistent with NHTSA Recall 24V-723. The dealership has declined to replace it. 2. Suspension Defect and Improper Repair: The vehicle exhibits premature and abnormal tire wear due to faulty suspension components. Although Recall 42HX mandates the replacement of affected suspension bolts, the dealership merely retightened existing hardware. 3. Water Leak and Airbag Wiring Hazard: Water is leaking into the cabin on the passenger side through the sun visor headliner. This threatens the Passenger Occupant Detection System wiring harness and airbag deployment electronics, risking deactivation of the passenger airbag. Furthermore, the dealership declined requests for a suitable loaner or rental vehicle, offering only an Uber ride home. Given that my spouse and I are mobilitydisabled individuals traveling with a working service animal, this refusal to provide adequate transportation obstructs our ability to safely obtain service under the warranty. I am exploring all legal remedies, including those under the SongBeverly Consumer Warranty Act.

NHTSA ID

11765744

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

The problem is the car has moments of stalls/not accelerating. From a stop, like at a stoplight, I have to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and even though the RPMs go up, the car doesn't move or barely moves for several seconds before it finally goes. The engine is clearly running and revving the power just isn't getting to the wheels and it stalls in thr middle of traffic.I don't know exactly which part is failing because after four repair attempts, the dealership still hasn't found it. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. Me, my kids, and other drivers safety have been put at risk more than once. The most dangerous one was on XXX when I was merging on the highway with my kids in the car, pressed the gas to speed up and get over, and the car stalled. A semi truck almost hit us because even with my foot all the way down on the gas pedal the speed wouldn't get up and the semi had to jump over into another lane almost hitting another car. The service center at Molle Volkswagen in [XXX] said the computer showed the car was stalling but couldn't find the cause or reproduce it. First visit (VW Lee's Summit): told it could be bad fuel, but they never drained it and I ran premium for months and it was still doing it. Second visit: a software update was all that showed up. They updated it and it failed the next day. Third visit: a bad fuel code came up, so they drained and refilled the tank. It's still doing it, with no code explaining why. Only VW dealerships have inspected it. Earlier warning: in sept. 2025, around 32,000 miles, the myVW app alerted "transmission in emergency mode" and "selector lever error." I took screenshots, but when I brought my car to get checked, the code didn't show up or didn't store so my transmission was never checked. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764505

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Sunroof spontaneously imploded while driving down an empty highway. Glass fell down on us and our three kids in the backseat. Remaining glass is pointing upward and outward.

NHTSA ID

11763688

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

While accelerating, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas hesitates and drags before responding to throttle input. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen Cypress (Houston, TX) on 08/25/2026 for a scheduled service appointment that included this concern as well as recall 24V480. As of 08/27/2026 - two days later - the vehicle has not been inspected or touched by a technician. The dealer has confirmed they are approximately 3 days behind and offered no resolution. The acceleration hesitation presents a safety concern, particularly when merging onto highways or crossing intersections. Recall 24V480 remains unaddressed.

NHTSA ID

11760008

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

I purchased this car brand new in 2024. As of today I have had 7 chips in my windshield. The first one which resulted in a replacement was February/ March 2025. I have replaced it once and filled 2 chips, but I currently have 4-5 chips in my windshield which needs to be replaced due to 2 of them being large. I am holding off on this replacement until I absolutely need to because the fear of replacing and then getting another chip. Some of the chips are small, but it seems to me anything that hits the windshield chips it. I have had several cars over the year and drive a lot of miles and have never had this issue with windshields. Another problem that I had when replacing was finding the proper windshield. When Safelight replaced it they did not use the OEM windshield at first. They replaced the windshield 2x with an off brand and the heads up display would not work properly. Then they finally used the OEM windshield from Volkswagen which of course costs more. So for the cost you would think you are getting better quality, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I have been to a couple of different window replacement companies over the last couple of years and they have all told me that the Atlas & Tiguans are known for windshield chips and they find that Volkswagen's glass is very thin compared to other companies.

NHTSA ID

11758444

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. This weekend, our vehicle unexpectedly began rolling backward while no one was seated in the driver’s seat. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident had the potential to cause severe injury or death. My daughter attempted to start the Atlas by reaching across the front passenger side to press the brake pedal while simultaneously pressing the start button. As she moved back, her elbow inadvertently struck the toggle-style gear selector, shifting the vehicle into neutral. The vehicle immediately began rolling backward down the driveway toward the street and mailbox. In a moment of panic, my daughter exited the vehicle and attempted to stop it by pushing from behind. This placed her directly in the path of a moving, driverless vehicle. Fortunately, family members yelled for her to move, and my mother was able to run to the vehicle, get inside, and stop it. We fully recognize that my daughter should not have attempted to start the vehicle in this manner, and we have had a very serious conversation with her about proper vehicle operation, use of the emergency brake, and never placing herself behind a moving vehicle. However, her mistake revealed what I believe is a significant safety vulnerability: the gear selector could be unintentionally moved into neutral with a simple, incidental bump, allowing an unoccupied vehicle to roll freely. The outcome could have been devastating. My daughter could have been run over. My [XXX] son, my other daughter, a child playing in our cul-de-sac, or a neighbor walking a dog could have been struck. Property damage would have been the least of our concerns. I recently drove a Chevrolet truck equipped with a similar toggle-style shifter, but its selector included a side button that had to be intentionally pressed before the gear could be changed. A safeguard of that nature appears capable of preventing precisely the type of accidental a INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

NHTSA ID

11757369

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

The center infotainment/display screen in this 2024 VW Atlas repeatedly goes black, freezes, and reboots itself while the vehicle is being driven, including at highway speed (about 43-55 mph). When it fails, the screen collapses to a clock only and shows "Navigation not available," "Telephone not available," and "App-Connect not available," then the entire head unit reboots on its own while driving. During these failures the driver loses the rearview/backup camera image, climate and audio controls, navigation, and phone functions - a serious safety hazard while the car is in motion. The problem is ongoing and has NOT been fixed. The vehicle has been to the Volkswagen dealer FIVE times for this issue (01/15/2026, 01/26/2026, 05/27/2026, 06/16/2026, and 06/30/2026). Repair order #436699 documents the screen "intermittently going black"; a dealer software update was performed and did not resolve it - the failure recurred. There is a 79-second video of the head unit rebooting while driving at 43-55 mph. This matches VW recall 26V473000 (2024-2026 Atlas, a low-voltage electrical event affecting display-screen functions) and TSB 91-23-03 (MIB3 infotainment freezing/rebooting/black screen). Losing the backup camera, controls, and displays while driving endangers the occupants and others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11757212

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

The center infotainment/display screen in this 2024 VW Atlas repeatedly goes black, freezes, and reboots itself while the vehicle is being driven, including at highway speed (about 43-55 mph). When it fails, the screen collapses to a clock only and shows "Navigation not available," "Telephone not available," and "App-Connect not available," then the entire head unit reboots on its own while driving. During these failures the driver loses the rearview/backup camera image, climate and audio controls, navigation, and phone functions - a serious safety hazard while the car is in motion. The problem is ongoing and has NOT been fixed. The vehicle has been to the Volkswagen dealer FIVE times for this issue (01/15/2026, 01/26/2026, 05/27/2026, 06/16/2026, and 06/30/2026). Repair order #436699 documents the screen "intermittently going black"; a dealer software update was performed and did not resolve it - the failure recurred. There is a 79-second video of the head unit rebooting while driving at 43-55 mph. This matches VW recall 26V473000 (2024-2026 Atlas, a low-voltage electrical event affecting display-screen functions) and TSB 91-23-03 (MIB3 infotainment freezing/rebooting/black screen). Losing the backup camera, controls, and displays while driving endangers the occupants and others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11757211

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, exhaust system malfunction, and master warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Engine Control Malfunction" and "Transmission Overheated" were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,227.

NHTSA ID

11756192

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

Mileage

18,227 mi

My vehicle is experiencing error code C123B01 were water is getting into front emblem due to a malfunctioning seal stated in there Tech bulletin 94-23-01TT which requires changing the emblem and reprogramming it. I had shut down my Day time running lights and parking lights which is a safety hazard. My Drive easy warranty is denying to fix it saying it is is on us. My vehicle was parked in my driveway and we had a lot of rain. When I got into my car the warning light was on for my DRL and parking lights. Volkswagen dealer ship pulled the exact bulletin to diagnose this issue and documented on my repair order. The dealer ship also knowledged to me on the phone they can see my emblem wasn't damaged from the outside. My parking light and running lights will not work on my passenger side due to the emblem seal failure which is a safety concern for me and my children.

NHTSA ID

11753008

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

The light strip / brake light on the tailgate has water inside and stopped working. Error message "please check right tail light."

NHTSA ID

11752999

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas suddenly lost all power and acceleration while driving at approximately 45 mph with a child passenger. There were no warning lights, messages, or abnormal symptoms prior to the failure. Pressing the accelerator pedal, including flooring it, produced no response, and the vehicle continued to decelerate. I was able to coast into a nearby neighborhood and pull off the road safely. Had this occurred on a highway, it could have resulted in a serious accident. After stopping, the engine would not restart and only made a clicking sound. The check engine light illuminated at that point. The vehicle has been undrivable since. The dealership initially attributed the issue to the tires. After further diagnosis, they determined a complete engine replacement is required. The vehicle is still under warranty with roughly 44,000 miles. The engine component is at the dealership and available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by the authorized dealership. Volkswagen corporate and the dealership have been difficult to deal with regarding this warranty claim. No prior warnings or symptoms were present before the sudden failure.

NHTSA ID

11752042

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

As I was stopping at a stop light the back, passenger seat lock came unlocked causing my son to fall forward into the passenger seat back and be stuck until unlocking and returning the seat to the upright position

NHTSA ID

11749424

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

Since purchasing my vehicle, the collision sensor lights on my Atlas go off quite often even if there aren’t vehicles near or by my blindspot while driving.

NHTSA ID

11748342

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

It's been about one month since engine light has lit up on the dashboard and stays on now. The first incident occurred about a week ago, as I was driving, I was slowing down to go into a roundabout, the vehicle begin to jerk and pull back, a red triangle exclamation mark light started going off warning me to safely park my vehicle as it had overheated. I assumed it was low on coolant so I topped it off to see if that would fix the issue. Then two days later after the first incident it occurred again. I came to a stop at a set of stoplights and when it was time to go, as I was accelerating I felt it starting to jerk again and again, I started getting a bunch of red warning lights to safely park my vehicle as it had overheated again and a message popped up on the dashboard about the speed. I can't quite remember the wording. I can't say for certain that I've figured out what is happening but I think that it may have something to do with the Auto Start/Stop function. Seems like when it comes to a stop, it turns off and when i'm going to start driving again it's triggering something. I've been disabling it now when I drive my vehicle and these incidents haven't occurred anymore.

NHTSA ID

11748338

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

The hood cable has snapped and now we cannot open to access dead battery

NHTSA ID

11748129

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

Windshield wipers go off randomly even with rain detection turned off.

NHTSA ID

11747858

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

While driving, the engine light comes on along with a flashing red error message that says error: drive system and then the engine starts overheating and I have to park the car and turn it off. Once I restart the car, the check engine light remains on.

NHTSA ID

11745113

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

The front passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) sensor wiring has failed in my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. This failure has disabled the passenger airbag, significantly increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. VW has advised not to allow any passengers to ride in the front passenger seat until vehicles with this error are repaired. Despite this being the same defect addressed in an existing recall, my VIN was excluded from that campaign. I have already paid $205 for diagnosis. The dealer repair estimate is $704.36, for a total out-of-pocket cost to me of $909.36. This unresolved safety issue leaves my family exposed to unnecessary risk despite the manufacturer’s awareness of the defect. I would like assistance in obtaining a full repair at no cost to me, either through an extension of the existing recall or a goodwill repair.

NHTSA ID

11744658

Incident

May 23, 2026

The hood release cable snapped while trying to open the hood.

NHTSA ID

11744128

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

When first purchased the vehicle I would fuel up car with gas and was given 520 miles. Now it only allows me to have 425 Miles of gas. I can drive slow at 30 mph and it will literally take 10 miles while only driving 1 mile distance. I can’t accelerate without it draining the gas. Also Ac is malfunctioning. Blows hot air on passenger side. Every now and then driving assist , the parking assist and the radio screen will shut off by itself. I can’t take it to the dealership because they want to charge me almost $300 for a diagnostic!!!

NHTSA ID

11742227

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle hesitated and failed to respond, while driving at 20 mph, contact depressed the accelerator pedal all the way to make it respond. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure damage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11742053

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Mileage

58,000 mi

The vehicles Transfer Case Bevel Box Seal) has been leaking fluid. This has been inspected and confirmed by the VW Dealer. There were no warning lights for this issue. The problem was found during oil change and routine maintenance. This issue has occurred twice on this fairly new 2024 vehicle with less than 20, 000 miles. This appears to be an ongoing issue with these vehicles and a recall should be initiated by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11740550

Incident

May 27, 2026

My 2024 Volkswagen Atlas began displaying multiple warning messages involving the engine, drive system, and powertrain. Warning messages included “Engine: error start/stop,” “Drive system, please service vehicle,” and other engine/powertrain alerts. The vehicle has had intermittent check engine lights, shaking, rough operation, abnormal noises, and repeated warning messages that disappear and then return. This is a serious safety issue. The vehicle has lost power, stopped working, failed while in use, and broken down. On one occasion, when I attempted to drive forward, the vehicle moved backward instead. The vehicle displays repeated drive system and engine warnings and becomes unreliable during operation. I have children and regularly transport them in this vehicle, and I do not believe this vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle is still under factory warranty, but I have been unable to obtain timely warranty service. The Volkswagen dealership in Jackson, Mississippi advised they have severe staffing limitations and limited diagnostic availability, and I was told I need to take the vehicle to another state for service. I was also told by Volkswagen customer service that towing assistance may be available under warranty, but when connected with towing assistance I was advised coverage was only for a very limited distance 6 miles! I was quoted approximately $1,900 to tow the vehicle to the available Volkswagen service location in Louisiana. Because the vehicle is not safe or reliable to drive, I have also been forced to pay out of pocket for a rental vehicle while attempting to obtain warranty repairs. VW refused to help me with a loaner or rental. I am filing this complaint because these issues appear to involve the engine, electrical system, and powertrain and create a serious risk of loss of power, unexpected movement, breakdown, or failure while driving.

NHTSA ID

11737200

Incident

May 1, 2026

Safety recall issued in November 2025 for the engine cover. The dealership removed the faulty engine cover for safety reasons. VW customer care informed me that the part is not in production. Under federal recall law, manufacturers must provide a remedy within a "reasonable time". Seven months with no production date for the repair is my complaint. The engine cover is designed to reduce engine noise.

NHTSA ID

11736580

Incident

Nov 1, 2025