2024 Volkswagen Atlas Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2024 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
- Electrical4119.8%
- Driver assistance3717.9%
- Brakes3516.9%
- Engine2713.0%
- Powertrain (other)188.7%
- Exterior lighting94.3%
- Visibility83.9%
- Airbags83.9%
- Fuel system62.9%
- Body & structure41.9%
- Interior & seats41.9%
- Seat belts31.4%
- Steering31.4%
- Other / unspecified21.0%
- Suspension10.5%
- Transmission10.5%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!!!
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Component/System Failure: The braking system, specifically the brake rotors (and possibly pads), appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle experiences severe vibration during braking. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: While braking at highway speeds (approximately 50–70 mph), the steering wheel shakes violently and the vehicle vibrates rapidly. This reduces control and creates a serious safety risk, especially when driving downhill or in traffic. It increases stopping distance and makes the vehicle feel unstable. Reproducibility / Dealer Confirmation: The issue has been reproduced multiple times under normal driving conditions. The dealership inspected the vehicle and acknowledged brake/rotor-related vibration but classified it as normal wear and tear and declined warranty repair. Inspections by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. No police or insurance inspections were involved. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: No warning lights or dashboard messages were displayed prior to or during the issue. The only symptom is severe shaking and vibration during braking, which began around 33,000 miles for 2024 ATLAS. Additional Details / Suspected Cause: Given the low mileage, this appears to be premature failure of brake components rather than normal wear. Similar complaints have been reported by other owners, suggesting a potential defect or design issue.
am filing a complaint regarding my 2024 Volkswagen due to ongoing safety concerns and the dealership’s refusal to properly address them under warranty. Since early ownership, I have experienced abnormal brake behavior (including a “spongy” or inconsistent pedal feel) and suspension-related issues. At under 16,000 miles, the vehicle has already shown irregular tire wear (feathering), which indicates a potential alignment or suspension defect. These issues raise serious safety concerns, particularly regarding braking reliability and vehicle stability. Despite multiple visits, the dealership has repeatedly stated that “no issues were found,” while simultaneously recommending services such as wheel alignment at my expense. This is contradictory, as the premature tire wear and drivability concerns suggest an underlying defect that should be covered under warranty. Additionally, there is a known recall involving similar models for brake system components (master cylinder), yet my VIN was excluded despite exhibiting similar symptoms. The dealership has not made a good-faith effort to investigate whether my vehicle is affected by a related defect. I believe the dealership is avoiding warranty responsibility by minimizing or dismissing legitimate safety concerns. I am requesting that this matter be formally investigated, including potential defects in the braking and suspension systems, and whether this vehicle should be covered under recall or warranty provisions. This situation presents a potential safety risk not only to myself and my family but also to others on the road.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The light strip / brake light on the tailgate has water inside and stopped working. Error message "please check right tail light."
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Windshield wipers go off randomly even with rain detection turned off.
The rear light bar/tail light assembly fills with water and causing turn signals and light bar to intermittently not work. This occurred the first time that the vehicle was left out in the rain at approximately 65k. It is always parked covered and I do not drive in the rain. Many other Atlas have this issue much sooner if they are left in the inclement weather.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The same airbag error mentioned in recalls for other VINs of this vehicle is happening to this one. I think this VIN also needs to be included.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!!
Repeated concerns involving the reliable response to pressing the gas pedal. Directly after purchase notified dealership the vehicle felt unsafe to drive. That pressing the gas pedal did not guarantee the vehicle would predictably move forward. Response ranges from high rpm with no forward propulsion, delayed response with eventual slow or regular movement, high rpm with no forward movement when taking tight turn, feeling of incorrect gear. Most important when passing and accelerating or moving into traffic from stop you do not know how the vehicle will respond. Two Volkswagen dealers have inspected and state there is nothing wrong. Vehicle has recently had vacuum seals replaced which gave a temporary improvement of response feel but has degraded and left vehicle with a rough idle at stopping. Dealership has replaced based on check engine light: Faulty Breather Valve EVAP Solenoid Vavle Upper Timing Cover Safety is put at risk when car presents an unpredictable response in entering traffic or initiating a maneuver requiring acceleration. Check engine light has appeared only on the most recent repair.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The temperature was about 1 degree this morning at my home. My vehicle was parked outside. The driver's side door will not latch closed. The visible part of the latch mechanism is not frozen. I have not not gotten the vehicle to a dealer yet because I do not know how to get it there with a door that won't latch closed. I am hoping that when it warms up the door will start working properly again but this is not acceptable or safe.
I bought a 2024 Atlas in March 2024. It now has 16K miles on it and it has been meticulously maintained and cared for in that time. In May 2024, my husband and I were driving down the interstate and out of nowhere, the passenger side front door popped open by itself! We took it immediately to the dealership, where they looked at it and said they couldn't recreate the problem or identify what had caused it. We chalked it up to a fluke and moved on. Today (February 21, 2025) it happened again! It was the exact same door, and the exact same scenario occurred: there was a beep, then I could hear air coming in through the door, and it was ajar. This is a HUGE safety issue and I am terrified to continue driving this car, as I have two children and I refuse to put them in danger because of this car malfunctioning. Additionally, in the 11 months I've had this car, this will be the fifth time it is in the shop. It had to go just two weeks ago because it was leaking oil, and now it's also telling me it's low on coolant so I'm afraid that's leaking too. I am at a loss. My main concern is that the door is opening, while the vehicle is in motion, traveling at a high rate of speed, and that poses a huge safety risk not only to the individuals in my car, but all of the other cars near mine as well.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
during a low speed parking lot stop the 2nd row bench came unlatched, the seat bottom dropped and slid forward. my [XXX] son who was in his forward facing car seat slammed into the back of the driver seat. then the bench seat was jammed in this position, he was smashed and stuck between his car seat and the driver seat, the bench seat would not move, it was stuck and my child was trapped, screaming and bleeding from his face. i had to use the driver power seat functions to move it forward to get my child un trapped. once out we tended to his medical needs as he was bleeding from his face and screaming. the seat is still stuck in this forward/dropped position and will not move. the seat latch release handle has no resistance and will not do anything. his car seat was still smashed against the driver seat and i was unable to get it out from the side, i had to lift it out through the sunroof to get it out! we took him to local urgent care, he has a laceration on his eye, bruising, swelling and is very emotionally upset as are we. i do have a dash cam and have the footage of the seat slamming forward. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Seatbelt buckle unbuckles randomly while driving.
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with his sons in the rear seats, one of his sons informed him that his other son who was occupying the rear driver's side seat had playfully put the seat belt around his stomach and could no longer breathe. The contact stated that he pulled to the side of the road and immediately unbuckled the seat belt; however, the seat belt continued to retract and to tighten around the chest of his son. The contact stated that the seat belt did not loosen after been unbuckled. The contact was able to use an emergency device and cut the seat belt. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Component/System Failure: The braking system, specifically the brake rotors (and possibly pads), appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle experiences severe vibration during braking. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: While braking at highway speeds (approximately 50–70 mph), the steering wheel shakes violently and the vehicle vibrates rapidly. This reduces control and creates a serious safety risk, especially when driving downhill or in traffic. It increases stopping distance and makes the vehicle feel unstable. Reproducibility / Dealer Confirmation: The issue has been reproduced multiple times under normal driving conditions. The dealership inspected the vehicle and acknowledged brake/rotor-related vibration but classified it as normal wear and tear and declined warranty repair. Inspections by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. No police or insurance inspections were involved. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: No warning lights or dashboard messages were displayed prior to or during the issue. The only symptom is severe shaking and vibration during braking, which began around 33,000 miles for 2024 ATLAS. Additional Details / Suspected Cause: Given the low mileage, this appears to be premature failure of brake components rather than normal wear. Similar complaints have been reported by other owners, suggesting a potential defect or design issue.
since purchase the car when holding steering straight veers to the left into oncoming traffic. vehicle has been to service 9x work on the subframe was completed at the first go..significant work that VW Corporate could not explain on a new car coming off the line. attempts since from most recent road force 4 wheel balance. car still pulls to the left. VW corporate was notified we would like a replacement but they still want to send the car back to service again. transparency has not been at the front of this case, they cant answer questions when directed asked esp regarding subframe work.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
am filing a complaint regarding my 2024 Volkswagen due to ongoing safety concerns and the dealership’s refusal to properly address them under warranty. Since early ownership, I have experienced abnormal brake behavior (including a “spongy” or inconsistent pedal feel) and suspension-related issues. At under 16,000 miles, the vehicle has already shown irregular tire wear (feathering), which indicates a potential alignment or suspension defect. These issues raise serious safety concerns, particularly regarding braking reliability and vehicle stability. Despite multiple visits, the dealership has repeatedly stated that “no issues were found,” while simultaneously recommending services such as wheel alignment at my expense. This is contradictory, as the premature tire wear and drivability concerns suggest an underlying defect that should be covered under warranty. Additionally, there is a known recall involving similar models for brake system components (master cylinder), yet my VIN was excluded despite exhibiting similar symptoms. The dealership has not made a good-faith effort to investigate whether my vehicle is affected by a related defect. I believe the dealership is avoiding warranty responsibility by minimizing or dismissing legitimate safety concerns. I am requesting that this matter be formally investigated, including potential defects in the braking and suspension systems, and whether this vehicle should be covered under recall or warranty provisions. This situation presents a potential safety risk not only to myself and my family but also to others on the road.
I am writing to formally report repeated and serious defects with my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, VIN [XXX] , which I leased in California. These defects occurred well within the vehicle’s first year and while under factory warranty. Brake System Defect At 8,405 miles, the vehicle received its 10,000-mile maintenance. At 9,340 miles, brake pads measured 10 mm front / 8 mm rear, reflecting nearly new condition. By 13,175 miles, the pads had separated from their backing plates, causing scoring of the front rotors. Told they crumbled by the dealership. Dealer performed a “one-time goodwill repair” on the 1-year in-service date, replacing pads and rotors, but refused to document the failure as a warranty-covered defect. This premature failure at 13k miles is not normal wear and reflects a serious manufacturing/material defect that created a safety hazard. Engine and Oil Issues At 13,175 miles, the oil light came on and the vehicle was found to be low on oil despite proper service at 8,405 miles. At 8,405 miles the oil light also came on showing low to no oil. Intermittent Warning and Electrical Issues Throughout this period, the vehicle has experienced recurring warning messages and system malfunctions, including: “Error: Dynamic Road Sign Display” “Lane Assist Not Available” “Front Assist Has Limited Availability” TPMS issues, where displayed tire pressure did not match actual pressure, and the light remained on for days despite correct tire pressures being confirmed. Additional Warranty Repairs At 9,943 miles, the radio required a software repair under warranty. Paint defect required repair under warranty. Summary: In less than 14,000 miles, this vehicle has experienced: Critical brake system failure (pads separating, rotor damage). Engine oil loss triggering warning light. Multiple electrical and safety system errors affecting driver-assist features. Radio malfunction requiring repair. Paint defect requiring repair. I have more pics & orders INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
am filing a complaint regarding my 2024 Volkswagen due to ongoing safety concerns and the dealership’s refusal to properly address them under warranty. Since early ownership, I have experienced abnormal brake behavior (including a “spongy” or inconsistent pedal feel) and suspension-related issues. At under 16,000 miles, the vehicle has already shown irregular tire wear (feathering), which indicates a potential alignment or suspension defect. These issues raise serious safety concerns, particularly regarding braking reliability and vehicle stability. Despite multiple visits, the dealership has repeatedly stated that “no issues were found,” while simultaneously recommending services such as wheel alignment at my expense. This is contradictory, as the premature tire wear and drivability concerns suggest an underlying defect that should be covered under warranty. Additionally, there is a known recall involving similar models for brake system components (master cylinder), yet my VIN was excluded despite exhibiting similar symptoms. The dealership has not made a good-faith effort to investigate whether my vehicle is affected by a related defect. I believe the dealership is avoiding warranty responsibility by minimizing or dismissing legitimate safety concerns. I am requesting that this matter be formally investigated, including potential defects in the braking and suspension systems, and whether this vehicle should be covered under recall or warranty provisions. This situation presents a potential safety risk not only to myself and my family but also to others on the road.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle was driven into the garage, driver pressed park then engine stop. Driver and passenger exited vehicle, opened both rear doors and retrieved items from the rear seats. Closed rear doors. No warning sounds or lights came on when exiting the vehicle. When returning to the vehicle in about an hour it had rolled out of the garage and crashed into another garage. When the driver's door was opened the shift lever indicated PARK. The incident was reported to the dealer and taken in as soon as possible. The dealer has been unable to recreate the problem and is still researching. Very concerned about the possibility of the vehicle moving in PARK and hitting someone or something.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .