2025 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

5 recalls, 70 complaints - 1 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

26V473000 Jul 22, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Defect Description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions. As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display as intended.
Consequence
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became... Read more
57,851 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
25V434000 Jun 30, 2025
SUSPENSION
Defect Description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of... Read more
Consequence
A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
546 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
25V334000 May 21, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Defect Description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V... Read more
Consequence
A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.
171,381 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
25V100000 Feb 17, 2025
ENGINE
Defect Description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
Consequence
A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.
177,493 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
25V081000 Feb 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Defect Description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The transmission may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38CX.
19 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

70 total complaints 6 crashes 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
POWER TRAIN7
SERVICE BRAKES6
STEERING4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
AIR BAGS2
SERVICE BRAKES Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Failure of brake booster and master cylinder. Failure caused breaks to malfunction, not allowing the vehicle to break appropriately. To break, you had to step on the break very hard, break pedal did not have usual pressure. No leakage visible on the ground outside of the car. When starting the car (... Read more
POWER TRAIN Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
While driving my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas the vehicle unexpectedly shifted itself into neutral without any action from the driver. I was driving with my daughter when this occurred. After the vehicle shifted into neutral, it would no longer shift back into drive, and I was unable to continue driving no... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
While driving my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas the vehicle unexpectedly shifted itself into neutral without any action from the driver. I was driving with my daughter when this occurred. After the vehicle shifted into neutral, it would no longer shift back into drive, and I was unable to continue driving no... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER Jul 22, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Windshield cracked a singular crack from the top to the bottom of windshield after lifting car with spare tire jack.
POWER TRAIN Jul 22, 2026
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Our 2025 VW Altas had several engine lights come on at the same time after parking and would not shift out of neutral. Towed to the nearest VW for service and they stated it needed a transmission replacement. This vehicle had less than 16k miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 22, 2026
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Our 2025 VW Altas had several engine lights come on at the same time after parking and would not shift out of neutral. Towed to the nearest VW for service and they stated it needed a transmission replacement. This vehicle had less than 16k miles.
STRUCTURE:BODY Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
2012 Lexus IS 250 Complaint Category: Interior/Seat Belts/Air Bags → Interior Component: Interior Moldings/Trim/Panels Narrative This is a safety issue. The dashboard on my 2012 Lexus IS 250 has developed significant cracking and is actively decomposing into a gelatin-like texture, despite the veh... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
On [XXX] after spending the day at Henson Creek Golf Course in Fort Washington, MD, I returned to my vehicle and discovered that it had completely lost all electrical power and would not start. The vehicle exhibited no warning signs prior to the failure. Believing the issue to be related to the batt... Read more
ENGINE Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
When the automobile isn’t driven or started for 3 weeks or more the engine will not start. The multiair system will lose its oil pressure. The manufacturer needs to do a recall to fix this problem. This car isn’t designed to be an everyday driver and this is a well known and documented problem.
AIR BAGS Jun 15, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
See attached letter for complaint for potential Defect Petition DP26005
1 injured
ENGINE Jun 15, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The factory-installed remote start system on this 2025 Volkswagen Atlas operates intermittently, failing to activate approximately 50% of the time. The issue has been reported to an authorized VW dealer. The intermittent nature of the failure has made it difficult to reproduce consistently during se... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP Jun 15, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40–45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but responded slowly, resulting in reduced braking performance. The contact became aware that brake fluid was leaking onto the driveway. The brake warning light was illu... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jun 15, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2015
The capacitive touch controls located below the infotainment screen on this 2025 Volkswagen Atlas — used to adjust climate and audio volume — are not illuminated in low-light or nighttime driving conditions. The controls are invisible without direct light, requiring the driver to look away from ... Read more
WHEELS:RIM Jun 15, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2015
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40–45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but responded slowly, resulting in reduced braking performance. The contact became aware that brake fluid was leaking onto the driveway. The brake warning light was illu... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jun 14, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2025
At around 60,000 miles my infotainment system started acting strange. The backup camera wouldn’t engage intermittently. After doing that for a couple months, it stopped working completely and is just a black screen. Several times randomly it has come on briefly to display the Welcome to VW mess... Read more
POWER TRAIN May 31, 2026
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
At 10,000 miles Upon starting the vehicle, it appeared to operate normally with no warning messages displayed. However, immediately after beginning to drive, the transmission began shifting extremely harshly between gears. Within a short distance, the transmission shifted with such force that the dr... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Apr 29, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
On 4/09/26, while visiting friends near the border in [XXX] from [XXX] and driving on a dry paved road we lost the ability to stop the truck and engage the brake system. To avoid a crash, I drove the truck up onto the sidewalk and closed my eyes. Fortunately we did not crash into stopped cars but ... Read more
Crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
THIS IS THE THIRD RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. FIRST TWO WERE FIXED. THIS ONE HAS NO REPAIR AND NO ETA IN SIGHT. RIDICULOUS.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
My car had extended crank, shaking/jerking while driving, engine failed and cut off in traffic. Tried to restart extended crank, still shaking/jerking while driving, sparking in the engine and engine failed and cut off in traffic. I was terrified didn't know if the car was going to be on fire when I... Read more
ENGINE Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I purchased Used in Jan 2026 When starting the lifters were loud and I thought was normal engine operation. Since 2/17/2026 the engine vibrated or ran rough when idling. The auto/Stop Start feature failed randomly as the engine stalled when trying to start. The car passed the recall for the 6.2 Gm L... Read more
VISIBILITY Apr 15, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the driver’s side door and the power window master switch was melted. The contact refenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not... Read more
POWER TRAIN Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Thank you for your time reviewing my complaint. I've answered each of your bullet points below. - the transmission is hard shifting in low gears however no warning/no dashboard lights to indicate issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - I use my car for work which includes tr... Read more
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
3rd time driving our Volvo on the road and having the automatic emergency brake engage too early or in this instance, with no vehicle in front of us. We have been dealing with issues related to the safety systems and error messages in our Volvo related to “blind spot”, “automatic emergency ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 11, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Vehicle driving 32 miles an hour had sudden brake failure. The brakes did not work. Then, the vehicle had the following faults; ESC fault, traction and stability control fault, brake system fault, air conditioning failure (blowing hot air while 92 degrees out), lane assist fault, power steering faul... Read more
POWER TRAIN Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Late shifting, transmission will get stuck in a gear, and rev at high rpms for long periods. And real jerky shifting in general. Also door locks freeze in winter, and doors wont latch so i need to hold my door while driving
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Late shifting, transmission will get stuck in a gear, and rev at high rpms for long periods. And real jerky shifting in general. Also door locks freeze in winter, and doors wont latch so i need to hold my door while driving
STEERING Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), 25V626000 (STEERING), and 25V686000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was wobbly. The steering whe... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
I unlocked my car using the buttons on my key. I put my my purse along with my phone and my key in the car and I close the door and went to the trash to throw away an empty cup. When I got back to my car 2 minutes later the car relocked itself with my purse my phone and the keys in the car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION Mar 2, 2026
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While... Read more
POWER TRAIN Mar 1, 2026
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The vibration occurs consistently above approximately 40 mph and becomes more pronounced at highway speeds. It is felt in: • Gas pedal • Underbody near shifter • Steering wheel • Seat Despite numerous repair attempts and replacement of major drivetrain components, the vibration has no... Read more
ENGINE Mar 1, 2026
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The vehicle experiences sudden engine shutdown while driving. The engine completely turns off without warning. There are no warning lights, no check engine light, and no prior indication of failure. The exact component causing the failure is unknown at this time, but it appears to involve the engine... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 1, 2026
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The vehicle experiences sudden engine shutdown while driving. The engine completely turns off without warning. There are no warning lights, no check engine light, and no prior indication of failure. The exact component causing the failure is unknown at this time, but it appears to involve the engine... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Feb 18, 2026
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
On Saturday, February 7th, at approximately 1:00 PM, I was involved in a high-impact rear-end collision while driving cautiously with Adaptive Cruise Control and driver assistance systems activated, maintaining the distance set by the vehicle itself. When the vehicles ahead of me suddenly collided,... Read more
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES Feb 16, 2026
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
On two separate occasions, brakes failed completely in snow. Vehicle did not appear to be hydroplaning, and anti-lock function did not kick-in despite the pedal being floored. Pumping had no effect either. Safety sensors around the car should have detected motion even if the wheels were locked-up an... Read more
Crash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Feb 16, 2026
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
On two separate occasions, brakes failed completely in snow. Vehicle did not appear to be hydroplaning, and anti-lock function did not kick-in despite the pedal being floored. Pumping had no effect either. Safety sensors around the car should have detected motion even if the wheels were locked-up an... Read more
Crash
ENGINE Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Three way valve part number 68312761AD
VISIBILITY/WIPER Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Front windshield developed a stress crack along to of windshield from one corner to other
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 17, 2026
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
While driving at highway speeds my vehicle lost steering the radio and the hvac turned off. I had abs and brake lights on the dash as well as a service stabilitrac message. The vehicle completely shutoff and I almost had an auto accident. I have not taken it anywhere as I’m to afraid to drive it f... Read more
SEAT BELTS Jan 17, 2026
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn’t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issu... Read more
WHEELS Jan 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
When accelerating and turning left or right at the same time there is a severe clicking sound coming from the CV Joints sounds like they are cracked. This started to happen at 3500 miles. Brought it into the Honda dealership Service Department and they said it was a known issue and there was not a f... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Dec 30, 2025
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
I do not feel this recall - considering it is regarding BRAKES - has been remedied in a timely fashion. It started over a year ago. They obviously are not interested in addressing the fix. I assume they are taking the hit and paying off lawsuits as it is cheaper than actually completing the recall. ... Read more
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Dec 1, 2025
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
This vehicle can create a fire. My home is at risk, other cars/structures parked near it, and people who drive the vehicle are at risk of fire. This is the 2nd time we have received notice of fire hazard for this make/model. The dealership is aware of the problems. check engine light stays on and no... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 1, 2025
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
This vehicle can create a fire. My home is at risk, other cars/structures parked near it, and people who drive the vehicle are at risk of fire. This is the 2nd time we have received notice of fire hazard for this make/model. The dealership is aware of the problems. check engine light stays on and no... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Oct 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
On October 13th 2025, we were involved in a serious collision while driving our 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was struck from behind and spun into a semi-truck, totalling the vehicle. Despite the forward and lateral collision to the semi-truck, no airbags deployed at all during the accident. This... Read more
Crash
AIR BAGS Oct 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
On October 13th 2025, we were involved in a serious collision while driving our 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was struck from behind and spun into a semi-truck, totalling the vehicle. Despite the forward and lateral collision to the semi-truck, no airbags deployed at all during the accident. This... Read more
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Was driving on the freeway maneuvered over to exit vehicle lost power and engine completely shut off while in motion. Same incident occurred while on surface street as I was approaching a red light vehicle completely shut off while in drive and in motion.
ENGINE Oct 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Was driving on the freeway maneuvered over to exit vehicle lost power and engine completely shut off while in motion. Same incident occurred while on surface street as I was approaching a red light vehicle completely shut off while in drive and in motion.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Oct 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
fuel pump issue that is cause engines to stall while driving or not start after placing gas in the vehicle. It is having the battery run low and car die or stall and stop while driving. It will turn your check engine light on.
ENGINE Oct 16, 2025
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
The issue involves the auto start/stop system on my 2025 Honda Odyssey Touring. When the feature is turned on, the vehicle intermittently fails to restart after coming to a complete stop. The problem does not occur when the start/stop system is disabled. During normal driving, the engine shuts off a... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 16, 2025
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I have a leaking rear window which is well known in RAM trucks. I had it into the dealership and they said they sprayed a seal around it, I still have a heavy leak of water on both sides, damaging my interior seats and more . I am looking for some help on getting this fixed as I have be stone walled... Read more

Showing 50 of 70 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2025 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

2025 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD

CategoryRating
Overall Rating 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger 5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover 4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk 15.9%

Safety Technology

FeatureStatus
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Forward Collision WarningStandard
Lane Departure WarningStandard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2025 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive) 20.0 26.0 22.0 Regular $2,800

CO2 Emissions: 402.0 g/mile (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2025 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
V691901201047916 Jan 9, 2024
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA24004 Opened: Dec 18, 2024
EA, Open , Model Year: 2019
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
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 activ... Read more
PE23017 Opened: Sep 28, 2023 , Closed: Dec 18, 2024
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2018
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
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 activati... Read more
PE21008 Opened: Mar 29, 2021 , Closed: Oct 3, 2022
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2018
Fuel Injector Leak
On March 29, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-008 to investigate instances of fuel injectors leaking in the engine compartment in model year (MY) 2018 through 2020 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with either a 3.6 or 2.0 liter engi... Read more

VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS across all model years (2018, 2026).

75 Total Recalls
2,959 Total Complaints
3 Investigations
89 Reported Crashes
32 Reported Fires
2 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2026 2 9 View
2025 (current) 5 70
2024 8 256 View
2023 5 180 View
2022 7 279 View
2021 17 741 View
2020 4 51 View
2019 11 704 View
2018 16 669 View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model Recalls Complaints
JETTA 249 14,075 View
GOLF 190 2,084 View
PASSAT 185 10,492 View
BEETLE 157 3,629 View
GTI 116 1,926 View
ID.4 115 1,606 View
TIGUAN 78 3,173 View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT 73 701 View