Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 7 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

7 total · 7 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 24V464000 · Jun 2024

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Suspension recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V807000 · Oct 2022

Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Engine recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V753000 · Oct 2022

A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V657000 · Aug 2022

Loose bolts may fall out, causing the remaining bolts to break, which could lead to separation of the trailer hitch and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N8.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V514000 · Jul 2022

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Fuel system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V245000 · Apr 2022

Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V152000 · Mar 2022

A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy
Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

181 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
52

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 34fluid leaks 12premature wear 2
A recent report: The vehicle stalled and shut off while in traffic. It has happened previously and dealership says it is an issue with the charcoal canister with an unknown way to fix it.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758576 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
36

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 18sudden stalling 6
A recent report: The infotainment module in my vehicle that I purchased in March 2026 has completely gone out and was deemed faulty by two different Volkswagen dealerships. Because of this amenity no longer working…
Read full complaint

The infotainment module in my vehicle that I purchased in March 2026 has completely gone out and was deemed faulty by two different Volkswagen dealerships. Because of this amenity no longer working, I do not have access to a backup camera, the SOS feature, safety sensors, navigation, control to the dashboard (I cannot set an accurate time), hands free phone connection to the screen and the many other necessities that are directly linked to the infotainment system. My husband and I are expecting our first baby any day now, and we purchased this car specifically for the safety features — now we no longer have them. The part to fix this issue has been on back order with Volkswagen for quite a long time and I cannot get a definite answer from anyone as to when it will be back in stock. Multiple dealerships and car technician businesses have relayed to us that this is an issue they have seen many times with the newer Volkswagen models. They have confirmed that nobody has a timeline on when the part will be back in, and the only way for my husband and I to stay updated about the status of the back order part is to consistently call the Volkswagen dealership for an update. This issue occurred at the beginning on July, with no warning signs. The screen cut off and that was the end of it. We have spent over $500 getting diagnostics and trying to solve this issue, but we have had no luck and no help. Volkswagen states on its official website, “For us, integrity means taking a stance. Integrity acts as an inner compass to do the right thing out of our own conviction – regardless of economic or social pressure,” and we feel very strongly that this is an issue of safety and utmost importance.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763102 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
46

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 2 mention a crash.

loss of braking 12premature wear 12
A recent report: Brake system-Unresolved repair and inadequate investigation.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11704712 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
5

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 3software faults 1fire 1
A recent report: 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…
Read full complaint

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11701497 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
24

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 4airbags not deploying 4
A recent report: I started the car to cool off and stepped out of the car and the curtain airbags deployed on both sides of the vehicle.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11745516 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
10

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 3premature wear 1
A recent report: We were told by Salem County Volkswagent that there is an issue with the hood latch on our 2022 Volkswagent Atlas which may render it impossible to open the hood. The cable/latch/other part(s) is/are…
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We were told by Salem County Volkswagent that there is an issue with the hood latch on our 2022 Volkswagent Atlas which may render it impossible to open the hood. The cable/latch/other part(s) is/are nearing failure and will render it impossible to open hood of vehicle.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762815 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
8

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 2 mention an injury.

software faults 2
A recent report: 2022 Volkswagen Atlas – Hood Release Cable Failure The hood release cable on my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas failed when I attempted to open the hood. I pulled the interior hood release handle normally, but…
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2022 Volkswagen Atlas – Hood Release Cable Failure The hood release cable on my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas failed when I attempted to open the hood. I pulled the interior hood release handle normally, but the cable mechanism failed and the handle lost tension. After that, the hood could not be opened from inside the vehicle. This became a safety concern because I needed access to the engine compartment due to a battery problem, but there was no normal way to open the hood. To gain access, I had to remove the left front wheel-well/fender liner and locate the hood release cable junction behind the driver-side headlight area. I then had to manually operate the cable mechanism from inside the wheel well to release the hood. After opening the hood and inspecting the system, I found that the cable/end-terminal connection had failed. The cable itself did not appear to have simply broken in the middle; the failure occurred at the cable termination/connection. I have since found reports from other Volkswagen Atlas owners describing similar hood release cable failures and having to access the release mechanism through the wheel well. I am reporting this because failure of the hood release system can prevent an owner from accessing the engine compartment during a battery failure, overheating condition, electrical problem, smoke, or other emergency. I believe Volkswagen and NHTSA should investigate whether this hood release cable/terminal design is defective and whether other Volkswagen Atlas vehicles may be affected. The vehicle has approximately 64,848 miles

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763959 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 181 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2022 and 2026, roughly 39 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2022 has 181 complaints on file, fewer than the 2021 (471) and more than the 2023 (131). Of the 8 model years of the Volkswagen Atlas we cover, the 2019 has the most (478). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.