I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious electronic/infotainment failure in my 2023 VW Atlas that occurred following VW’s software update. Prior to the software update, the infotainment system & related functions were operating normally. Following the update, the infotainment/navigation system failed. The center display is completely black. The loss of the backup camera is a particular safety concern because it removes an important driver-assistance feature used to detect people, animals, etc. behind the vehicle. The vehicle displays warnings that the Navigation System & Dynamic Road Sign Display are unavailable. As a result of this electronic failure, I have lost connectivity to my cell phone. I cannot use the vehicle’s hands-free phone function which affects vehicle safety/operation. A warning indicates that the tires are under-inflated. The tires have been checked & are properly inflated. This raises an additional concern about the accuracy & reliability of the vehicle’s electronic monitoring & warning systems. I took my Atlas to a VW dealership for diagnosis & have also contacted VW CARES. Despite VW acknowledging that the software update was likely responsible for the failure, VW has refused any aid because my Atlas has 100k miles. I am concerned that the manufacturer-installed software update has caused or contributed to a significant failure of multiple electronic systems & functions in my Atlas. VW is aware of a recurring MIB3 infotainment/software problem affecting Atlases and has issued technical service documentation concerning MIB3 infotainment systems that can fail to boot, freeze/reboot, & experience navigation malfunctions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader software/electronic defect affecting VW Atlases & whether VW’s software update can cause or contribute to failure of the MIB3 infotainment system & associated vehicle functions, many of which are critical to safe driving.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762888 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The breaks make a screeching sound and you can feel in the pedal the car wobbling/slipping. I took to be repaired under warranty and they said there's nothing wrong. Break pads and breaks are in good health accord them. They have no explaination for the sound.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11675490 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The steering assist became completely unavailable while the vehicle otherwise remained operational; the battery checked out fine; no failed component or root cause was identified; and steering was restored only through electronic re-adaptation of Address 44.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760230 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,843.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11733504 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

I went to the Volkswagen dealership to have a routine oil change done. They told me they could not perform the oil change because the hood latch release cable had snapped. I had just had the hood open that morning, so it was completely insane that they thought I brought the car in like that when they are the ones who broke it. They wanted to charge me $569 to replace it, or they wouldn't do the oil change. I walked because I wasn't going to pay to fix something on my own car that I didn't break. After reviewing online if there was a cheaper fix, thousands of VW owners are dealing/have dealt with the same issue. The fact that car companies are allowed to get away with installing cheap parts in brand new cars AND not issue a recall when thousands of reports suggest that it is an ongoing issue is absolutely insane. I am the sole owner of this vehicle, original, bought brand new. I am 9,000 miles out of warranty. Please help. The service advisor at the VW dealership (Hiley Volkswagen in Arlington, TX) refused to take any blame, claiming that it was like that when I came in. It is an easy money grab for dealerships, and it is highway robbery for the customer. The only suggestion he had was to reach out to VW Customer Care and see if they would assist in the payment. I have reached out to them but haven't heard anything.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11759538 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

I am writing to express my growing concerns regarding the ongoing issues with my vehicle. Within the first week of ownership, the engine began misfiring, and the valves had to be replaced. Soon after, the gas pump in the fuel tank broke and was replaced as well. The climate sensors also malfunctioned and had to be replaced, and the vents required replacement as they were blowing air improperly. Additionally, the middle console, which remains broken, had to be replaced. Unfortunately, it is still malfunctioning, as it is stuck on the highest heating setting, which is particularly concerning with two infants in the vehicle. I have been informed that the replacement part is on national backorder, and there is no ETA for its arrival. This vehicle has consistently experienced issues and has been in the shop multiple times, leading to significant inconvenience. Most importantly, the malfunctioning heating system presents a serious safety risk. I am requesting immediate attention to this matter and would appreciate a solution or alternative arrangements. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11636001 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov