On August 31, 2026, while driving my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on the highway, multiple warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stopped operating while I was in traffic. The sudden loss of vehicle operation created a serious risk of a collision and placed me and other motorists in danger. This vehicle has experienced repeated problems including rough operation, hesitation/loss of acceleration, warning lights, engine/misfire-related faults, and powertrain concerns. The vehicle has previously been presented to Volkswagen dealerships for diagnosis and repair, but the problems have continued. On the date of this incident, the vehicle again displayed three warning lights and then became inoperable while being driven on the highway. I am now afraid to operate the vehicle because I do not know when it may lose power or stop again. Volkswagen had a service appointment scheduled for the vehicle that day, but the appointment was canceled because the dealership stated that no loaner vehicle was available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this repeated loss-of-power/stalling condition because a vehicle that can suddenly stop operating in highway traffic presents a serious safety hazard.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761050 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The rear taillight lens on my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport cracked without an impact or collision. Water has entered the taillight assembly through the crack, creating condensation/water inside the lamp and a potential risk of lighting or electrical failure. The vehicle is still within its new-vehicle warranty, but Volkswagen/the dealer declined to repair the assembly. The taillight remains available for inspection. There was no crash, fire, injury, or police report. I understand that similar taillight cracking and water-intrusion problems have been reported by other Volkswagen owners. I believe this may indicate a broader defect trend.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763726 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the autonomous braking system was negatively affected by roadway passing underneath the highway. The system mistakenly determined that the vehicle was on the lower roadway, causing the brakes to apply erroneously. The contact stated that the failure was caused by Volkswagen's Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control. During the failure, the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the message curve ahead, reduce speed was displayed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and email. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the issue was deemed not to be a safety concern by the service department.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761026 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The middle console is a high gloss material. During mid afternoon the sun hits on the gloss panels and reflects into the eye of the driver blinding them. Because of the angle, it is even blinding wearing sun glasses because it reflects under the glasses. During this time of day it is extremely difficult to see because of the gloss panel and could cause an accident. The only way to prevent the glare is by covering the entire console with a towel or other material. They make this panel in a matte finish, however, for some reason some models have the high gloss. The high gloss is VERY unsafe.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11682042 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov