2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport airbag problems

AIR BAGS

Got an airbag alert light on driver console. Took it to VW dealer in [XXX]. They said the driver side airbag has a short to ground. And it’s not covered under the warranty. And it’s $2000 to fix. There has been a lot of problems with the wire harness from the manufacturer. And I feel like they should repair it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that after being stopped at a traffic light, while making a left turn in the snow, the contact was unsure if the vehicle had fallen into a pothole or had driven over a speed bump when the driver's side curtain air bag, and the passenger's side curtain air bags, unexpectedly deployed. Additionally, unknown sensors were beeping, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the sensors beeped while driving in the snow. No warning light was illuminated. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The Police Department was called to assist with traffic because the vehicle was blocking the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it remained unrepaired pending an inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. However, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11714960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

I received notification via carfax, VW app, AND by mail about the passenger air bag faulty PODS system recall in September 2024. I was told by my local dealership there was no active fix for the issue at the time. I then had my 50k mile service completed in December 2024 the week before Christmas and the service department stated they still had not received a fix for the recall code and that it would be rolling out in stages and to wait for a resolution. It is now March 2025 and I do not feel safe driving this vehicle with my family knowing there is a possibility of the airbags not deploying in the event of a car accident. The website even suggests not to drive the vehicle with this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11646156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Car dealership attempted to fix recall related to Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS). Dealership technicians experienced issues completing the repair and contacted the vehicle manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer claims that the issues experienced during repair are due to damage and are refusing the pay for any fix to the recall. I am not aware of any damage the system would have experienced, other than being known to be defective and under recall. The manufacturer's proposal is that I pay approximately $1,300 to replace the system, which is known to be defective and under recall, or accept my vehicle back with a faulty PODS. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to replace this system, which is known to be defective and under recall. The nature of the problem is extremely serious and could involve injury or loss of life to my family. Therefore, I am not willing to accept the vehicle back with a defective PODS.

NHTSA complaint #11645114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport that more recently in June 2024 received a recall on its Passenger Airbags stating that it may not function properly in event of a crash. I want to point out that this is the only vehicle in the family and teenagers do ride in the front seat. I was informed of the recall via my Progressive App in June 2024 and Volkswagen who issued the recall did not inform me until end of August 2024 a 3 month delay. I have been in communication with Volkswagen Corporation to work together to come up with a plan to resolve the issue in a manner that would work for both parties. I was notified by Volkswagen on December 4, 2024 that a repair for my vehicle is available and I should contact my local VW dealership to make an appointment to get this recall repaired. I made an appointment with VW of Olympia for the repair of the recall on December 10, 2024 and at this time they are refusing to make the repair. I am concerned about the safety of my teenagers who ride on the passenger seat. This 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport is the only vehicle in the family and at this time neither the VW nor the dealership are offering any alternatives nor loaner car disregarding safety of my teenagers who ride in the passenger seat. I am asking NHTSA to be involved to help offer a resolution so that I can get this recall remedied in a timely manner. I appreciate your time. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11629921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport that more recently in June 2024 received a recall on its Passenger Airbags stating that it may not function properly in event of a crash. I want to point out that this is the only vehicle in the family and teenagers do ride in the front seat. I was informed of the recall via my Progressive App in June 2024 and Volkswagen who issued the recall did not inform me until end of August 2024 a 3 month delay. I have been in communication with Volkswagen Corporation to work together to come up with a plan to resolve the issue in a manner that would work for both parties. I was notified by Volkswagen on December 4, 2024 that a repair for my vehicle is available and I should contact my local VW dealership to make an appointment to get this recall repaired. I went in person to VW of Tacoma, I made contact with one of their representative (not sure if this person even worked there as she had no proper name tag or proper VW uniform). The whole process seemed non transparent as when I asked for her name she would not give her name despite of multiple requests. My experience with this person was very nerve racking as it was unclear if I was being subject of fraud. I specifically asked to speak to the manager whose name was Jerry Podgoski. Despite of the information regarding the availability of the my recall repair part the dealership still refused to provide repair for my vehicle's recall. Jerry Podgoski gave me the false idea that their dealership would be in touch however to date I have not heard back. I later found out the name of the service tech who refused to give her name was Maile Magpoc, she was not a pleasant person to deal with and the whole interaction seemed shady. I would like NHTSA to be involved as the recall from VW involves airbag and from the information I received from VW America repair is available and VW of Tacoma is refusing to provide the repairs on the recall issued by VW of America.

NHTSA complaint #11629952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

My car was purchased on Sept 5th, only to be told there was a recall and could not legally be released to me. Its been months and still no answers.

NHTSA complaint #11623744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11623462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The recall has been an ongoing issue; since I am from a smaller valley, Imperial Valley, my dealership has not been able to provide the parts for the repair, this is a major recall seeing as the passenger seat airbag may not deploy. I see no urgency to repair and no customer care. I personally have had to call the dealership asking for updates multiple times and no one is able to assist with the repair due to not having parts. I use my vehicle to rent on the TURO app and this has held up part of my income due to not being able to list the vehicle due to the safety concern. A prompt response or repair would greatly be appreciated from the dealer if they truly car about the safety of their customers.

NHTSA complaint #11621799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light illuminated and turned on and off. The contact inflated the tires. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11616176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Passenger airbag system error light has been on for at least 14 months and avoided repair in June of 2023 at Orem, UT dealership. Air bag may not deploy in the event of accident. My pregnant wife is primary passenger. It’s a known issue that has a recall but no fix. The recall numbers are 24V464 (nhtsa) and 69PZ (Volkswagen). This recall was issued June 2024. Dealership instructed me to wait for fix and not allow anyone to sit in passenger seat. This instruction is impractical.

NHTSA complaint #11612596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

We have been told by our dealership and manufacturer that there is no timeline on when this part is going to be available to be fixed. We have to operate our business in compliance with the NHTSA, and not having a timeline or any compensation for this recall is a big hindrance to our business.

NHTSA complaint #11612408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Air bag error message comes on and off while driving

NHTSA complaint #11597165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Air bag error displayed on dashboard Dealer diagnostic done 5/20 Dealer stated airbag mat and wiring issue in seat

NHTSA complaint #11590344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Airbags deployed for no reason. There is a known issue with this year make and model with the same issue. For some reason my car was not included in the recall. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11565622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Airbags deployed randomly while driving. Nothing hit the car.

NHTSA complaint #11555012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, she noticed an excessive amount of water inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the water was coming from the HVAC system. Additionally, the contact stated that the display screen failed to operate as designed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V892000 (Visibility, Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that HVAC drain tube might be clogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA complaint #11538309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000(Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11494136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Windows open on their own. Emergency Brake engages at low speed, left me in the middle of oncoming traffic as I was about to slowly turn. At times continuously has the alarm bell own. Has Keyless entry, however often times Car Alarm goes off. Eliminating AC lights very dim hard to see. Radio screen sometimes is just blacked out.

NHTSA complaint #11482036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer Recall Number97GF NHTSA Recall Number22V152 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete I went on July 12th to my VW Dealer (Deel Volkswagen), they inspect the car and confirm that my car was affected by this recall. At that moment they mention that they don't have the spare part to fix the problem but in one or two weeks they should have it, once they get it they will call me. Since then, I have not received any call from the dealer, and the only time that they answer me they said taht they do not know when the part will arrive.

NHTSA complaint #11477057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that the front and rear passenger’s side windows activated and rolled down independently and without warning. The contact also stated that the windows occasionally failed to roll up after multiple attempts. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags). The dealer was notified about the recall and the contact was scheduled an appointment. Once the vehicle was serviced, the contact was informed that the driver’s side of the vehicle was repaired; however, the part for the passenger’s side repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts for the repair were unavailable. The vehicle was not fully repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11474923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags) 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11467832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

I own a 2021 Atlus Cross-Sport and the last month I have had several electrical issues with it. It first started with my driver's windows would automatically roll down, then my radio would tune in/out, my check engine light comes on and then the passenger side air bag would turn off. I then would have my parking break come on when I rolled into a stop which included consistent beeping and alarms going off. Being a concern, I brought it into Volkswagen and was told that there was a recall on a faulty wiring harness. They agreed to place me into a rental car but had none available and gave me no other choices but to continue to drive the vehicle until the back-ordered parts came in. Two days later on May 1st I was driving the Atlus down the highway when my parking break automatically turned on and my car then sieved up on me. I returned my vehicle in Volkswagen the next day because I do not feel safe in that vehicle. So now I wait, with no ETA of parts to repair my vehicle that I am still paying a note and insurance on.

NHTSA complaint #11463332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

there is a delayed airbag deploy in this vehicle with no remedy. Concerned for well being of my my wife and family who drive this vehicle on a daily basis.

NHTSA complaint #11463104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11460536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

In Jan 2022, my airbag light came on. I took to local VW dealership (Raleigh) and they cleared the airbag light and said I was good to go. Within a couple days, the airbag light came back on. Took back to the dealership and they said now I need a harness for the LF door, but part on backorder. It is April 2022, and there is still no harness. I called last week to check and they said there were 2,000 on order and no ETA yet. I have been driving around with an open airbag circuit and a TSB that clearly states the airbags will not go off as designed. I contacted VW customer care and filed a complaint and asked to be compensated for the fact that they are still selling VW Atlas' but cannot produce safety parts, or to get me a harness, or provide alternative transportation. Their solution was for me to continue to follow up with the dealership on my part and they would file a case for my complaint and concerns. Who will be held liable when I am in a wreck and my airbags do not operate? I have two young children, and this is honestly despicable. This is not a cosmetic part, it is a safety concern, and the fact that they have 2,000 families out there with no resolve is unacceptable.

NHTSA complaint #11459529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.