147 of the
779 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
are about the electrical system —
19% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
On August 5, 2026, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received the remedy for Volkswagen Recall 91TV, NHTSA Recall 26V473, involving rearview-camera software. The vehicle was returned to me on August 11. On August 17, while I was actively reversing in a parking lot, the rearview-camera image froze on the center display. The image remained visible but stopped updating even though the vehicle continued moving backward. Because the displayed image no longer accurately represented what was occurring behind the moving vehicle, I nearly struck a pedestrian. No collision or injury occurred. This was the first time I had ever experienced the rearview camera freezing. Before Recall 91TV was performed, the rearview camera had operated normally when the vehicle was placed in reverse. I have had a separate front parking-camera/360-degree Area View problem since the vehicle was new. When pulling forward into a parking space, the camera interface activates automatically, but the live front/Area View image remains black until I manually press the camera control. That problem existed before Recall 91TV and also remains unresolved after the recall remedy. I am distinguishing these conditions because the front/Area View problem is longstanding, while the frozen rearview-camera image was a new failure that occurred after the recall remedy. I am reporting the sequence because the failure occurred 12 days after the recall remedy was performed by VW, while the vehicle was actively reversing, and resulted in a frozen image that no longer represented the area behind the moving vehicle, contributing to a near miss with a pedestrian.
NHTSA complaint #11757885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car has been to [XXX] in [XXX] many times as the screen will go blank and freeze. Unable to change radio or temperature. Can not see when I go in reverse. I have to turn off the car for 30 mins to have the screen to work again. Volkswagen has been not helpful. Car gps and compass shows I’m in a different city. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HVAC water tubing has leaked on to the airbag control module causing airbag errors and many other electrical faults. This is a known safety problem under recall 87H4, NHTSA campaign 21V892. However, Volkswagen stated my VIN is not eligible for this recall. Note: this diagnostic was not performed at a dealership but at an independent German car repair shop.
NHTSA complaint #11753798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has experienced intermittent electrical failures while driving, including at highway speeds. The infotainment system first began shutting off intermittently around April 2026. At times, I had to pull over, place the vehicle in Park, turn it off, and restart it multiple times before the system would function again. On approximately XXX while traveling from [XXX] toward [XXX], the problem became much more serious. While driving on the highway, both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment display suddenly went completely black at the same time. Because the instrument cluster was completely black, I could no longer see my speed or other important driving information. I activated the hazard lights while pulling over, but the visual hazard-light indicators were also not visible because the instrument cluster was black. The vehicle continued moving, but because critical information was no longer available, I pulled over safely and restarted the vehicle. I have also experienced intermittent malfunctions involving the driver assistance systems, including Lane Keeping Assist and Travel Assist warnings. On one occasion, the vehicle applied Automatic Emergency Braking unexpectedly even though there was no apparent hazard in front of the vehicle. These issues occur intermittently, making them difficult to reproduce consistently, but they create a significant safety concern because they happen while driving. I contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE and opened Case Number XXX. Volkswagen also confirmed that my vehicle has an open safety recall (69PZ / NHTSA Recall 24V464). I am submitting this complaint because of the intermittent electrical failures and driver assistance system malfunctions described above. I am requesting that these safety issues be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This has happened to me a total of three times now And I have had the car one month. It stopped on me again in the middle of traffic Just driving without warning without any indicating lights on on June 25th. It stopped on me prior on July 21st and I just got it out of the shop July 24th. This is very dangerous and a dangerous situation especially to be driving one minute and the car just stop on you and go to a slow roll.
NHTSA complaint #11753164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle SOS communication/warning system began malfunctioning in February 2026. I am receiving an alert stating there is an SOS Malfunction and to service the vehicle immediately. On February 18, 2026, the VW dealership conducted extensive testing on the vehicle and determined that the J949 SOS module required replacement as it could not be reset or remedied. Diagnosis - internal electrical failure. The dealership advised that this is a known issue to VW and that there are several other customers with the same issue and waiting for the modules, which are on backorder with VW. There is no communication between the vehicle and VW as a result, and the infotainment system is unable to update. The service tech advised that there are a number or potential issues that will arise because this is a vehicle communication failure. I was forced to prepay for the module and labor, which was ordered on 2/18 (in excess of $500). On 5/26/26 the VW dealership service manager confirmed that the module still has not arrived from VW and that there may be a recall issued because this is such a widespread problem, but that they have no estimated delivery time for the part. The vehicle has had no problems prior to this. If the car is in an accident, there will be no SOS function. The infotainment system, which controls CarNet and the ability to communicate using CarPlay will also be compromised, which may result in the inability to call for assistance in event of an incident. VW Customer Service states they have no ability to track service orders or provide information on the ongoing issue, and stated that the dealership has the only ability to track the part. The dealership cannot check the status beyond acknowledging that the part is on backorder. This is a widely reported problem online in multiple forums and with multiple VW models. We are paying for a part and waiting multiple months to obtain it, and the vehicle is compromised due to the failure of VW.
NHTSA complaint #11744876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Follow-up to NHTSA complaint ODI #11742508 regarding the same vehicle and VIN. Vehicle experienced intermittent electrical failures while driving, including dashboard warning lights, charging system warnings, infotainment failures, communication fault codes, and intermittent loss of throttle response while entering intersections. Dealer initially stated they could not duplicate the issue and vehicle was returned multiple times despite ongoing safety concerns. Dealership has now confirmed an electrical failure involving the wire harness between the alternator and control module. Dealer stated they found an open circuit/short in the harness and ordered replacement parts after multiple repair attempts Concern remains regarding intermittent electrical and drivability failures affecting vehicle safety.
NHTSA complaint #11743734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport experienced repeated intermittent electrical and electronic malfunctions while driving. The infotainment screen repeatedly froze, became unresponsive, or turned black/blue while operating the vehicle. Apple CarPlay malfunctioned repeatedly, and multiple USB ports appeared to damage connected electronic devices. Warning messages including “12V battery is not charging” and “Key not detected” appeared intermittently. Vehicle has been taken to the Volkswagen dealership multiple times for diagnosis and repair attempts. Dealer stated they were unable to permanently diagnose or duplicate the issue because the failures are intermittent. Vehicle remained at dealership for extended periods during repair attempts. Electrical malfunctions create driver distraction and concern regarding reliability of the vehicle’s electrical system while driving. Failure of infotainment and warning systems while operating the vehicle may affect driver awareness and vehicle safety. Problem continues intermittently despite multiple service visits.
NHTSA complaint #11742508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this updated complaint regarding ongoing issues with Safety Recall 69PZ (Passenger Occupant Detection System) on my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Despite multiple repair attempts at Gossett Volkswagen in Memphis, TN, the recall remains incomplete, and the vehicle now exhibits additional safety‑system failures that began immediately after dealership service. I purchased the vehicle from Gossett Volkswagen and have had all warranty and recall work performed exclusively at this dealership. The first recall attempt occurred on April 20, 2026. The second attempt occurred on April 29, 2026, when the dealership picked up and returned my vehicle; this visit is confirmed by home security footage and text messages, but no repair order was issued. A third attempt on May 4, 2026 was also unsuccessful. On May 8, 2026, the dealership produced a repair order stating “SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED RECALL,” but later acknowledged in writing that the recall was not complete. On May 18, 2026, another repair order inaccurately stated that I “declined” the recall. Immediately after the [XXX] visit, my vehicle displayed new safety‑system errors, including Drivetrain Error, Emergency Assist Error, and Front Assist Error. These issues were not present before the visit and were documented on video. On May 20, 2026, during a recorded call, the Service Manager stated that the dealership would not schedule, diagnose, or repair any issues on my vehicle unless I authorized the recall repair, even though the new defects are unrelated to the recall and should be covered under warranty. He also stated the dealership is a “private company” and can refuse service. As a [XXX] who relies on custom hand controls, these unresolved safety issues and the dealership’s refusal to perform warranty repairs have left me with an unsafe and unreliable vehicle. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of the recall handling, documentation inconsistencies, and the resulting safety concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
NHTSA complaint #11739489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Repeated sensors go off simultaneously, brake assist, lane assist, rear brake maneuver assist and the infotainment system will reboot altogether causing the entire system to reboot and black out. The screen has not come on at times and and entire system will reboot. The vehicle has been to Hendrick dealership in [XXX] multiple times and has not been repaired and they keep saying they can’t replicate the problem, even though I have photos and video of the incidents. I have also documented when the malfunctions occur. I due have an attorney. Volkswagen is claiming the car is functioning properly, but the same problems keep occurring with no solution to the problem. This is a major safety concern and this is my only vehicle to drive. I have a lot of photos and all work orders, I can’t upload everything due to limited files that can be uploaded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The malfunction involves the windshield wiper control system, including the rain-sensing activation module and associated control software. The system activates windshield wipers without any driver input under dry and clear conditions. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. Safety was compromised due to sudden and uncommanded wiper activation occurring during active driving conditions, including highway and nighttime operation. This results in temporary loss of visibility as the windshield is smeared by debris, requiring driver distraction to manually control or disable the system while operating the vehicle in traffic. Initial complaints regarding this issue were made by [XXX] during dealership service visits; however, those concerns were not consistently documented in the official repair records at the time they were reported and were initially dismissed or not formally recorded by service personnel until later intervention ensured the issue was entered verbatim on the service order. The issue has been reported and addressed during multiple dealership service visits; however, the condition has not been reliably reproduced and permanently corrected by the dealer despite documented repair attempts, including sensor replacement and manufacturer-level software (ODIS) updates. The malfunction has persisted after these interventions. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealership service department. No inspection has been conducted by police, insurance representatives, or independent third parties. No consistent warning lamps or dashboard messages were present prior to the failure. The activation occurs unpredictably and without prior warning indicators. The issue first appeared intermittently at lower mileage and has continued through recent operation. The defect persists after multiple repairs and manufacturer intervention, indicating an uncorrectable electronic system failure causing an unresolved safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
NHTSA complaint #11733582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component/System: Electrical system (wiring, control modules, and related software) Availability for Inspection: Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The electrical cutouts and glitching create an unpredictable and dangerous driving situation. Sudden electrical failures can affect critical systems such as power steering, braking assist, instrument cluster, and engine control — putting myself and other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk of an accident. Rear camera would also black out while reversing and once or twice the gas stopped working on the highway. Dealer/Service Confirmation: Yes. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed. The vehicle has been brought in for repair 7 times for the same recurring electrical cutout and glitching issue. Each visit resulted only in essentially a software update, currently no permanat solution to the problem. Inspection by Manufacturer/Others: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership/authorized service center on all 7 occasions. The manufacturer's representatives (via the dealership) have been aware of this ongoing issue. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: [Describe any warning lights, error messages, or symptoms you noticed — e.g., dashboard warning lights flickering, system reboot messages, loss of display, unexpected shutdowns, etc.] These symptoms have been recurring and have not been resolved despite repeated software updates. Summary: Despite 7 repair attempts, all resulting in software updates only, the electrical cutout and glitching problem persists. The root cause has not been identified or permanently fixed by the dealer. This represents an ongoing safety defect that requires investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11733379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, the vehicle experiences intermittent electrical malfunctions affecting multiple systems. The door locks cycle repeatedly, windows roll down on their own, and when attempting to roll the windows back up, they immediately roll back down. The dashboard lights flicker, become extremely bright, and at times go out completely. The central display (including Apple CarPlay) also shuts off entirely. Multiple warning alerts appear, including emergency brake warnings. These failures occur while the vehicle is in motion and create a safety risk due to loss of system visibility, inability to control vehicle functions, and unexpected vehicle behavior. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent repair shop due to these issues, where I was informed of Recall 97GF (wiring harness issue), which is associated with the same electrical failures. The vehicle was then taken to a dealership for recall service. The dealership retained the vehicle for approximately one week and advised that the repair resolved the issue. The vehicle operated normally for approximately three weeks following the repair. However, on or about [XXX], the same electrical issues reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealership on February 20th, where it remained in service for over 45 days. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended time in service, the issue was not resolved and continues to occur. The dealership has indicated that the recall procedure was completed, but the original condition persists. The issue was also escalated directly to Volkswagen of America through a customer care case. The manufacturer reviewed the situation and stated that the recall procedure had been completed and the condition was no longer considered related to the recall. The case was subsequently closed without resolution, and the vehicle continues to experience the same electrical failures. Video of issue: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11730429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 3/27/026 at approximately 1800 hrs, I was driving my 2025 VW Atlas w/8500 miles southbound on the Florida Turnpike in the left hand land. Traffic was at a standstill at mm 76. We sat for 2-3 minutes without moving. When traffic started to roll forward, I moved my foot to apply the gas but the car shifted itself to Park. It did not shut down or stall. The engine was still running. I could not shift the car to drive or reverse. I called 911 to request help from FHP. Traffic was starting to move with increasing speed. I couldn't move my car to the shoulder. I turned the engine off for a few minutes. I turned it back on and still could not shift the car into gear. All of the error messages scrolled across the dash and all of the error lights came on. I had never seen a light on the dash that day or any other. FHP arrived. We pushed the car to the left shoulder. He said the cars were traveling at 60-70 mph at this point. Prior to that I was trapped in my car as I could not get out of my car with the high speed traffic passing on the left shoulder and swerving around to the right lane too. I called for a tow truck and was towed to a VW dealership. It was in service for 8 days. I was told it was a glitch in the software update. I've done some research and this is a known safety issue with VW Atlas. It can happen again...while driving. VW service doesn't know why this happens and they said they don't know how to prevent it from happening again. After picking the car up, I searched "vehicle" for the maintenance hx on the infotainment. It shows low oil. That did not show on the dash. If I had stumbled on it, I wouldn't have seen it. Next, the seat will not move forward or back. This, after, the software update glitch. FHP does not write an official report for this type of scenario but the incident number is XXX. Officer [XXX] #XXX (they do not provide last names for the officer's safety) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11729998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle is experiencing multiple system malfunctions involving engine performance and electrical components. Symptoms include engine trembling at idle, abnormal ticking and hissing noises, and the vehicle pulling while driving. An independent diagnostic scan performed within 24 hours of purchase identified more than twenty fault codes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These conditions created safety concerns due to instability while driving and the risk of loss of control or unexpected mechanical failure. Additionally, dealership-provided loaner vehicles also malfunctioned, including one becoming inoperable and another displaying a check engine light, leaving the customer stranded and without reliable transportation. The problem has been partially confirmed by both an independent service center and dealership personnel. An independent diagnostic confirmed multiple system faults, and a dealership manager personally observed the engine shaking at idle. A Volkswagen dealership documented abnormal engine behavior but stated the issue could not be consistently reproduced during testing. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center (Meineke Automotive) and a Volkswagen dealership (Stone Mountain Volkswagen). A case has been opened with Volkswagen of America for further review. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Symptoms began immediately after purchase on February 27, 2026, including engine vibration, instability, and drivability issues. Fault codes were identified within 24 hours. Additional warning indicators, including check engine lights and battery-related messages, were later observed, including on dealership-provided loaner vehicles. ⸻
NHTSA complaint #11724844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car was operating normal up until 8:47 pm went to go turn car on and check engine light came on with notification “RISK OF ROLLING! P not possible. Please apply parking brake.” Car will go into drive, neutral, and reverse but does not move upon pressing gas pedal. Will not go into park and only allows hand brake when in neutral. Car will shut off but does not lock doors.
NHTSA complaint #11724385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Description of Fault This vehicle exhibits a recurring, intermittent failure of the electronic throttle control system. Three distinct symptom patterns have been observed: 1.Throttle non-responsive at stop-start (approx. monthly/bi-monthly): After coming to a complete stop (e.g. at a traffic light), pressing the accelerator pedal produces no engine response. The vehicle will not move. Switching the ignition fully off and performing a cold restart resolves the issue immediately. 2.Throttle failure while vehicle was in motion (Wednesday, March 4, 2026): While my wife was driving the vehicle, the throttle stopped responding entirely mid-journey. The accelerator pedal produced no engine response while the vehicle was moving at speed. This is a direct and serious safety hazard. As with other incidents, switching the ignition fully off and performing a cold restart resolved the issue. 3.Erratic/hypersensitive throttle response on inclines: On slight uphill gradients, a light press of the accelerator pedal produces a disproportionately strong acceleration response, suggesting inconsistent signal output from the accelerator pedal position sensor (APPS). Safety Concern The occurrence of complete throttle loss while the vehicle was in motion — experienced by my wife on March 4, 2026 — is a serious safety defect. A driver who loses throttle response at highway speed, on a merge, or when crossing an intersection is at significant risk of collision. I am formally documenting this concern so that it is part of the vehicle's permanent service record.
NHTSA complaint #11722691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Digital Display Continues to drop connection to phone when driving. Digital display drops blue tooth - will recycle and not auto connect Will state that it needs wifi connection and action must be taken on phone while driving. VW - has claimed to be working on a fix for over a year. Every dealer visit does not resolve issue.
NHTSA complaint #11721399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.