100 of the 670 complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas are about the airbag system — 15% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 45,000 miles.
100
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
AIR BAGS
The passenger airbag ‘off’ light remains on even when a passenger is sitting in the passenger front seat. This remains on even after I’ve taken it in for a different component for the airbag that was recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11733601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I am reporting a failure by Volkswagen Group of America to provide a safe and timely remedy for Safety Recall 23V-215. Per the manufacturer's notice, the front passenger seat is unsafe for use until repaired. I physically surrendered my vehicle to Merced VW on Dec 29, 2025, due to this grounding safety risk. However, both the dealership and VW Corporate (Case #07228209) have refused to provide a comparable 7-passenger loaner or a direct-bill rental, despite this being my family's primary transportation for three children. VW Corporate has denied reimbursement, citing a '3-hour' labor time, while ignoring the actual grounding period caused by parts backorders. I am currently forced to pay out-of-pocket for a rental to ensure my family's safety because the manufacturer has failed to provide the mandated no-charge remedy or safe alternative transportation.
NHTSA complaint #11708019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Waiting at a stoplight for light to turn green. Driver’s side door airbag deployed for no reason and the car shut down completely. Except for my hazard lights and a blinking message that read “error driver door contact switch”. Had to have it tow and the tow truck driver couldn’t even put in neutral.
NHTSA complaint #11606414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Air bag system in passenger seat quit working. Has been inspected by dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11602411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11589680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving, the airbag sensor would inadvertently sound when the passenger seat was not occupied. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who confirmed that the issue was an air bag seat weight sensor failure; however, the contacts VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
NHTSA complaint #11589307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG ERROR MESSAGE AND LIGHT WENT ON- THIS IS A RECALL IN MY SAME MODEL AND YEAR, MY VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11584567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagens Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 #11583455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I have called the VW dealer several times to have the recall problem fixed and they keep telling me they don’t have the parts. This is lingering for months. How do I get it fixed if there’s no cooperation from dealer? I don’t remember the month I was notified but it was months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11580017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11578433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Unknown- manufacturer still has not found a remedy for the seatbelt air bag issue and it’s been a year since they announced it
NHTSA complaint #11577754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Manufacturer has no resolution for this issue. I contacted dealership and manufacturer for resolution as my vehicle is unable to be used in the manner in which is intended and was told that they have no resolution for me. It has been a year with no communication or resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11577392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 #11577089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Please it’s been almost a year with no resolution from Volkswagen. It’s insane!
NHTSA complaint #11576742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the delay in the repair of a recall affecting my 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL. The recall (Manufacturer Recall Number 69FB, NHTSA Recall Number 23V215) was issued on March 29th, 2023, due to a fault in the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), which may result in the passenger airbag being switched off erroneously. This poses an increased risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash. Despite having attempted to schedule an appointment with my local Volkswagen dealership from which I bought this vehicle in August of 2023, I was informed that there was no remedy yet available, and to this day almost a full year later there is still no repair that has been made available within a reasonable timeframe. Any attempt to contact Volkswagen directly for any updates has produced no useful information, and their only solution at this time is to advise owners of affected vehicles not to have anyone ride in the front passenger seat. This delay in resolving the safety issue poses a significant risk to both myself and the other approximately 140,000 Volkswagen Atlas owners affected by this recall. As a responsible vehicle owner, I am deeply troubled by the apparent lack of urgency in addressing this matter. It is also very frustrating to not safely have full use of a vehicle that I have paid for, and continue to pay for. I urge the NHTSA to intervene and expedite the repair process to ensure the safety of all affected vehicles on the road. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a swift resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11575672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 #11574214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I am experiencing issues related to the airbag sensor recall as the sensor does not know if someone is in the seat or not - it thinks someone is there when they aren't, and vice versa. This recall was announced in April of 2023, and since then, I have been unable to have any passengers ride in my front seat. Needless to say this is not only very inconvenient but also impacts my ability to trade in or sell this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11573544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11573429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
It has been almost 1 year since this airbag recall and no resolution. VW advises to “discontinue use of the front passenger seat”. This is ridiculous and unacceptable. I purchased this 7 passenger vehicle to transport my family including grandkids. I cannot do that with out the front passenger seat. I want a 7 passenger loaner or for VW to refund my purchase of this vehicle. There has not yet been a crash.
NHTSA complaint #11572707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11570015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 #11568978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
There is an active recall that has been going on for many months, possibly years, with failure of the front passenger airbag to deploy. There is STILL no fix. When will you light a fire under VW to hold it accountable for a timely fix that is well past-due?
NHTSA complaint #11568309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned off and restarted the warning light was gone. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated on two occasions. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,700.
NHTSA complaint #11568037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 #11568051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I purchased this vehicle in August of last year (2023), where I was made aware that the vehicle had a recall, however there was no mention that there was no fix for the recall. Thinking that the recall fix was available I have been reaching out to the dealer to schedule an appointment to bring the car in, however I keep getting that there is still no fix and there is no timeframe on when it will become available.
NHTSA complaint #11567639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Around May 2023, I received a passenger airbag safety recall for my Volkswagen Atlas. The letter states that the Passenger Occupancy Detection System (PODS) is faulty and that in the event of an accident, the passenger airbag would likely not work. They said that no one can sit in the passenger seat until this recall is fixed. The issue is that they have no way to repair it, no set time of when it will be repairable and have offered no type of solution or compensation in the meantime. I can no longer use my vehicle for rideshare to make money so my income is being affected, apps like Turo and Uber have told me that after running the VIN on my vehicle and seeing this outstanding recall, I can not use my car for their services. Not only that but it makes it extremely difficult to transport my family since the seat cannot be used. I can't in my right conscience sell the vehicle and potentially be responsible for another family to suffer an injury due to this recall so I am stuck and need a solution to this problem sooner than later. I have talked to others facing these same issues.
NHTSA complaint #11566868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11566543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealers were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 #11566012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 #11565166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
There has been an airbag recall on my 2018 VW Atlas since March of 2023 with no remedy from the manufacturer even though it’s been almost a year. Manufacturer has advised that passengers should not use the front passenger seat until a remedy is available. I have not been able to have someone ride in my front passenger seat for almost a year with no advice or remedy from VW. Vehicle has been in dealership to try to fix this 3-4 times but fix has not worked.
NHTSA complaint #11565217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.