2018 Volkswagen Atlas fuel system problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel gauge suddenly changes its reading, sometimes dropping to a zero level indication while driving! The readings frequently change up and down, so if the previous reading before a drop to completely empty is incorrect, this could be a serious safety risk to suddenly find out the tank is very near empty. Volkswagen has a TSB about this, but are requiring expensive diagnostic and repair fees, over $1200. The TSB indicates the car model gas had frequent issues with a faulty fuel level sending unit.

NHTSA complaint #11757921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Several times before I got the car stalled in the car wash which I thought that could no be important however yesterday Sunday 12, driving on I4 by Tampa bay in Florida when traffic was stocked and slow suddenly the car went off, so I geared neutral and started again. Then happened twice in total three times.

NHTSA complaint #11750086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Gas tank melted on top of the tank next to drive shaft and a hole was leaking gas- we are keeping the tank that was removed for investigation. Extreme safety issue that put my daughter and granddaughters at risk of fire/explosion when it was unknown that there was a gas leak while driving. The part was inspected by a repair shop in Lake Havasu AZ as well as the Capistrano Volkswagen, CA dealership and no explanation of the cause. Since the vehicle is out of warranty the VW.com and the dealership refused to replace without full charge. Insurance claim has been filed. There were no warning lamps messages or other symptoms of the failure. About 45 miles prior to gas leak detection, while fueling, the reverse pressure shutoff did not work, and a significant amount of gas was released at the station. No indication of a leak from the gas tank until the car stopped, then significant release onto the ground was observed.

NHTSA complaint #11703840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving, the vehicle suddenly loses engine power and shuts off without warning. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety hazard because it happen in traffic multiple times . The problem appears to be related to the fuel pump control module and/or electrical wiring failure. Additionally, the power windows stopped functioning due to a failure in the driver door wiring harness, which is a known issue on this vehicle model year. The electrical malfunction and engine stall appear to be connected. This issue has been repaired because the dealership stated the warranty is expired, but this is a safety defect that can lead to a crash. There is also an open unrepaired recall on this vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11697983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This is a common issue with this car that is dangerous. The Evap Purge High Flow Control goes out and makes the vehicle stall randomly.

NHTSA complaint #11679766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have had this vehicle since 2020. Two months after I bought it, the vehicle would turn off at random. I took it to VW and they change the carbon air canister. It stopped for a while but now it back. When stopping the car randomly shits off. Not auto energy saving off. Restart your engine in 5:30PM traffic type of restart your engine. Slowing down, shut off. Backing up, shut off. I have a 2019 Atlas as well and the same thing happens. This is extremely dangerous and unsafe. VW claims either they dont know what the issue is because there is no service engine light and no code produced.

NHTSA complaint #11677052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

while operating the vehicle felt a jerk and then the check engine, oil, and EPC warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and lost power on the highway, we were able to coast to the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the high pressure fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired But was said the 2018 atlas had a known fuel tank issue which caused all the gas to rush to one side allowing air and pressure changes in the system could this is be what led to the fault of the high pressure fuel pump. The vehicle code was reproduced at the dealership. No prior warning signs.

NHTSA complaint #11673854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ECP light came on and vehicle entered limp mode

NHTSA complaint #11663576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel tank system keeps failing. It will not show how much gas is in the car even after filling up. It is a risk because the fuel could run out in the middle of driving and leave the driver in an accident or stranded. The car stalls randomly when the fuel tank system error is on and it is very scary.

NHTSA complaint #11653353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving on the highway with my family in stop and go traffic when my car turned off on its own while still in Drive. The car has an "Auto On/Off" feature that we had disabled so it should not have, for any reason, done this. We had a semi-truck behind us that nearly rearended us. After putting the car in park, in the middle of the highway, and restarting the engine the car turned off again less than 10 minutes later. This car has a brand-new battery and purge control solenoid (after a check engine light) due to this issue, thinking it would fix it.

NHTSA complaint #11644452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Purchased Car with 17,000 miles on it. At 35,400 miles I had an electrical issue, cars was driving slow and jerking, sputtering while on the highway. the EMP ? light came on. I brought to the Clear Lake Volkswagen and they had to change our alot of the electronic system. I drove my car for about 9 months and my battery that was brand new died. There was a something with the electronic system. All along since I have owned the car, it would randomly stall when I would come to a stop. Never a big issue and just thought it was something with the stop/start. Last week while driving on the highway, 4-7 times when I would just take my foot off the gas the car would stall. I would have to pull off the the side of the highway, (NOT SAFE) put car in park and start it again. I again brought it to the dealership and they told me it is the Carbon gasket filter along with a clogged fuel line. I am hearing that has happened alot. I AM SELLING THIS CAR AS SOON AS I GET IT BACK. It has had engine issues since 6 months owning. NEVER BUYING VOLKSWAGON AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #11636569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine, oil, and EPC warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA complaint #11610497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Our 2018 V6 SEL Volkswagen Atlas is the recipient of a defective fuel injection system. Through discussion with VW service and maintenance staff, as well as research in online VW specific forums, there is defective fuel injectors found in various VW Atlas year and differing engine vehicles. Our particular vehicle had a malfunctioning, defective fuel injector (fuel injector for Cylinder 6) which resulted in massive carbon build up. There is no real detection system for a faulty, leaky fuel injector according to VW service. The carbon build up began with misfiring check engine and ECP error codes. Upon taking it to the dealer, we were made aware that the carbon build up also resulted in mechanical failure of components within Cylinder 6. This would affect drivability of the vehicle while on the road, resulting in severe power or ability to drive loss. Other additional factors aside from the faulty fuel injection system, is the valve gasket was also leaking oil through to spark plugs 2-4, which could result in vehicle fire. We are not sure if the faulty gasket is a result of the faulty fuel injector system. The 2018 VW Atlas was a first year model release, and would not be surprised if significant design flaws and defects are a risk with this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11591787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

In June and early July of 2023 the vehicle’s engine shut off while driving at least 4 times. Shut off occurred while driving at low speeds while in a parking lot, coming out of an intersection, and when approaching a stop sign. When the car shuts off you lose control of steering and braking is difficult. You have to shift the vehicle into park and restart the engine. We took the vehicle to VW dealership who inspected and replaced the charcoal canister and N80 purge valve. Vehicle operated normally for 10 months until late April 2024. In the past month the vehicle has shut off a dozen times while in operation. Similar to before it occurs at low speeds while starting, stopping, turning, and even while driving in reverse. The vehicle is currently back at the dealership to address this. Their initial response was that they couldn’t reproduce this condition, and the check engine light doesn’t come on for this issue, so there’s nothing mechanically that they need to fix. I’m escalating this issue with VW service. This issue has not caused an accident yet, but very likely will if not addressed. Some basic research online indicates that this is a somewhat common issue with VW Atlas models. Someone needs to look into this situation before someone is killed.

NHTSA complaint #11590768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

EPC light came on and shut the car down at highway speeds. Car was incapacitated. Had car taken to dealer and was told the computer indicated a problem with the fuel injection wiring harness. Was told this is a common recall for 2018 Atlas and Tiguan models but my vin was not included in the recall but could not give me a reason. Had to pay to have wiring harness replaced. Contacted Volkswagen and they refuse to acknowledge a safety issue with my vehicle even though there are open recalls on the wiring harness that shut my vehicle down while driving. My family could have been seriously injured or we could have caused a major accident because this car was somehow excluded from inclusion and notification of the recall

NHTSA complaint #11581868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2018 Atlas SEL Premium 3.6L V6. Currently at VW dealership for warranty work. Vehicle has had coolant leaks in the past where dealer replaced water pump. Atlas in for the third time for misfiring in cylinder 6 and other misfiring engine codes. They found issues with the head cylinder gasket and will be replacing the head gasket. There are blogs about this issue throughout the internet.

NHTSA complaint #11557752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2018 atlas 3.6 sel premium 4 motion. 3rd time in for service for fuel injector MIL code and misfiring with no resolve. Computer was reprogrammed from VW and compression test and replacement of injectors. Mil code turned on again for misfiring. Vehicle will loose full driving power and only drive at lower speeds without accepting the overdrive when depressing pedal.

NHTSA complaint #11557314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired under recall, the contact was informed that the fuel tank had collapsed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the contact was informed that there was a gap between the band and the fuel tank which caused the collapse. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,500.

NHTSA complaint #11549866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Similar issue to the current recall on VW Atlas SEL 2019. The suction jet in the fuel tank may have been welded in the incorrect position allowing fuel to leak. Additionally, the vehicle may stall due to uneven fuel distribution. Car will stall out (not auto shut off) and gas tank will airlock / leak depending on fuel levels. Gas guage will show 0 fuel when fuel tank is full.

NHTSA complaint #11486436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving on Saturday, Jan 8, 2022, my Atlas started leaking fuel. It felt like it just down-shifted on its own and the gas pedal stopped working. We were simultaneously overcome by the smell of gasoline inside the car. Both the engine and EPC warning lights were on. Thankfully, I was just about to pull into my driveway when this happened, so I was able to safely stop and we exited vehicle immediately. the entire engine was smoking and fuel was pouring out of the engine onto the ground. It eventually slowed to a drip. I called my local VW dealership but it was closed so I left a message. I also filled out on online service request the next day.

NHTSA complaint #11446833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Volkswagen Dealership of Lake Charles, LA attempted to repair a safety recall on catalytic converter. When I picked my car up for the safety recall on the catalytic converter my car smelled like fuel and was leaking fuel and would not stay running and stopped running while driving in traffic and at stop lights and intersections. The dealership has had my vehicle for 3 months and still not repaired my recall correctly and I just got it back today October 4th and the problem remains unresolved. I attempted to back out into traffic and my car stopped running and there was incoming traffic. Luckily me and my 2 daughters were not hurt however this car is not safe and request the dealership fixes the safety recall correctly.

NHTSA complaint #11435475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When driven on road, the car suddenly stopped without any sign. The car was towed to the dealer. I was told that the fuel pump wiring was chewed by rodents, so the car suddenly doesn't have any fuel at all. This incident is very life-risking. The fuel pump wiring is under the rear seat. I am not sure whether it is the defective design of the car which makes the fuel pump wiring without any protection is easy to be chewed by animals. Moreover, I keep the broken wiring which does not look like chewed ones.

NHTSA complaint #11426577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, STALLED OUT, UNABLE TO RESTART AND SMELLED LIKE GASOLINE AND VOLKSWAGEN DEALER SAYS NEED NEW ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #11406245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT 76,000 MILES. ALSO REPLACED SENSOR FOR FRONT ASSIST ERROR LESS THAN 1 YEAR AGO AND IT'S NOW GIVING WARNING LIGHT AGAIN. VW SAYING I HAVE TO PAY $450 TO RECALIBRATE.

NHTSA complaint #11382974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ON A DOWN HILL GRADE THE FUEL TANK STOPS DELIVERING FUEL WHEN THE TANK IS AT A 25% LEVEL

NHTSA complaint #11372704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

NEEDS NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. NEEDS EXCESSIVE GAS. TOLD TO JUST KEEP DRIVING UNTIL BACK ORDERED CATALYTIC CONVERTER COMES IN. I DON'T FEEL LIKE IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY WITH MY CHILDREN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM AND VW DEFINITELY HAS A PROBLEM AND HAS NOT VOLUNTARILY RECALLED THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11300998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THERE IS A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY. VW REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER FUEL RAILS AND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ON THE FIRST SERVICE VISIT. I COULD STILL SMELL THE GAS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, NOT INSIDE, WHEN I LEFT THE SERVICE BAY. I RETURNED IT AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE GAS SMELL SO THEY CLEANED THE VENTS AND PUT A STRONG POTPOURRI IN THE VENTS. ? OUTSIDE GAS SMELL PERSISTED IN THE FRONT AND THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT WAS VERY STRONG SO I TOOK IT FOR A 3RD TIME. A WEEK LATER VW CORPORATE LET LINDSAY VW SERVICE KNOW TO REMOVE THE INTAKE AND CHECK THE INJECTORS. ALL SEALS WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THEY REPLACED THEM. I PICKED IT UP A FEW DAYS AGO AND NOW THE GAS SMELL IS SO BAD INSIDE (AGAIN) AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING IT IS SO STRONG THAT I OPENED THE WINDOW TO HELP AIR IT OUT UNTIL I GOT HOME, BUT THE GAS SMELL OUTSIDE MADE IT EVEN WORSE. THE CAR IS UNSAFE. THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS RECALLS, IT'S WEPT RAIN WATER SEVERAL INCHES DEEP INTO THE FRONT SEAT FOOT WELLS, THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE CARPET WHEN THEY DID THE REPAIR AND I WORRY ABOUT MOLD. BUT THIS GAS SITUATION HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE OCTOBER AND IT'S VERY CONCERNING. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR AND I WANT VW TO TAKE IT BACK.

NHTSA complaint #11298402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

PROBLEMS WITH FUEL INJECTOR WHERE THE MANUFACTURER ADVISE TO CHANGE THE ALL INJECTORS AFTER 100K MILES . WHERE THEY SENDING ME TO PAY FOR THIS EXPENSES. THE ACC AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL ALSO FAILED WHERE THEY CHARGING $600 TO REPROGRAM THE SYSTEM FOR SOME REASON STOP WORKING HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN WITH A NEW CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11291955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SAW FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VILLAGE VOLKSWAGEN OF CHATTANOOGA (6001 INTERNATIONAL DR, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, (423) 855-4981) AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE CAUSED THE DAMAGE; THEREFORE, THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A VALID WARRANTY IN EFFECT SINCE THERE WAS CURRENTLY ONLY 14,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. IN 2018, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE FUEL TANK LEAKING EVEN THOUGH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

NHTSA complaint #11219420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE 3,000 MILES. CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE. DEALERSHIP FIXED IT ON THE 3RD TRY AFTER GETTING VW INVOLVED. IT WAS A FAULTY GAS TANK, LEAKING FUEL INTO THE LINES. THEY REPLACED THE TANK AND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER. LANE ASSIST FEATURE SEVERELY MALFUNCTIONS SINCE DAY 1 OF OWNING THIS CAR. NEARLY EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT, THE VEHICLE STEERS ITSELF INTO MEDIANS, INTO CURVES OR INTERSECTIONS, INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ALWAYS WHILE I'M ACTIVELY DRIVING STRAIGHT. I CONTACTED VW; THEY RECOMMENDED HAVING THE SYSTEM INSPECTED. DEALERSHIP COULD FIND NO PROBLEMS WITH IT, STATING IT WAS JUST A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. I WILL NOT JUST TURN THAT FEATURE OFF WHEN I'M PAYING FOR IT. I ASKED VW TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK, AS IT HAS INCREASINGLY BECOME MORE DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN. THEY DENIED MY REQUEST. I HAVE CONTACTED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IN HOPES OF GETTING A MORE SENSIBLE OUTCOME, BUT VW HAS ONLY OFFERED TO SETTLE MY CONCERNS FOR $2,500, WHICH IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA complaint #11210708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.