73 of the
670 complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas are about the
other systems — 11% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
8,800 miles.
B
73
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
7298.6%
Other/I am not Sure
11.4%
Other & Unspecified across every Volkswagen Atlas year
My infotainment system and back up camera have been having issues that I have been trying to get addressed since April 2026. I was told this is a known issue for VWs from the dealership service department and that I should replace the infotainment which has resolved these problems. I had to wait for the part to arrive, the infotainment center was replaced June 1, 2026. When I got the car back, the back up camera was again working but the infotainment center was again cutting in and out and glitching/ turning off. I brought it back to the dealership who informed me there had been a service update and to have the software updated. It worked for a short time, than began turning blank and not working. I again reached out to the dealership who opened a case with VW the company, and was told that they could not replicate the issue but would continue to work on the problem. On June 27th the back up camera started work but froze when I was reversing, again glitching. Because it had frozen while I was backing up I did not realize the footage was not live, and hit my neighbors car as a result. Their car had a hitch so was fine, but mine now has a noticable dent in the back bumper. I reached out to the dealership on June 29th who told me the case has been closed by VW of America. I brought it back in on July 7th for them to address the issues, they reached out again to VW of America to file a claim and was told there is no fix at this time. They are continuing to see if there may be software updates but that it is also older technology so that could be the issue. This is a 2018 Atlas SE TECH that only has 65,000 miles. I now cannot rely on my safety systems that I always usen living in a city to keep myself and my daughters safe when driving. Additionally, if this is not a fixable solution, I will need to replace this car, and I will have lost significant value since it is broken and there is not current fix in place.
NHTSA complaint #11750691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Casper, WY1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on 2nd Street and realized I wasn’t going to make it through the light, so I stopped. I noticed that I had stopped in the crosswalk, so I decided to back up. Before backing up, I checked everything—I looked in my left mirror, my right mirror, behind me, and also at the rearview camera. There were no cars in sight behind me. As I started backing up, I heard a beeping sound indicating there might be a car behind me. I checked my mirrors again and looked at the camera, but there was still nothing there. I continued backing up and kept hearing the beeping sound. I checked again—mirrors and camera—and still saw nothing, so I kept going. I sped up slightly. Then suddenly, within seconds, my car slammed to a hard stop. It was a very abrupt emergency stop that caused my head to jerk forward and backward. It felt like someone had hit me from behind. Right after, I looked at my dashboard and saw multiple red warning lights and messages indicating that an emergency situation had occurred. I immediately checked my rearview mirror and side mirrors again, but there were no cars behind me at all, only vehicles beside me on my right hand side that were going straight, since I was in a left-turn position. I am in hospital because of my pain. I have pain in my neck and head , I’m dizzy, the room is spinning, I’m nauseous. My nose is stuffy and I feel like I have cold, and my vision is blurry.
NHTSA complaint #11735700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Market, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Forest View, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ECM light came on, while going 60+ on expressway. Car lost ability to accelerate and began to sputter. Unable to adjust speed and had to pull over to shoulder in fast moving traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11668026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wylie, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I buckled my son in his car seat and set my purse in the passenger seat and walked around the vehicle and in about 10 seconds it locked itself WITH the keys inside. The engine was off and I live in Tx so it was already very hot in the car. We used a pole through the cracked window to click the unlock button on the passenger door, we hit it twice and the car did not unlock, then I used a hanger to click the unlock button on the driver door. I clicked it and the car still did not unlock. We then tried breaking the windows and were unable to break the glass with a hammer, tire iron, rock, and even a high velocity Pellet gun. We were able to pull the trim from around the window on the outside and bend the glass out just far enough to use the hanger to pull the handle and get into the car. The car should never have locked with the keys inside, the unlock buttons INSIDE the car should have worked when pressed 3 times. Glass is great. Very strong but I was terrified when it would not break.
NHTSA complaint #11667040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covina, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In October 2024, my air conditioning was blowing hot when I had just had it recharged in June 2024. I took it to vw in pasadena, ca. They noted that there was an oil leak being caused by the breather valve aka the pcv valve which was making oil leak into the ac components. It took a few visits to get this resolved as a smell was in my car that was making me feel sick afterward. Eventually it was fixed and my car seemed to be okay. Until a month ago when my husband got into an accident and once we got my car back from the body repairs within 24 hours, my oil light came on. At first I thought it was because of the accident but it turned out it wasn't. It was due to the breather valve again. This was confirmed by vw covina. This is unsafe because it can cause oil to leak into other components of the vehicle and cause them to fail. Your head gasket and oil pan can also be affected and maybe more, I'm not sure what else as I am not a mechanic. But I know this is an issue with many atlases from a simple Google search, there are thousands of people experiencing the same. I do not have the documentation for the current repair as they are working on my car right now so I dont have the paperwork yet. If you all contact me in a few days, I'm sure I should have it by then and would be happy to provide it.
NHTSA complaint #11663475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We replaced a cracked windshield in our VW Atlas, and we now need to replace it again. This vehicle seems prone to windshield cracks, as we are not aware of a rock hitting it. This crack started at the very top edge of the windshield, and has grown to about 20 inches.
NHTSA complaint #11657156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ada, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the outdoor temperature gets low, below 20 degrees fahrenheit, the vehicle thinks the driver-side front door is open, when it is closed. Because of this, the vehicle does not want to allow itself to be driven and will put on the electric parking brake. Even if released, the parking brake will automatically re-engage any time the vehicle speed drops below a couple of miles-per-hour. In addition, other errors persist with the electrical system, including error messages regarding the hill descent control, parking assist, passenger side airbag detection, internal lighting, etc. Based upon research, it seems this issue is identical to a recall issued for the same make & model, but for the years 2019-2022.
NHTSA complaint #11635820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosemead, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Bought this vehicle new from dealer. Have had all maintenance done at the suggested intervals by VW. Have had ongoing issues with “check coolant” alerts. Coolant has been low on multiple occasions but dealer assures there is no leak. I’m am now out of warranty and car has lost coolant again, well below the minimum level required. Please help with ongoing issues that now dealer will not cover. Being inspected now for water pump failure, radiator core, etc. I feel as though this coolant level problem is being hidden and pushed along until customers are out of warranty. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11618245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indian Trail, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a moonroof that leaks whenever it rains. It comes on the sides of the car and also in the middle near my rearview mirror which leaks on my electronics. I am at risk because it brings water into my car when I am driving. It can cause mold and mildew as well. I've taking this to my local VW dealership without any resolution. They just said its a well know issue. The attempted to 'clean' the drains but it still leaks.
NHTSA complaint #11617675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Katy, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Front pillar near roof and windshield is leaking significant water creating a driver safety hazard during hard rains
NHTSA complaint #11611744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huddleston, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle slammed on brakes, Electronic Stabilization Control light came on, transmission went into emergency mode, check engine light came on, and many other lights. I had to jerk the car to avoid the ditch since i was in a curve on a highway. Brakes continued to kick back and would not allow me to pull to side of road even in neutral. Battery message came on and said it was not charging. I was stuck in the lane and several people had to swerve or brake hard to miss me.
NHTSA complaint #11608148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesburg, VA
Other/I am not sure
Hi, While transporting my bike, the rack failed to secure it and dropped it backwards, basically it didn't hold the horizontal position and both, the rack and the bike dropped/fell backwards, the bike hit a wall and got damaged. Now Kuat posted a note related to a recall for the Kuat transfer v2 (my rack) and I have submitted multiple requests to Kuat using their form, called them and had no answer after a month trying to get their assistance. Per their instructions, you can help us get their assistance. What I do not want is that rack anymore, I need Kuat (or this Administration) to reimburse me for the rack and helped with the damaged to my bike. Thanks so much for your attention and help.
NHTSA complaint #11600332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Deland, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Volkswagen North America (VW NA) manufactured this vehicle with an incorrect HVAC refrigerant (R134A) low pressure service port. It does have the correct R1234YF high pressure service port. Besides this configuration being against federal emissions laws, it poses a public safety threat in that the incorrect system could be connected to the car and possibly ignite the flammable R1234YF refrigerant. VW NA has refused to correct this problem, even though the vehicle was brought into service under warranty, as the vehicle is currently a couple months out of warranty. A complaint with the EPA will also be filed as this vehicle was manufactured in violation of federal law.
NHTSA complaint #11588696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leominster, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving the vehicle was in drive moving on the road and literally turned off. Completely disabled in the road. I purchased a new battery in September 2022, got the battery tested again and there’s no issue with it. Mechanics can’t find an issue. I had the engine stop feature off (the light is on when it’s off) and it turned itself off prior to the car shutting off completely. I was unable to restart and someone had to assist in Pushing my vehicle out of the road then jumpstart my car. Again I had everything thoroughly checked and there are no active issues.
NHTSA complaint #11540366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barrington, RI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recall requested on VW Atlas 2017 with statement not to use front seat, but we only have 1 car. How are we to proceed as a family? Recall remedy stated as not being available. Manufacturer Recall Number69FB NHTSA Recall Number23V215
NHTSA complaint #11525288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roy, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle keeps giving me the message that “Park Pilot is not working” and the backup camera does not work.
NHTSA complaint #11517613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear backup camera and overhead camera malfunctioning. Backup camera does not activate when car is in reverse. Overhead camera does not activate when button is pressed. Makes parking very difficult especially when reversing in parking lots. Problem appeared infrequently initially, but overtime it is now malfunctioning the majority of the drives.
NHTSA complaint #11511859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car hesitating and sounding as if it would shut down while lunging while idle. While braking downhill, car shakes violently, when either braking or coasting to a stop car begins lunging back and forth, while stopped or parked, car shakes back and forth from engine area. Fuel pump replaced, spark plugs and coils replaced. Did not fix the issues. Within 600 miles same issues started to come back. Check engine light started flashing again today and is now steady. Car seems to be extremely unsafe and of course all warranties expired. I started contacting the dealership before it expired and they did not return any of my messages. I was never able to talk to a person when calling the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11497143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunrise, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car has been automatically shutting off at slow speeds such as red lights and trying to park. Mainly happens at lights as you break. The car was taken first to Tire Plus, they ran a diagnostic where they received an error and instructed me to take the car to dealer. Took car to VW and provided them with the tire plus paperwork and they stated the car is fine and they do not see anything wrong. They asked me to take a video when it happens. My son who relies on this car just took a video at a stop light and it is now being sent to VW to see what next step is. Car is getting close to warrantee expiration. I believe I have about 6k more miles to go.
NHTSA complaint #11494783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manhattan, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Water pump failure
NHTSA complaint #11474751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke Pines, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine stopped during on drive on highway and requiring to put in park to restart in the middle of the road. Dash board displaying “Start- Stop error “ with engine sign. So far car stopped three times while driving this time and a service is scheduled for June 17, with the dealership. Same thing happened and notified and serviced. At that time they have replaced the battery. I checked the battery in a auto shop and they told me the battery is good this time. Upon google search, noticed this is happening with other people as well.
NHTSA complaint #11468615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland Park, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Took my 2018 Volkswagen Atlas which I bought around 9/1/18 to my dealership for a failing battery. My car has 17,347 miles and I routinely take my car for the appropriate service. The test report on the battery states it is "worn out". Normally Volkswagen warranties this battery for 36 months and I was over this time frame for about 4 1/2 months. I feel that based on my driving and use for this car, that the battery is defective. I just want to make your agency aware of this particular part, as it is expensive to replace. $243.00 for the battery and $132.00 labor. Total $378.24 with tax. Perhaps other people have experienced this repair for a low mileage car and in my opinion not a very old vehicle. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11451599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Acworth, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2018 VW Atlas came from the factory with the A/C condensation drain tube twisted. This is a known issue with almost 9700 2018 VW atlas vehicles. A safety recall was issued to replace the drain hose and the air bag module. Somehow my car was missed and the dealer and Volkswagen does not want to acknowledge the issue and replace the air bag module. The manufacture recall number is 87F9 the NHTSA recall number is 18V-537. The recall states that if the drain tube is twisted it and the module are to be replaced. I am trying to find out why my atlas was not listed in the recall. It appears to be in the VIN range listed on the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11423135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,400 milesColumbus, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE GOES INTO EMERGENCY MODE FOR 4TH TIME. HAPPENED TWICE IN 2 DAYS. A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES IN 5 MONTHS. WITH NO WARNING, MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR APPLIES EMERGENCY BRAKING UNTIL THE CAR IS BROUGHT TO A STOP. THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE A SAFE PLACE TO BRING IT TO A STOP. DRIVER IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL CAR IS PARKED AND RESTARTED. THE 4TH TIME THIS HAPPENED, WAS ON AN INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT 75 TO 80MPH WITH VEHICLES AROUND TRAVELING AT SAME SPEEDS OR IN EXCESS OF THAT SPEED. LUCKILY THERE WAS AN OPENING ON THE SHOULDER THAT I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PULL THE CAR INTO AND THE CAR BEHIND ME DIDN'T REAR END ME. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME IT'S HAPPENED AND COULD HAVE CAUSED BODILY HARM. VW DOES NOT CARE. A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED IN FEBRUARY THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE IT DIDN'T, VW WANTED TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE ECM BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT IT WAS FAULTY. AFTER THREAT OF BUYBACK DID THEY FINALLY START DIGGING INTO THE CAR. TECHS FOUND A FAULTY RELAY SWITCH. THEY REPLACED IT AND SAID PROBLEM COULDN'T BE RECREATED SO IT WAS FIXED 'AS FAR AS ANYONE COULD TELL' AND DIDN'T NEED A NEW ECM.
NHTSA complaint #11408004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,500 milesColumbus, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW. WHEN DRIVING, ALL EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION LIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CAR APPLIES EMERGENCY BRAKING. THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND MUST COME TO A STOP IMMEDIATELY OR THE CAR DOES IT FOR THEM. THE ONLY WAY TO THEN DRIVE AGAIN, IS TO PARK IT, TURN THE CAR OFF, AND TURN IT BACK ON. WHEN THAT IS DONE, ALMOST ALL WARNING LIGHTS DISAPPEAR AND THE CAR BEHAVES AS THOUGH NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THE ONLY ERROR THAT THE VEHICLE SHOWS IS AN ERROR WITH THE START/STOP SYSTEM AND SAYS THAT THE ENGINE IS ON DUE TO SYSTEM FAILURE. IF YOU MANUALLY TURN OFF START/STOP, THEN ALL WARNINGS ARE GONE. USUALLY, WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND DRIVEN A SECOND TIME AFTER THAT, NO WARNINGS (NOT EVEN START/STOP) APPEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT 65MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL, AT 10MPH IN A PARKING LOT, AND AT 50MPH. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, A STORED CODE FOR MULTIPLE PASSIVE MINI FAULTS APPEARED, BUT DEALER COULD NOT RECREATE PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT AND CALL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. 3 MONTHS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN WITH COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VARIABLES IN DRIVING PRIOR TO IT HAPPENING. WHEN BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALER, THE SAME CODE WAS THROWN IN ADDITION TO A CODE ABOUT LOW BATTERY OUTPUT. VW WARRANTY ENGINEERS DETERMINED IT NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED, THE NEW CODE OF THE BATTERY OUTPUT LEVEL WENT AWAY. 2 MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AT A DIFFERENT RATE OF SPEED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS EVER ON, NOR IS IT PRESENTLY ON. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE DRIVER HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY IN ITS TRACKS AND TURN IT OFF. THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A SAFE PLACE TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO UNTIL THEY HAVE TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON AND VIRTUALLY ALL WARNING LIGHTS HAVE DISAPPEARED.
NHTSA complaint #11407349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesCoram, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE SUNROOF IS LEAKING IN MY 2018 CPO VW ATLAS SEL. THIS IS THE 4TH WEEK SINCE DELIVERED. THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER INTO THE CABIN, MY VISOR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING ON THE DRIVER SIDE, THERE IS WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE HEADLINE AND A MOLDY ODOR IS BEGINNING TO PERMEATE THE VEHICLE. IT WAS NOTICED AFTER 1 TRIP AFTER BEING PARKED ALL NIGHT IN STEADY RAIN FALL.
NHTSA complaint #11398176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pflugerville, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A 2018 VW ATLAS SE NOTICED THIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO OPEN THE TRUNK OR BACKDOOR FROM WITHIN THE CAR. THIS HAS TO BE DONE FROM THE OUTSIDE AT ALL TIMES. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE VW CUSTOMER CARE 1-800-822-8987 AND I WAS INFORMED I NEED TO UPGRADE TO THE NEXT TRIM TO GET THE ABILITY TO DO SO. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A STANDARD FEATURE IN ALL CARS? THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD A THIRD ROW PASSENGER NEED TO USE THE DOOR FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES. UPGRADING TO A LIFT GATE WHICH COMES WITH THE NEXT TRIM IS NO EXCUSE FOR VW NOT TO HAVE A BASIC MANUAL OPENER.
NHTSA complaint #11354224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesOrlando, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, TURNED CAR ON AND LIGHTS INDICATED LOW VOLTAGE AND TURNED CAR OFF. TURNED CAR BACK ON SO CAR COULD CHARGE BATTERY BUT A/C WASN'T WORKING AND POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING SO PUT IN REVERSE TO SEE IF IT WAS A FAULT AND START DRIVING AND EVERYTHING DIED INSTANTLY AND CAR HAD TO BE TOWED FROM SPOT.
NHTSA complaint #11341089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.