33 of the 709 complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas are about the fuel system — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 21,000 miles.
33
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine/Fuel injectors causing SUV to cut off at intersections or backing up in road causing a safety risk of getting hit and I know because it has happened to me.
NHTSA complaint #11757598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle has been to VW at least 10 times for same issue since 2021. Stalls at low speeds like in traffic or driving around neighborhood, and while decelerating from higher speeds causing a dangerous safety issue. Several components replaced some like the fuel evap canister and purge valve numerous times. Symptoms clear up for days or weeks at a time and than return. VW has been unable to correct this or or find cause, has had an “engineer” from VW look at it and cannot correct cause, only symptoms which than return. Evap canister and purge valve replaced numerous times, fuel tank and pump replaced, computer system flashed, nothing fixes the problem completely. Transmission was just replaced at less than 63k miles and failed again within 6 months second replacement just completed for transmission, VW had my truck from 4/30/2026 until 6/10/2026 and was unable to correct the stalling sputtering issue, and transmission continues to shift gears extremely hard at lows speed. The stalling issue is absolutely ridiculous that no solution can be found and the extended warranty VW provided because they can’t fix this runs out on the 31st of this month. I was only able to fix load 10!images of my work orders I have several kore if I can provide them somehow please let me know
NHTSA complaint #11749975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I took my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas to Family Volkswagen in [XXX] on April 28, 2026. They were supposed to fix my airbag recall and I told them many times about the issues i've been having that is tied to the carbon canister/ purge valve issues on my car (extended warranty (VWP-23-04) They disregarded every thing I told them about my fuel tank audibly popping out, the vacuum seal on my gas cap, the start/stop intermittently working. They are charging me a $225 diagnostic fee and saying they can't do anything about it because the codes are passive right now. They see the code high purge flow (N80) and the carbon canister code, but are not listening to me about my issues. They keep telling me it's just a battery issue because of the start/stop error. A battery issue would not cause the gas tank popping noise/vacuum seal suction on the gas tank, or my car sputtering/dying. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 fuel injectors have gone bad and 2 more are on their way out with 52,000 on the car. Just outside of the 6 year warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11731449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle warning lights come on and off to make it seem like I am about to hit or to close to something when I am not moving at all. The vehicle putts and stalls while driving like it wants to cut off. It also does this when I am at a complete stop as well as if I am backing up Warning lights on the dash appear than disappear sometimes as well.
NHTSA complaint #11721334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The second row captains chair seat belt latch on the passenger side does not latch fully. It latches and can be pulled out by hand. If a wreck were to happen, the passenger would not be truly restrained causing bodily harm or death. The problem has been reproduced at a service center. It has not been inspected by police, insurance or representative. No warning lights or messages for the seat belt. The car will randomly stall while rpms are low, liking making a turn, pulling into a parking spot or stopped at a traffic light (while auto start/stop is turned off). It makes me put the vehicle in park and restart the engine. This can cause wrecks that could cause bodily harm or injury. It has been reviewed by a auto mechanic. The engine light and evap system light will randomly come on and go off.
NHTSA complaint #11698880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I’ve consistently had a coolant leak with my engine water pump. Constantly have to refill the coolant. The reason I’m making this complaint is because yesterday October 1, 2025 I filled up my coolant and I drove a few miles to the grocery store and my coolant was empty and I got a coolant, low warning light and the coolant pump was completely empty. This is becoming very expensive and should not happen on a certified preowned vehicle with only 75,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11690908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the Central Warning Light illuminated. The contact arrived at the destination and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact stated that the same warning light illuminated several weeks later and remained illuminated even after turning off and restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank had experienced a minor collapse due to a malfunctioning valve and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
With auto stop/start disengaged, vehicles stalls at slow speed (approaching a stop sign) or while idling at a stop light. displays "start car manually" when this happens. Now error code displays "Error Stop-start" The stalling has happened 5 times this week.
NHTSA complaint #11684060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle experienced sudden loss of engine power accompanied by the illumination of the EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light. The exact cause is fuel injection, but the issue appears related to the know EVAP problem on this car model. The problem may still be reproducible. The vehicle stalled multiple times while driving on a state highway (steady low load) and when approaching traffic. In each case, I had to come to a complete stop and restart the engine. This posed a serious risk of rear-end collisions or being struck by cross traffic, especially when power was lost during deceleration or merging. The EPC light appeared each time the issue occurred, immediately after the engine lost power. No other warning lights or messages were observed prior to/after the failure. The problem began occurring intermittently and without prior symptoms.
NHTSA complaint #11677160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While operating the vehicle, it will turn off randomly when coming to a stop. It happens at street lights, stop signs or slow moving traffic. This happens even while manually turning off the auto-stop feature. This is dangerous because in order to turn it on again, the car requires you to be at a complete stop with the vehicle in park. This can lead to an accident on the highway while in slow traffic, going uphill on a bridge, going over train tracks, etc. I have not sent it back to the dealer. This is a known issue with the VW Atlas though. No warning lamps or messages appear in the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11662309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The 80 valves have been replaced 4 times. This causes my car to stall, leaving me at the mercy of incoming traffic. The guarantee is about to expire, leaving me with a problem that will cause financial and physical risk of the car stalling. This has been a recurring problem since I purchased the car
NHTSA complaint #11661596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicles stalls randomly all the times ,moving or not . Almost got rear ended several times . Spent 3k at Vw in Brandon for brakes that were only 70k miles on them . But they still squeal . Can’t fuel with gas as the pressure just pushes the fuel back at me . Seems worse in warmer weather . Vw said they would not touch the charcoal canister as that what I’ve deemed is the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11656356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Driving at constant speed on highway, vehicle either loses acceleration and / or applies brake for short moment. Tapping the accelerator appears allow the vehicle to resume to initial intended speed. Automatic braking, not intended by the driver is a safety risk for both this and adjacent drivers. The problem has been reproduced by a dealer service center. No other agencies have inspected the vehicle's problem. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms evident. Dealer has had the vehicle to two weeks and has not provided a viable resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11653333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car stalls when pulling out. We have had many close calls entering traffic and the car will not react to giving it gas. I’ve taken it to three dealers who all say it is not showing a code and they can’t get it to reproduce the problem. I bought the car new and it has less than 60,000 miles. It does it in all types of weather, extreme cold and hot weather, going uphill or downhill, several times stopping at the mailbox the engine dies and I have to restart. It does it even when the start-stop system is disengaged. There were no warnings beforehand, no one has been able to confirm the problem, no one has inspected any components. I’ve asked three different dealerships to find the problem with no luck. My car is available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11648330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
vehicle constantly shuts down in the middle of road and have to put in park and restart. all signs point to faulty EVAP system which seems to be the largest VW problem in EVERY forum that I have come across to figure out how to fix it. I have contacted the dealer and the dealer are not nice people and very money hungry. I have had to buy and change out charcoal canister myself.
NHTSA complaint #11635333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle will get a stop/start error and stall at low speeds in traffic or at stop lights/signs. Have to put vehicle in park and manually restart. had the same issue at 20k miles and they replaced the carbon canister. This time they won’t replace it until the error code shows. Truly a safety hazard and I can not put my kids back in this car
NHTSA complaint #11633310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2019 VW Atlas SE V6 fwd with 66,xxx miles USA. Just very recently at this mileage I experienced stalling at low speeds or coming to stop and engine has died on 2 occasions. Once reversing out of my driveway sand dealing getting reverse to neutral to eventually fully stop and to shift into drive as I occasionally do but this time the engine died as I shifted to neutral. No known warning lights at that time. Second time I came to slow and then stop at a median to u turn as I've done numerous times but while stopping there waiting for cross traffic to clear, engine died and dash message said to restart manually. I put into neutral and restarted car. Days after, I see dash message of error, start stop disabled/malfunction. Thereafter for almost a week, start/stop would not engage at all. I researched and had a gut feeling that the service campaign letter I received from VW regarding charcoal canister extended warranty would be relevant. My gut feeling, and research, and now finally confirmed by dealership, the issue is in fact the charcoal canister and N80 valve. I now lost confidence in VW quite beyond fully. My very first issue was the sway bar end link issue which I think became a service campaign issue. I wasn't informed of any issue in this case but felt a gradual degradation in handling and ride quality around 3x,xxx miles and took it into dealership to inspect. End links replaced under warranty with updated parts and car felt normal and can to itself. Second big issue and annoyance was the passenger airbag detection system. I received letter that my car affected and thought a fix would arrive soon but was paranoid about having front passenger riding bc the issue was that system might not detect person sitting there and not deploy airbag in accident. Frustrating to have a fix come almost a year later!!!! Other issue, leaking or low or missing coolant warning, cylinder misfire and water pump replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11631324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car keeps jerking and stalling when in traffic, car line or just driving very slowly. It feels like there is not enough fuel coming to the engine and it shuts off. The message that comes on the screen- Please start engine manually. I have been numerous times to the dealer but they say they can’t help me as there is no code. Obviously the car has issues and I want someone to be responsible for them. It is dangerously to driver it like that. I have kids that I driver to school and I don’t feel safe driving it.
NHTSA complaint #11616091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have a start/stop error message on my dash and my car stalls when I am braking sometimes the car turns off completely. my car is available for inspection anytime. It is a safety concern for me and anyone who might be following me as my car will just completely shut off in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11603716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unit will not start when showing 1/4 tank of fuel on a 3.85 degree decline. Fear of duplication of condition while in use on roadside. Condition is normal according to the manufacture. Condition is normal according to the manufacturer. P0089 and P0087 active with 1/4 tank on MFD display on a 3.85 degree decilne.
NHTSA complaint #11541551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The START/STOP warning light and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The START/STOP warning light and the check engine warning light were again illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11529440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Every display ECM warning light has come on. Yes, it is reproducible. All ADAS failed at once. Normal system such as brakes, steering, electrical & head unit display becomes random.
NHTSA complaint #11498837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, there was a sudden and significant loss of power accompanied by a check engine light and "ECP" warning light. My engine was sputtering and and would not accelerate. I immediately needed to pull off the road as it was not safe for other drivers. I turned the car off and then back on. The "ECP" light went away but the CEL remained and the engine still had a noticeable sputter. I brought my car to a local VW dealer for inspection. They diagnosed the issue as a faulty fuel injector that needed immediate replacement. Any further damage could cause a fuel leak which may lead to a fire hazard. They told me this was a known issue with VW Atlas'. After doing some further research, I see that an NHTSA investigation has already been issued regarding this issue. There are multiple Atlas owners who have reported the exact same issue. I reported this to VW customer service today and they told me they did not consider this a widespread issue, and until a recall is issued, there is nothing they can/will do. There have been no issues with the car prior to this, and this issue occurred out of the blue. It is extremely frustrating because, not only is this resulting in an insanely expensive repair, but my son was in the car with me when the car suddenly lost power on a busy highway. This is a significant issue impacting a larger population of VW owners. Thankfully for us, this was caught before there was a major fuel leak and danger of fire like many others have reported.
NHTSA complaint #11484525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the electronic power control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. In addition, there was a fuel odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the top fuel rail assembly was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bottom fuel rail assembly was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.
NHTSA complaint #11438403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTOR CRACKED AT 21K MILES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. FUEL WAS SPEWING ALL OVER THE ENGINE AND GROUND. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL AND LOUD WINDING NOISE AS WELL. ALSO LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION. HAD JUST ENOUGH POWER TO GET OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. WAS VERY WORRIED. POSSIBLE FIRE RISK.
NHTSA complaint #11382958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WILL NOT ALLOW OVER THREE GALLONS OF GAS TO BE PUT INTO THE TANK DURING FUELING. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ONCE AT DEALERSHIP WITH THE FUEL CANISTER REPLACED BUT AFTER THE VEHICLE AS RETURNED WITHIN TWO WEEKS THE VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN WILL NOT ALLOW OVER THREE GALLONS TO BE PUT INTO THE TANK. DURING FUELING THE IN TANK PORT MAKES A LOUD HISSING SOUND AND THE SMELL WAS F GASOLINE IS NOTICEABLE WITHIN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11353563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SLAMMING ON BRAKES FOR NO REASON, NO CARS IN FRONT OF US WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT ABOUT 70 MPH. THE ACC SYSTEM WORKS SPORADICALLY. WE WERE TOLD THAT WHEN THEY DID THE RECALL REPAIR IT DEPROGRAMMED THE ACC WHICH THEY SAY THERE IS NO SOFTWARE UPDATE. MY DAUGHTER WAS PARKING THE CAR AND THE CAR SHUT OFF ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TOLD HER TO MANUALLY RESTART THE CAR. THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS WAS 'NORMAL AND RELATED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO WORKS SPORADICALLY SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CAR STALLING AND SLAMMING ON BRAKES ARE BOTH VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS.
NHTSA complaint #11331640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. ORIGINALLY HAPPENED WHEN GOING IN REVERSE UP A HILL, VEHICLE WARNING TO PUT INTO PARK AND MANUALLY RESTART. HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES AND WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CONTACTED VW AND RECOMMENDED THE FUEL PUMP BE REPLACED. THEY COMPLETED THE REPAIRS. THEN A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AT APPROX. 75 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN SLOWING DOWN, I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE, I WAS ABLE TO START TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER AS THE VEHICLE STARTED DECLINING SPEED, I WAS UNABLE TO USE THE GAS, SO I WAS ALMOST COASTING TO THE SHOULDER. THEN IT STATED PUT IN PARK AND START VEHICLE MANUALLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND AT A SPEED OF 45. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING LOCKED UP. THERE WAS AN EPC LIGHT ON, A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11298885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP AND THE AUTO START/STOP ACTIVATES, THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES NOT AUTO RESTART AND WILL DISPLAY, "PLEASE MANUALLY RESTART THE ENGINE". IN ORDER TO FOLLOW THE PROMPTS AND START THE VEHICLE AGAIN, YOU HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND PUSH THE IGNITION BUTTON. I WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THIS ISSUE 100% OF THE TIME BY COMING TO A STOP, HAVING THE IGNITION AUTO STOP AND THEN REMOVING MY SEAT BELT (LIKE YOU OFTEN DO IN A DRIVE-THRU TO GET YOUR WALLET OUT OF YOUR BACK POCKET). I'VE ALSO FOUND THAT EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WILL DISPLAY, "PLEASE MANUALLY RESTART" IF YOU RECONNECT YOUR SEAT BELT AND PUSH THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WILL TAKE OFF IN DRIVE. I"VE HAD THIS HAPPEN UNEXPECTEDLY ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS NOW AND SOME INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN THE STREET AND OCCURRED EVEN WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS ATTACHED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITH SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO VW TWICE NOW OVER THE ISSUE AND THE DEALER TRIES TO CLAIM THAT'S HOW THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED TO OPERATE. I SHOWED THEM PAGE 173 IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL WHICH STATES THAT ALL THREE OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR THE VEHICLE NOT TO AUTO RESTART: NO PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IS REMOVED, AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED. THE WORD ALL IS IN BOLD AND CAPITALIZED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I'VE ALSO CONTACTED VW CORPORATE IN REFERENCE TO THE ISSUE. THE LOANER ATLAS THE DEALER GAVE ME PERFORMS IN THE SAME DEFECTIVE MANNER. I BELIEVE THERE'S A COMPUTER PROGRAMMING ISSUE AND ALL ATLAS' NEED RECALLED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT PERFORMING PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL; WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THERE IS VIDEO OF THE ISSUE AND THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AS WELL EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE FIGHTING ME TO CORRECT THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11283017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.