While driving, the vehicle stalls and shuts off completely without warning, creating an immediate safety hazard. This engine stalling occurs randomly at various speeds, including while actively operating the vehicle in traffic. There is no Check Engine Light (CEL), malfunction indicator, or dashboard warning prior to the stalling event, depriving the driver of any advanced notice to safely pull over.A subsequent inspection revealed that the evaporative emissions (EVAP) carbon canister is failing. The component failure allows unmetered fuel vapors or liquid fuel to flood the engine intake tract, rich-loading the engine and causing an immediate stall.
NHTSA complaint #11753871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westport, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When vehicle was pitched Feb of 2023 VW Atlas crosssport. The screen would go black and when I called Harnish VW of Puyallup in WA. They said they were aware of the issue and there was no fix. Recently saw online that VW was aware of this issue and that it could cause further damage to the vehicle and there is still no fix. My screen still goes out (black screen) and nobody has been able to fix it when asked about it.
NHTSA complaint #11736520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clark, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sos light has been disconnected for days and VW customer care will not put in an IT ticket until it hits a certain amount of time and then I would have to wait another 20 days to hear back from them. Not having this feature working is not safe and I also cannot use my app to start my car which is frustrating. I’m hearing it was created by some satellite update VW pushed through causing many people to have this issue. It needs to get addressed and not at the customer’s expense which is what the dealerships are doing.
NHTSA complaint #11716211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gladewater, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2023 VW Atlas is stalling out in high temperatures. When you mash the accelerator, at times the vehicle will not go. From my online research, many others are experiencing this same issue and have found resolution involving charcoal canister + purge solenoid, fuel pressure sensor and software updates. The EVAP and fuel system could be tested manually. However, VW says because no codes show up, there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and will not provide any help whatsoever to me. This is going to get someone killed. I have taken to local dealer plus reached out to VW corporate with no help. My car is under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11679088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marshfield, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I believe the charcoal cannister failed in my situation. I was driving my car on the highway in stop and go rush hour traffic and my car stalled out. I had to put it in park, press the break and the start button to get it going again. I was very close to getting rear ended. No warnings came on and no codes are up for the dealership to fix. I went to the dealership and they stated they couldn't recreate the problem and don't see a code, so therefore cannot fix anything. This same issue is noted in many instances online and in forums and chats about the 2023 atlas.
NHTSA complaint #11676917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is something wrong with the infotainment system in my car. It doesn't matter if my phone is hardwired via a USB-C cable or connected wirelessly via CarPlay. It happens even when my wife is using her phone too. My infotainment system keeps disconnecting. We are both owners of iPhones she has an iPhone 16 pro max and I have an iPhone 15 Pro max
NHTSA complaint #11661049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phenix City, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have attempted to have a recall repaired on the defected PODS sensor and everytime I have tried the dealership says that the part is on back order. I have had the airbag light come on multiple times with no remedy for the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11649042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntingtown, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Three times now, when shifting from drive to reverse, the engine turns off. A notification flashes on the dash (paraphrasing here) saying to restart the vehicle manually. The car then has to be put into park, turned off from the battery only status, then restarted. Last night when this happened, I was almost hit by a car backing into a parking space because I stalled out.
NHTSA complaint #11646471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oswego, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Emergency brake engaged while in drive. Was in a middle of intersection of a busy street and emergency brake froze wouldn’t turn off until car was turned completely off. Kids were not in car thankfully.
NHTSA complaint #11644412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hawthorn Woods, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to express my growing concerns regarding the ongoing issues with my vehicle. Within the first week of ownership, the engine began misfiring, and the valves had to be replaced. Soon after, the gas pump in the fuel tank broke and was replaced as well. The climate sensors also malfunctioned and had to be replaced, and the vents required replacement as they were blowing air improperly. Additionally, the middle console, which remains broken, had to be replaced. Unfortunately, it is still malfunctioning, as it is stuck on the highest heating setting, which is particularly concerning with two infants in the vehicle. I have been informed that the replacement part is on national backorder, and there is no ETA for its arrival. This vehicle has consistently experienced issues and has been in the shop multiple times, leading to significant inconvenience. Most importantly, the malfunctioning heating system presents a serious safety risk. I am requesting immediate attention to this matter and would appreciate a solution or alternative arrangements. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11636001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mclean, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Infotainment center is freezing. Just purchased the car 2 weeks ago. Have read NUMEROUS complaints on this issue. VW needs to get a fix/recall. This can potentially be a danger!!! Advice is to report to NHTSA!!!
NHTSA complaint #11635499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burgess, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Can be at a stop light and the vehicle will cut off while in drive and will have to put back in park to restart the vehicle. No codes or lights on the dash. Have also gone from drive to reverse and attempt to back up and the car will cut off have to place in park and restart. I have cut off auto start/stop and had the vehicle cut off and auto start/stop activated on dash but button is off and had to place in park and restart.
NHTSA complaint #11624340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crofton, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought my car about 5 months ago. 3 weeks ago while merging onto the beltway, MY CAR SHUT OFF. I took it to the dealership and they kept it 9 days. They did absolutely NOTHING. I contacted corporate they are doing NOTHING. this has happened twice. It's an intermittent issue and all VW has to say is that "since there is no fault code and they cannot duplicate the issue" there's nothing they can do. Online I've found several others with the same issue. I sent screenshots and links to YouTube videos of several others with the SAME issue and they still do not care. I told them what other dealers did to fix this safety issue and they won't do anything, even though the car is under warranty. They told me the car is fine even though I was nearly in a 4 car accident. This is a MAJOR safety issue in VW cars. My car note is $950 and I don't feel safe driving my car.
NHTSA complaint #11621663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Go the car to drive and closed the car door and the entire back windshield shattered without warning. I literally closed the door and got ready to start the car when it shattered completely.
NHTSA complaint #11609601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yarmouth Port, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The tow hook, which is available for inspection at any time, will not attach to the vehicle. The inability to secure a kayak or any long load carried on a roof rack, to the front of the vehicle has proven to be a flyoff hazard to following traffic. This problem has been reported to and inspected by VW dealership. VW America has been advised. Case #06358772. Problem first came to my attention in the fall of 2023 when I attempted to secure a kayak to a Thule roof rack kayak carrier per Thule's instruction. Thule provides front and rear tie ratchet down cords with the rack system. Thule Rack Guidelines, North American English, states specifically in bullet #4 page C7," ....Kayaks, canoes and lumber must be tied down front and rear to the bumpers or tow hooks of the vehicle".
NHTSA complaint #11607340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Freeport, ME
Other/I am not sure
Booster seat in high back mode has a seatbelt threader that causes the seatbelt to lock inappropriately trapping the child in the seat and/or rendering the seatbelt dysfunctional for use. The seatbelt positioner on the carseat and overall design impede proper use of the vehicle's seatbelt. This happens both when child is in the seat or out of the seat, leading to difficulties either getting the child IN and OUT of the seat, which in an emergency where extraction is necessary would be a safety concern. Routinely, the booster seat had to be taken out entirely in order to get the seatbelt to unlock and restore its functionality, all of which limits the safe efficacious use of the booster. Whether installed by latch or just resting on the seat (both of which are manufacturer recommended methods for installation) this issue of design impeding vehicle seatbelt function occurs. Further, either in full-back mode or when the back of the booster is removed, the arm rest design impedes easy access to the car's seat belt apparatus making it difficult to click the belt in. I also found this issue was mentioned in this third party review of the Oobr seat: [XXX] . I contacted the manufacturer and was offered no recourse. Short of having video of when the belt is locked with child in place, I took photos showing the belt threader and how arm rest impede buckle. The belt positioner is causing the problem because it creates tension that causes the car's seat belt to lock rendering the seat impossible or very difficult and finicky to use with a seatbelt. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11584994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been experiencing problems with my car's navigation system where the system shows the wrong location of the car. It does not matter if I used the car's navigation system or Apple Maps via CarPlay, the location on the map is often wrong. This could easily be a safety issue especially when using the navigation system in an unfamiliar area. This issue seems to be widespread across different model years for the Atlas.
NHTSA complaint #11580441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The radio will occasionally blast this really loud sound that sounds similar to a helicopter. The only way that I have found to stop it is to pull-over, turn-off the car, and wait for the radio to timeout (the radio will stay on for a period after the ignition is turned-off). From my online research (there are others with this same issue, and it appears to be related to the Fender sound system), the issue appears to be the main amplifier, but dealer has not been able to confirm this. This issue could potentially be dangerous as the sound is very loud and could possible scare someone into having an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11560874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cut Off, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The first incident that occurred is that my car came to a complete stop while I was backing out of a driveway. I did not move at all while I pressed the accelerator (tried this while in drive and reverse), but my car stayed on. No lights or warning signals came up. Turned car off and on again, and I was able to drive away with no issues. Exactly 1 week later, I was trying to cross a 4-way intersection - all stop signs. When it was my turn to go, I took my foot off the brake, but my car did not move. The only warning/message that came up was to manually start my car. I was unable to start my car again, and it felt like the brakes locked up. I couldn't press them down all the way. After about 5 minutes, I was able to start my car and move it off to the side of the road. It was 8 PM and I was 1 hour away from home with my infant in the back seat. My car was towed to the nearest dealership the next morning. I am being told there are 3 known recurrent issues with the Atlas model since 2017, but Volkswagen will not change any parts until a fault is picked up by the computer. The dealership has not picked up any faults, and I am told I will probably have to bring my car back 3-4 more times before anything will be done. I now have to drive my car knowing it will most likely shut off again at any time, and I have my infant with me 99% of the time. I am scared for our lives.
NHTSA complaint #11542609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Cruces, NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear door on the SUV has opened spontaneously while parked on two occasions. The car has been owned by me for just 3 months and has 3577 miles on it currently. Within 2 days of taking delivery (129 miles) the care needed reprogramming. I noted a warning light and error message with auto start / stop 2 days ago. The dealer has not been able to reproduce this intermittent problem.
NHTSA complaint #11536145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lumberton, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on the highway when suddenly the sunroof shattered, sending broken glass all inside the vehicle right above the passenger seats. Nothing hit the window as there were no cars around us, in broad daylight, with clear skies. It is unknown what caused this other than a manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11500335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.