The center infotainment/display screen in this 2024 VW Atlas repeatedly goes black, freezes, and reboots itself while the vehicle is being driven, including at highway speed (about 43-55 mph). When it fails, the screen collapses to a clock only and shows "Navigation not available," "Telephone not available," and "App-Connect not available," then the entire head unit reboots on its own while driving. During these failures the driver loses the rearview/backup camera image, climate and audio controls, navigation, and phone functions - a serious safety hazard while the car is in motion. The problem is ongoing and has NOT been fixed. The vehicle has been to the Volkswagen dealer FIVE times for this issue (01/15/2026, 01/26/2026, 05/27/2026, 06/16/2026, and 06/30/2026). Repair order #436699 documents the screen "intermittently going black"; a dealer software update was performed and did not resolve it - the failure recurred. There is a 79-second video of the head unit rebooting while driving at 43-55 mph. This matches VW recall 26V473000 (2024-2026 Atlas, a low-voltage electrical event affecting display-screen functions) and TSB 91-23-03 (MIB3 infotainment freezing/rebooting/black screen). Losing the backup camera, controls, and displays while driving endangers the occupants and others on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11757211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomingdale, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The center infotainment/display screen in this 2024 VW Atlas repeatedly goes black, freezes, and reboots itself while the vehicle is being driven, including at highway speed (about 43-55 mph). When it fails, the screen collapses to a clock only and shows "Navigation not available," "Telephone not available," and "App-Connect not available," then the entire head unit reboots on its own while driving. During these failures the driver loses the rearview/backup camera image, climate and audio controls, navigation, and phone functions - a serious safety hazard while the car is in motion. The problem is ongoing and has NOT been fixed. The vehicle has been to the Volkswagen dealer FIVE times for this issue (01/15/2026, 01/26/2026, 05/27/2026, 06/16/2026, and 06/30/2026). Repair order #436699 documents the screen "intermittently going black"; a dealer software update was performed and did not resolve it - the failure recurred. There is a 79-second video of the head unit rebooting while driving at 43-55 mph. This matches VW recall 26V473000 (2024-2026 Atlas, a low-voltage electrical event affecting display-screen functions) and TSB 91-23-03 (MIB3 infotainment freezing/rebooting/black screen). Losing the backup camera, controls, and displays while driving endangers the occupants and others on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11757212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridge City, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle is experiencing error code C123B01 were water is getting into front emblem due to a malfunctioning seal stated in there Tech bulletin 94-23-01TT which requires changing the emblem and reprogramming it. I had shut down my Day time running lights and parking lights which is a safety hazard. My Drive easy warranty is denying to fix it saying it is is on us. My vehicle was parked in my driveway and we had a lot of rain. When I got into my car the warning light was on for my DRL and parking lights. Volkswagen dealer ship pulled the exact bulletin to diagnose this issue and documented on my repair order. The dealer ship also knowledged to me on the phone they can see my emblem wasn't damaged from the outside. My parking light and running lights will not work on my passenger side due to the emblem seal failure which is a safety concern for me and my children.
NHTSA complaint #11753008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pelican Rapids, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since purchasing my vehicle, the collision sensor lights on my Atlas go off quite often even if there aren’t vehicles near or by my blindspot while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11748342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearl, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2024 Volkswagen Atlas began displaying multiple warning messages involving the engine, drive system, and powertrain. Warning messages included “Engine: error start/stop,” “Drive system, please service vehicle,” and other engine/powertrain alerts. The vehicle has had intermittent check engine lights, shaking, rough operation, abnormal noises, and repeated warning messages that disappear and then return. This is a serious safety issue. The vehicle has lost power, stopped working, failed while in use, and broken down. On one occasion, when I attempted to drive forward, the vehicle moved backward instead. The vehicle displays repeated drive system and engine warnings and becomes unreliable during operation. I have children and regularly transport them in this vehicle, and I do not believe this vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle is still under factory warranty, but I have been unable to obtain timely warranty service. The Volkswagen dealership in Jackson, Mississippi advised they have severe staffing limitations and limited diagnostic availability, and I was told I need to take the vehicle to another state for service. I was also told by Volkswagen customer service that towing assistance may be available under warranty, but when connected with towing assistance I was advised coverage was only for a very limited distance 6 miles! I was quoted approximately $1,900 to tow the vehicle to the available Volkswagen service location in Louisiana. Because the vehicle is not safe or reliable to drive, I have also been forced to pay out of pocket for a rental vehicle while attempting to obtain warranty repairs. VW refused to help me with a loaner or rental. I am filing this complaint because these issues appear to involve the engine, electrical system, and powertrain and create a serious risk of loss of power, unexpected movement, breakdown, or failure while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11737200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Brakes are constantly grinding and squeaking Seat belt sensor has an issue - Seat belt noise will continuously go off if no one is sitting in the seat If you give the SUV more gas going uphill then it gets stuck in that gear, which means there is a transmission issue. Car also randomly jolts The safety of my family is put at risk each day I drive the SUV. The dealer has not confirmed the issue and told me the brake squeaking is because of the materials used to produce the SUV. There has been no resolution after the vehicle has been inspected 3x by the Dealer. No warning messages before the issue appeared
NHTSA complaint #11728792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear light bar/tail light assembly fills with water and causing turn signals and light bar to intermittently not work. This occurred the first time that the vehicle was left out in the rain at approximately 65k. It is always parked covered and I do not drive in the rain. Many other Atlas have this issue much sooner if they are left in the inclement weather.
NHTSA complaint #11721813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety-related defects with my Volkswagen vehicle that remain unresolved despite multiple attempts through the manufacturer and an authorized dealership. The vehicle has experienced recurring and unpredictable issues including warning lights activating without explanation, sensor malfunctions, abnormal and recurring brake noises, and the infotainment/vehicle information system intermittently failing to power on or experiencing complete blackouts during operation. These issues occur during normal driving and present potential safety concerns by distracting the driver, limiting access to vehicle information, and raising concerns regarding braking reliability and electrical system stability. I previously filed a formal complaint directly with Volkswagen regarding these defects and have received no meaningful response, resolution, or follow-up. I also brought the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for inspection. Despite review, no permanent repair was completed and the same defects continue to occur. I was not provided a clear explanation, corrective action, or assurance that the vehicle is safe for continued operation. I have documentation showing that these issues are not isolated to my vehicle. Identical brake noises and infotainment system blackouts have been widely reported by other Volkswagen owners across social media platforms and Reddit community groups, suggesting a broader or systemic defect. In addition, I personally possess videos and photographs documenting the brake noises, infotainment blackouts, warning lights, and electrical irregularities affecting my vehicle. This evidence is available upon request, and I am prepared to provide follow-up information as needed. Given the repeated failures, lack of manufacturer response, and corroborating reports from other owners, I am requesting that this complaint be formally recorded and evaluated by the NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #11714587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burleson, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The owners manual for the 2024 VW Atlas SEL fuse diagrams and descriptions do not match the fuse box (interior) found in the vehicle. As an example the owners manual states the telephone system is controlled via fuse 16, but in my vehicle fuse 16 is an airbag fuse (as detailed in third-party fuse diagrams (e.g. [XXX] )). While third-party sources do display the correct and accurate fuse diagrams these may not be available to a driver in an emergency when they need to investigate an issue and replace a fuse on the roadside. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11714171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carencro, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1st Issue: Braking noises while applying brakes. While applying brake pressure to brake pedal there are squealing, grinding, gargling (liquid) sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. There are no lights or warnings displayed. This has been happening since bought new back in may of 2024. This issue has been brought up to the service department at the Volkswagen dealership where purchased multiple times when going in for oil changes and (other issues) the vehicle had or has. Every time it is brought up the service advisor states there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and is “normal” operation for the vehicle being in the southern states. This is a safety hazard to not only myself and family but other family’s traveling U.S. roads. We fear that the brakes may fail at anytime while traveling and we do a lot of traveling with our son. 2nd Issue: Engine noises and erratic idle upon start up. Vehicle was brought in for low oil level light, supervisor was informed about the problem. Vehicle was checked, oil added and was told nothing wrong. When cold starting (not every time) the vehicle makes a surging sound and has erratic idle for about 3-5 seconds then clears up. Vehicle was also recently brought in for low coolant light, vehicle was topped off, no leaks visible but was not checked for internal leaks. 3rd Issue: Electrical problems with the infotainment system and windows. Infotainment system randomly goes black at any time while vehicle is being used. Windows will randomly go up or down when trying to work the switches. Ex: once window is rolled down and try to raise, when the switch is released the window will randomly go back down or the opposite window will roll down or up depending on what position it is in.
NHTSA complaint #11704285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rear camera of our vehicle has been intermittently failing for the past year. The VW dealer has not been able to repair as it is an intermittent issue. Today the entire screen wouldn't turn on to even be able to control the HVAC system, and it was a cold day. Luckily the rear has separate controls so my kids weren't freezing in the car. I was going to take it to the dealer today, but the screen started working again and the service advisor said not to bring it in if it's not broken. We have brought this car in several times for the reverse camera not functioning with no repairs done. All we are told is the mechanic resets modules and it should be good. There was a recall for this issue which was performed. The problems occured more frequently since the recall was performed, but I'm always told that they can't fix what's not broken, which I understand. This is a large vehicle not having a reverse camera working properly at all times is a big safety concern that is being dismissed because they can't figure it out. I'm in a hard place. I can't leave them the car forever as it's the car we drive our kids in. They won't give us a loaner as they are not required to. Are we just stuck with a car that has an intermittent safety concern with no remedy? I have video of it not working, but it won't let me upload it.
NHTSA complaint #11703644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suwanee, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
volkswagen atlas 2024 brake noise with maneuver braking function currently not available light coming on after first couple stops. I have recording and everything and showed to vw dealership they said this is normal. I used to work on brakes this is not normal. It is so bad every looks at it and this is a new car. It happens ever morning. Cold wet or not just doesn't brake well from start of the day. They claim stuff builds on the disc and has to burn off but thats for new brakes and rotors only. During the noise the light comes one braking function is not available. What I see in the car is almost like a a slippage where the car kind of feels like it is on ice but your foot is all the way down. This has done that from day one. They said they cant fix it. I fear someone is going to get hurt soon,because it affects the stopping power.
NHTSA complaint #11702083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woolwich Township, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’ve owned the Atlas for a little over a year now and throughout the year the vehicles infotainment system and electrical system has had several recurring issues. I’ll get notifications while I’m driving of the front and rear sensors being inactive, the entire infotainment system will periodically reboot while driving, the automatic braking system unexpectedly engaged on a couple occasions - even when there was not a collision hazard, the systems Bluetooth connectivity will go on and off while driving which affects my ability to use gps and creates a distraction while trying to correct, the infotainment system will crash while I’m in reverse which takes away the use of the back up camera, and just the other day the voice control activated while I was driving (without being prompted) and I couldn’t deactivate it without manually rebooting it while I was driving. I did a few google searches to find a resolution but it appears many others are having similar issues. These recurring issues have distracted my attention while driving and have created some dangerous situations that could have easily caused a crash or incident.
NHTSA complaint #11700226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
software-related problem affecting the infotainment system and connected electronic sensors, including the loss of backup camera, loss of dash screen control information (black out). Loss of defrost control since it is part of hvac system controlled by video screen. Loss of sensors front and rear. Dealer has seen the car. We have called a week later. No expectation of a fix or timetable.
NHTSA complaint #11695414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaukauna, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All of the lights keep coming on for all of our systems. Collision avoidance, cruise control, automatic braking, blind spot. Radio screen goes black and cannot work anything on car including heat. Car will just randomly go into limp mode. Very unsafe for this to happen while driving on highway.
NHTSA complaint #11694928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Live Oak, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The info system screen goes blank. It will intermittently go off and return on before shutting off completely. The info screen is the only way to operate the air controls. This makes the vehicle unsafe to operate when conditions require air adjustments to keep a clear windshield. This issue also causes numerous dash alerts. Rear and front collision plus maneuver braking.
NHTSA complaint #11694448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Volkswagen has a bad software patch that has impacted VW Atlas' nationwide. Infotainment systems including the front and rear safety cameras as well as car controls are not accessible because the infotainment system is completely off. This is impacting the entire nation and dealerships are unable to provide updates. This is a huge safety concern. People will get hurt because of this outage.
NHTSA complaint #11694508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fishers, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment center is not working- the screen is black. I am unable to see any of my cameras, change my air/heat- it is currently set to cold and it is freezing when I drive my car, I can’t use my map or hands free calling. This is very unsafe and none of the safety features are working.
NHTSA complaint #11694153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hoyt, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SE began collecting visible moisture inside the rear tail light assembly less than 18 months after purchase. Over time, this led to intermittent lighting failure, sometimes the lights function, sometimes they don’t. This is a safety concern, especially at night or in poor weather. After researching the issue, I found that this is a widely reported problem among VW Atlas owners and has even been referenced in VW’s own Technical Service Bulletin 94-22-01, which is published in the NHTSA database. The bulletin calls this “normal condensation,” but this is beyond that there is visible water pooling and electrical malfunction and I know of others who report the same thing. VW is down playing this to avoid the recall. Despite being under extended warranty, this is not covered because VW considers it cosmetic unless there’s proven seal failure. The vehicle is available for inspection and has been evaluated by a certified VW service center. Volkswagen needs to address this as a design or sealing defect, especially when it affects vehicle safety systems like brake and signal lights.
NHTSA complaint #11693790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnie, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Without warning, CarNet stops working. This is unsafe because folks get faulty directions, which causes concerns and confusion and the following safety features do not work without warning, Automatic Crash Notification, Manual Emergency Call, Roadside Assistance, Anti-Theft detection, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. An online search reveals a ton of issues with this since they started offering CarNet. Also, module “burned up due to bad luck” per Southpoint Volkswagen dealership in Baton Rouge.
NHTSA complaint #11692308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Pablo, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on the freeway in the right lane and the lane assist forced my steering wheel to turn right causing me to collide into a concrete guard rail. Previous to that my car had been having electrical malfunctioning issues with the screen and radio.
NHTSA complaint #11691464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’ve owned the vehicle for less than 60 days. The vehicle currently has 2000 miles however, the vehicle has placed us in danger due to the inability to charge the battery. The lack of battery voltage also makes the AC inoperable on 100 degree temps. During an attempted repair it was noticed the fuse box has melted. Technicians are uncertain the cause of this Issue. They are uncertain if it’s an electrical issue or due to the alternator. They’ve had the car for over a week with no clear definitive plan and no communication. The car doesn’t reliability start and the possibility of fire is clear based on components that are melting.
NHTSA complaint #11669750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexander, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radio shut off while passing a gas station which becomes a hassle while traveling and can be dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11664181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vincennes, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Automatic Braking engaged with no other traffic in area, also dash display flashes as if electrical problem exists. Info screen also turns to distorted pixels also indicating electrical issues. VW dealer rep acknowledges there is an issue with the info screen and was expected to be fixed by January 2025(did not happen). I do not feel the vehicle is safe with the electronic braking issue.
NHTSA complaint #11663359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlottesville, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOS emergency call button doesn't work. Even though button is show green and technical people at dealership said there are no problems. I actually pressed the button and it said the call can't be made.
NHTSA complaint #11656334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor ON. Canada, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In the ADAS system, the front camera doesn't turn on when the vehicle is pulled in to a parking space and only the beep sensors are turning on. However, once you put the car in reverse then it gets turned on. It poses a safety concern for pedestrians and other vehicles as well. The problem was reported immediately to the dealer and I was told this is the same across the VW Atlas 2025 line-up. The issue was there from the first day I bought the car (brand new) 2nd issue is the control panel under the display is not backlit and can distract the driver from the road when trying to find a switch at night time and it is too dark to see anything.
NHTSA complaint #11648077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westfield, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment system stops working and goes blurry. The dash where the speed is shown goes black. Blind sport monitoring on the passenger side does not work. I almost got into an accident today because of this.
NHTSA complaint #11637855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanger, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2024 Volkswagon Atlas and right now my screen is completely not working. Everything is functional through the screen for controls as well. I can't even control the thermostat. This has become a safety issue as my windows are icy in the morning and I cant turn the defroster on. The service department at the dealership won't look at the car because they said it is a known issue and Volkswagon is doing a system update. I was told to hold the power button down for 10 seconds to reset the screen but even that is not working at all. Warning lights come up constantly as well.
NHTSA complaint #11631646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkhart, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The display which provides all vehicle information as well as guidance malfunctions (pixelates). Volkswagen acknowledges a faulty display chip is the cause. The dealer has updated software and even replaced the display with no success. I notified the dealer about the replaced display and he advised the VW has stopped the display replacement process. This means that potentially all 2024 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles are suspect. Without vehicle data accessible and no navigation available this distraction has created a hazard for driving on at least 2 occasions.
NHTSA complaint #11630154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
error with drive system was caused by engine overheating. maneuver braking function triggered and faulty throttle body issue discovered.
NHTSA complaint #11629345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.