479 of the
3,037 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Atlas
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology, 2.0T engine, with approximately 5,700 miles. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began shuddering violently, lost significant engine power, displayed a flashing check-engine light and a Start/Stop system fault, and later would not restart normally. An immobilizer-related warning also appeared. The sudden loss of power occurred with very little warning and could have been extremely dangerous if it had happened while merging, crossing traffic, or driving at highway speed. I have also experienced repeated electrical/electronic problems. The backup camera has stopped working while in use. The infotainment screen has failed, and the controls for climate, drive mode, and other vehicle functions have intermittently stopped responding. The driver’s seat also stopped functioning properly. This vehicle is only a few months old and has very low mileage. I am concerned there may be a defect involving the engine management, electrical, fuel-delivery, infotainment/control, or related systems that can cause sudden loss of propulsion, severe misfiring, camera failure, loss of vehicle controls, and no-start conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA document this incident and investigate whether similar failures are occurring in 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11763796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The infotainment module in my vehicle that I purchased in March 2026 has completely gone out and was deemed faulty by two different Volkswagen dealerships. Because of this amenity no longer working, I do not have access to a backup camera, the SOS feature, safety sensors, navigation, control to the dashboard (I cannot set an accurate time), hands free phone connection to the screen and the many other necessities that are directly linked to the infotainment system. My husband and I are expecting our first baby any day now, and we purchased this car specifically for the safety features — now we no longer have them. The part to fix this issue has been on back order with Volkswagen for quite a long time and I cannot get a definite answer from anyone as to when it will be back in stock. Multiple dealerships and car technician businesses have relayed to us that this is an issue they have seen many times with the newer Volkswagen models. They have confirmed that nobody has a timeline on when the part will be back in, and the only way for my husband and I to stay updated about the status of the back order part is to consistently call the Volkswagen dealership for an update. This issue occurred at the beginning on July, with no warning signs. The screen cut off and that was the end of it. We have spent over $500 getting diagnostics and trying to solve this issue, but we have had no luck and no help. Volkswagen states on its official website, “For us, integrity means taking a stance. Integrity acts as an inner compass to do the right thing out of our own conviction – regardless of economic or social pressure,” and we feel very strongly that this is an issue of safety and utmost importance.
NHTSA complaint #11763102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious electronic/infotainment failure in my 2023 VW Atlas that occurred following VW’s software update. Prior to the software update, the infotainment system & related functions were operating normally. Following the update, the infotainment/navigation system failed. The center display is completely black. The loss of the backup camera is a particular safety concern because it removes an important driver-assistance feature used to detect people, animals, etc. behind the vehicle. The vehicle displays warnings that the Navigation System & Dynamic Road Sign Display are unavailable. As a result of this electronic failure, I have lost connectivity to my cell phone. I cannot use the vehicle’s hands-free phone function which affects vehicle safety/operation. A warning indicates that the tires are under-inflated. The tires have been checked & are properly inflated. This raises an additional concern about the accuracy & reliability of the vehicle’s electronic monitoring & warning systems. I took my Atlas to a VW dealership for diagnosis & have also contacted VW CARES. Despite VW acknowledging that the software update was likely responsible for the failure, VW has refused any aid because my Atlas has +100k miles. I am concerned that the manufacturer-installed software update has caused or contributed to a significant failure of multiple electronic systems & functions in my Atlas. VW is aware of a recurring MIB3 infotainment/software problem affecting Atlases and has issued technical service documentation concerning MIB3 infotainment systems that can fail to boot, freeze/reboot, & experience navigation malfunctions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader software/electronic defect affecting VW Atlases & whether VW’s software update can cause or contribute to failure of the MIB3 infotainment system & associated vehicle functions, many of which are critical to safe driving.
NHTSA complaint #11762888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The infotainment head unit crashes and reboots intermittently, sometimes within minutes of starting the vehicle. When it crashes while the vehicle is in reverse, the rearview camera image freezes on screen or goes completely black. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. This is a safety risk because the camera provides no usable image at the moment it is needed. A frozen image is worse than a black one, since it shows a stale view of the area behind the vehicle that looks normal. I back out of a residential driveway daily and have two young children. The system has malfunctioned since delivery. O'Meara Volkswagen of Thornton, CO worked on it several times under warranty for related CarPlay and navigation faults and applied software updates that did not fix it. In June 2026 Volkswagen pushed an over-the-air update, bringing the unit to software 0890, the current level for this vehicle. The crashes and camera failures have continued for months since. No open recalls apply to my VIN. There is no warning lamp or message beforehand. The screen simply freezes or goes black, then reboots, taking about [30 seconds] to return. Early symptoms were CarPlay dropouts and navigation problems shortly after delivery, progressing to full system crashes over the past year.
NHTSA complaint #11760413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Volkswagen Atlas had no problems with the emergency call/SOS system before this incident. Volkswagen prompted me through the vehicle to install a software update. I accepted and completed the Volkswagen software update as instructed. Immediately after the update finished, the SOS indicator turned red and the vehicle displayed the warning: “Emergency call function limited. Please service vehicle.” The problem did not exist before the software update and began immediately after the update was completed. I took the vehicle to Ewald Volkswagen in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. The dealer diagnosed a failed J949 emergency call module and quoted $1,028.80 to replace it. The dealer advised me that the software update likely caused the module failure, but stated that the vehicle is out of warranty and Volkswagen would not cover the repair through the dealership. I declined the repair because the emergency call module was functioning normally before Volkswagen instructed me to perform the software update. The failure occurred immediately after installing Volkswagen’s update. This is a safety concern because the vehicle now indicates that the emergency call function is limited, meaning the vehicle’s automatic or manual emergency-call capability may not function properly during a crash or other emergency. I am reporting this because a Volkswagen-issued software update appears to have caused the failure of a safety-related emergency communication system.
NHTSA complaint #11760126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that the infotainment screen previously failed to operate as intended, and the dealer performed a software update; however, the failure persisted. The dealer repaired the driver's and passenger's side air bags because the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the infotainment screen went blank and was inoperable. The failure caused the rear-view camera to not display an image while reversing. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the infotainment screen and the module needed to be replaced, but the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 31,390.
NHTSA complaint #11759673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I went to the Volkswagen dealership to have a routine oil change done. They told me they could not perform the oil change because the hood latch release cable had snapped. I had just had the hood open that morning, so it was completely insane that they thought I brought the car in like that when they are the ones who broke it. They wanted to charge me $569 to replace it, or they wouldn't do the oil change. I walked because I wasn't going to pay to fix something on my own car that I didn't break. After reviewing online if there was a cheaper fix, thousands of VW owners are dealing/have dealt with the same issue. The fact that car companies are allowed to get away with installing cheap parts in brand new cars AND not issue a recall when thousands of reports suggest that it is an ongoing issue is absolutely insane. I am the sole owner of this vehicle, original, bought brand new. I am 9,000 miles out of warranty. Please help. The service advisor at the VW dealership (Hiley Volkswagen in Arlington, TX) refused to take any blame, claiming that it was like that when I came in. It is an easy money grab for dealerships, and it is highway robbery for the customer. The only suggestion he had was to reach out to VW Customer Care and see if they would assist in the payment. I have reached out to them but haven't heard anything.
NHTSA complaint #11759538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On July 7, I was driving the vehicle with my son in the car when the EPC warning light suddenly came on. The vehicle immediately went into limp mode and subsequently shut down. I was able to maneuver the vehicle off the main roadway and onto the grass; however, this left my son and me in an unsafe situation on the side of the road. After allowing the vehicle to sit for several minutes, I was able to restart it and drive it a short distance to a nearby parking lot. I then arranged for the vehicle to be towed to Mike Savoie Volkswagen for diagnosis and repair. The repairs were completed, and the vehicle was returned to me by Mike Savoie Volkswagen on July 13. A copy of the repair documentation is attached.
NHTSA complaint #11758862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On July 13, I was driving on the I-75 Business Loop access ramp near Bloomfield Hills with my entire family in the vehicle when the EPC warning light came on. The vehicle went into limp mode and subsequently shut down. I was able to pull the vehicle onto the shoulder of the access ramp before it stopped completely. With my entire family in the vehicle, being stranded on the shoulder of I-75 created a very unsafe and concerning situation. After allowing the vehicle to rest for several minutes, I was able to restart it and drive it home. I then arranged for the vehicle to be towed from my home to Mike Savoie Volkswagen for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle had already experienced a similar EPC-related failure previously and had been repaired by Mike Savoie Volkswagen. Following this July 13 incident, the vehicle remained at the dealership for further repairs and was returned to me on July 24. A copy of the repair documentation is attached.
NHTSA complaint #11758866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had several malfunctions in the past year with my brand new 2025 atlas. It started 6 months into my lease when it threw 7 different lights while driving down the street. I stopped at a light and put the car in park. After that it would not go back in drive. I had to get pushed out of the road with all my kids in the car. And have it towed to the dealership. They stated it just needed an update. After that everything started failing. The sunroof motor had to be replaced. The inside dome lights had to be replaced. The window motor had to be replaced. The infotainment system has repeatedly failed, been replaced and still fails. It has been a total nightmare
NHTSA complaint #11757649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Telematics Control Module (TCM/OCU). After several calls to the VW app division and independent research, I discovered that the module is malfunctioning. Several emails have been sent to [email protected] and [email protected] neither have replied. The issue remains consistent and repeatable even after a hard reset and infotainment reboot. The red SOS light indicates the TCM has entered a critical fault state, making remote start, lock, and unlock functions unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11757238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
On multiple occasions at startup, vehicle made unusual sounds then either stalled shortly after starting or simply wouldn’t start. Vehicle has also stalled multiple times at red lights and stop signs. On these occasions nearly the entire dashboard lit up simultaneously with warning lights across many unrelated systems (“Christmas tree” effect), not a single isolated fault, often while on interstate at 70mph. Recurring, not one-time. 1.ELECTRICAL/ABS: Aug 2025, right front ABS wheel speed sensor replaced after dash lights loss + reported dying after startup; dealer couldn’t duplicate stalling. As of Aug 2026, scan shows left front ABS sensor faulting (open/short to ground, implausible signal) plus parking brake module fault referencing wheel speed sensor implausibility. Dealer also flagged left rear ABS sensor as Critical. Numerous low-voltage faults present across modules simultaneously (supply voltage too low, data bus implausible, control module input power low), matching dashboard cascade events. Battery replaced May 2024 after failing load test. 2.ENGINE: Dec 2024, cylinder 6 injector replaced (complete goodwill, dealer+VW corporate) for CEL/air-fuel imbalance. CEL returned next month for same fault; escalated to full cylinder head replacement ($6,054.95). 3.STEERING: Dealer inspection Aug 2026 flagged steering rack and pinion as Critical ($2,093.19), req. 4-wheel alignment. Confirmed with NHTSA/VW this vehicle is NOT subject to steering knuckle recall 21V026000/40Q7 — separate, non-recall defect. Requesting NHTSA review this combined pattern of stalling/no-start, cascading electrical faults, and critical steering failure.
NHTSA complaint #11756916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Software update for the vehicle. Since we have completed the update we have had issues with the Radio unit flashing in and out intermittenly and finally the unit went black and will not work at all. This is now showing multiple fault codes including. Engine control module 1 (U105400), Brakes 1(C102D00), Adaptive Cruise Control (U112100), Dash Board (U111000), Gateway (U105400), Telematics Communication Unit (B104914, U112100,B1916f4), Light Control Left 2 (U140700,C123AFA) Light Control Right 2 (C123AFA). None of these codes started till the System update happened.
NHTSA complaint #11756322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EPC light Tire light My cold air doesn't work, cruise control, heating on driver side mirror. Not sure what else. I made my first car payment in June 2026. Looks like I got a lemon vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11755138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lost complete control of both the brake and the throttle while attempting to pull into a parking spot at low speed. Car started to roll backwards down a hill and I was unable to stop it. Had to cycle the car off and back on to fix it. Took it to a VW dealership service department and they reported no fault codes so there was nothing they could do. No check engine light or fault codes.
NHTSA complaint #11754756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, the infotainment system began malfunctioning. The audio stopped working intermittently, the touchscreen went black and displayed corrupted graphics, and the backup camera repeatedly cuts in and out or fails to display anything. Pressing the backup camera button can cause the infotainment system to shut down completely. I attempted to reset the system through a soft reset by pressing the power/volume button for 20+ seconds and when that didn't work I did a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for 15- 20 mins, but the issue persists. Because the camera is unreliable or unavailable when reversing or for my blind spots, I believe this creates a safety hazard by reducing rear visibility and increasing the risk of a backing collision and side collisions
NHTSA complaint #11752976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.