2021 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS
661 complaints filed with NHTSA.
NHTSA Safety Rating
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 133 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 93 |
| ENGINE | 72 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 60 |
| AIR BAGS | 60 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 52 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 41 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 33 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 13 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 11 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 10 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 10 |
| STEERING | 9 |
| SEATS | 6 |
Recalls (17)
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The t
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger fro
STEERING
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
SEATS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numb
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, th
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
STEERING
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, the
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have been over cured.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
WHEELS:RIM
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.
Recent Complaints
Daytime running light on passenger side has failed. Repair is complex and estimated at a minimum of $1200 for a part that should last for the lifetime of the car. Numerous other reports of this issue for 2021 VW Atlas model year.
SOS light is on and my VW will not connect to my VW app. The call module has failed. Yes, I paid to get a diagnostic test and it was confirmed that it failed. if I get into and accident i will not be able to receive help. All of my friends have the same issue with VW. Some have paid to have it fixed some have not. i was driving and the SOS went off. when I pushed it to call and see what happened they stated that something with the satellite triggered it and I had to take it into the dealer ship
The hood release latch fails during normal operations rendering the engine compartment inaccessible and constituting a safety issue.
Vehicle went in for service on the airbags. The dealer has been sent the incorrect OEM part 5 times from Volkswagen parts dealers.Volkswagen Cstomer Care sent email confirmation that the part is correct, dealer is stating part is not correct. The part delivered is a different part number than what is on the packaging. The vehicle has been in the shop since 12/8/2025. The invoice for the part the first time it was ordered is dated 12/29/2025.
LED Headlight and DRL burned out and bulbs cannot be replaced, the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced costing upwards of $1500. Commonly known problem with VW Atlas, occurring right after the car falls out of manufacturer warranty. Dealership refuse to replace at their expense.
On January 16, 2026, the 2021 Atlas had a severe gas leak and a large pool of gas was observed underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the VW dealership in Bradenton, FL. The dealership stated they needed to take the car apart as it was suspected the fuel injectors were leaking. After disassembly, the technician stated the #3 fuel injector had a severe leak and there was so much gas, he couldn't be certain if fuel injectors #1 and #5 may also have issues but recommended replacing all 3
We bought a 2021.5 Volkswagen Atlas that, starting around 15,000 miles, began having computer-related issues that were reported but never truly repaired. Over time, those issues escalated into serious drivability and safety problems. Beginning in mid-2025, the car started driving poorly. It had hesitation, dragging, poor fuel economy, and then began stalling, sometimes at idle and sometimes while driving. At first, repairs like a battery replacement were tried, but they did not fix the problem.
We bought a 2021.5 Volkswagen Atlas that, starting around 15,000 miles, began having computer-related issues that were reported but never truly repaired. Over time, those issues escalated into serious drivability and safety problems. Beginning in mid-2025, the car started driving poorly. It had hesitation, dragging, poor fuel economy, and then began stalling, sometimes at idle and sometimes while driving. At first, repairs like a battery replacement were tried, but they did not fix the problem.
We bought a 2021.5 Volkswagen Atlas that, starting around 15,000 miles, began having computer-related issues that were reported but never truly repaired. Over time, those issues escalated into serious drivability and safety problems. Beginning in mid-2025, the car started driving poorly. It had hesitation, dragging, poor fuel economy, and then began stalling, sometimes at idle and sometimes while driving. At first, repairs like a battery replacement were tried, but they did not fix the problem.
Brought car last March with 23000 miles on it has had vibration in steering at highway speeds randomly gotten worse over time currently have 36000 miles and it's very dangerous when you hit a bump on the highway took it to dealer they said the steering rack is worn out
Passenger daytime running lights stop working. Vehicle has low mileage but beyond warranty due to years owned.
The headlight on my vehicle failed, and when I took it to the dealer, I was told this is a known and ongoing issue that they deal with constantly. Despite being aware of this widespread failure, Volkswagen continues to install the same defective headlight assemblies. These are not simple bulb replacementsâthe entire headlight assembly must be replaced at a cost of approximately $1,900 per side, not including labor. This cost is completely unreasonable for most vehicle owners. As a result, man
Brake booster system failed, which results in spongy brake pedal with significant reduction in braking force. Problem has been seen by my entire family and me, a mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, insurance or police since the issue arose . Brake lamp illuminated and message on dash saying faulty brake booster. Both appeared a few weeks ago.
The emergency SOS/ Emergency call function has failed. It appeared yesterday, so I began looking into the issue online. This issue is absolutely endemic and is occurring across multiple late model Volkswagen vehicles. Volkswagen is aware of this issue (per their guidance to VW mechanics which can be found using search tools), but they do not appear to be addressing it unless amd until customers bring their cars into their respective dealerships.
Hood release cable has snapped resulting in inability to access critical components on the vehicle or do routine maintenance. After researching, this is a common and know issue for this vehicle.
Hood release cable has snapped resulting in inability to access critical components on the vehicle or do routine maintenance. After researching, this is a common and know issue for this vehicle.
Hood release cable has snapped resulting in inability to access critical components on the vehicle or do routine maintenance. After researching, this is a common and know issue for this vehicle.
Driving north on [XXX] on [XXX] the right rear tire on my 2021 Atlas completely failed and ripped apart through the sidewall and on the treads. The tire model was Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/60 R18 105T M+S Radial Tubeless. I have already replaced the tire at Costco in Inglewood, CA. This was a scary incident and endangered my family and others traveling on the highway. I contacted Continental and they said that tires matching this in 2021 were on a recall, but not this one from 20
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. In addition, the EPC engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact's wife was in traffic. The contact's wife was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact's wife noticed a burning odor. The contact's wife exited the vehicle. The contact arrived at the location and the insura
Mileage: 75,000
The Bevel Box was broken due to a defect CV axle. The axle pushed out of the bevel box and separated at the cab joint.