Model year record

2021 Volkswagen Atlas

17 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 996 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V464000

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger

Component
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
271,330
Reported to NHTSA
2024-06-20
Owners notified
2024-09-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V215000

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger

Component
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
143,053
Reported to NHTSA
2023-03-29
Owners notified
2024-03-22

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V815000

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Component
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
296,044
Reported to NHTSA
2022-10-31
Owners notified
2022-11-18

Defect description

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 tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Safety risk

An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V514000

Equipment: electrical: infotainment: software

Component
Equipment: electrical: infotainment: software
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
43,091
Reported to NHTSA
2022-07-20
Owners notified
2022-08-02

Defect description

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 the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V245000

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
1,382
Reported to NHTSA
2022-04-13
Owners notified
2022-07-20

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V152000

Air bags: side/window

Component
Air bags: side/window
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
222,892
Reported to NHTSA
2022-03-28
Owners notified
2022-06-22

Defect description

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 front side air bag during a side impact crash.

Safety risk

A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V086000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
3,648
Reported to NHTSA
2022-02-16
Owners notified
2022-03-31

Defect description

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, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Safety risk

Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V892000

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module

Component
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
54,429
Reported to NHTSA
2021-11-17
Owners notified
2022-01-14

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V812000

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Component
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
30
Reported to NHTSA
2021-10-15
Owners notified
2021-11-02

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V616000

Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids

Component
Electrical system: wiring: relays/solenoids
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
33
Reported to NHTSA
2021-08-06
Owners notified
2021-08-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V132000

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Component
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
128
Reported to NHTSA
2021-03-03
Owners notified
2021-03-12

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V026000

Steering

Component
Steering
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
10,303
Reported to NHTSA
2021-01-27
Owners notified
2021-02-16

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V716000

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Component
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
32,048
Reported to NHTSA
2020-11-18
Owners notified
2020-12-11

Defect description

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, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V712000

Steering

Component
Steering
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
776
Reported to NHTSA
2020-11-17
Owners notified
2020-11-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q6. Note: Owners are advised to DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the vehicle has been inspected and repaired if necessary.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V702000

Tires: sidewall

Component
Tires: sidewall
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
760
Reported to NHTSA
2020-11-13
Owners notified
2020-11-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V505000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
5,376
Reported to NHTSA
2020-08-26
Owners notified
2020-09-11

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V504000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Vehicles affected
11
Reported to NHTSA
2020-08-26
Owners notified
2020-09-09

Defect description

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 number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety risk

A headlight aimed incorrectly aimed reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the driver's side headlight, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94N7.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system17315,000 mi
Exterior lighting118
Engine11715,000 mi
Unknown or other108150 mi
Service brakes989,200 mi
Air bags7617,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system58
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking5411,300 mi
Structure: body305,000 mi
Power train23
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control1850 mi
Steering17
Vehicle speed control16150 mi
Forward collision avoidance: warnings1250 mi
Seats123,086 mi
Seat belts73,086 mi
Wheels62,100 mi
Lane departure: warning5
Tires4
Visibility/wiper4
Back over prevention: warnings3
Lane departure: assist3
Latches/locks/linkages38,000 mi
Parking brake315,000 mi
Back over prevention: rearview system braking2
Carry handle, shell, base2
Forward collision avoidance211,300 mi
Fuel system, gasoline275,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic222,000 mi
Structure2
Suspension2
Visibility2
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly250,000 mi
Chest clip, buckle, harness1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel19,200 mi
Electrical system: adas: parking assist: sensors1
Electrical system: adas: parking assist: warning1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator11,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan130,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: urea injection system (DEF)19,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: infotainment1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal138,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control131,000 mi

The 2020 model has 15 times as many complaints as this one. The 2022 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.