2021 Volkswagen Atlas

Passenger side DRL has failed - requires replacement of entire headlamp assembly

The vehicle will randomly stall while driving. Mostly as you push the accelerator, it will act as though a fuel filter is clogged causing it to stall. If the vehicle manages to continue forward without stalling, it lunges forward unexpectedly and can be a significant distance. I took my vehicle in over a year ago for this issue, was told it was a "software update" issue. Vehicle was 4 years old and still under the VW remote access program. I paid almost $1,000 to get this software issue corrected. It is happening again. I am still under the VW remote access program, no warnings or updates. Two days ago, it randomly stalled in a moving lane of traffic. I was almost rear ended. It did it again yesterday at an intersection and lunged forward almost striking another vehicle. This is not a normal "maintenance" issue. There is something in the software overriding the driver. It could be in the auto stop/start feature maybe, but the canister was checked and I was told it was in great shape. I have low mileage on this vehicle. I did have a crash almost 2 years ago in which my vehicle lunged forward in freeway traffic. I had very minimal damage to the front fender because luckily, I was a distance back from the other vehicle. I had not had an accident in decades, so I second guessed myself thinking maybe I did something. But I really don't think it was. I was stopped, slightly released the brake when it jumped.

The hood release cable on my 2021 Volkswagen broke, making it impossible to open the hood using the interior release handle. This type of part should not fail on a relatively new vehicle under normal use. Based on my research, many other Volkswagen owners have reported similar hood release cable failures online, which suggests this may be a widespread issue rather than an isolated failure. This is a safety concern because a broken hood release cable prevents access to the engine compartment when inspection, maintenance, or emergency access may be necessary. Volkswagen should investigate this recurring failure and cover the cost of the repair. I believe NHTSA should investigate whether this defect warrants a safety recall.

The hood release cable on my 2021 Volkswagen Atlas failed during normal use, making it impossible to open the hood or access the engine compartment. I took the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealership, where the cable was replaced. The Volkswagen service advisor told me this is a common issue on 2021–2023 Atlas models. Volkswagen of America subsequently denied my request for reimbursement based on the vehicle’s age and mileage. I am reporting this because failure of the hood release mechanism creates a safety concern. When the cable fails, the owner cannot access the battery, coolant, oil or engine compartment. In an emergency involving overheating, smoke, a dead battery, fluid loss or another mechanical problem, there is no way for the driver to access the engine compartment. There was no warning before the cable failed. Other 2021 Atlas owners have reported similar hood release cable failures to NHTSA, including complaints #11743559, #11735490 and #11755775. Volkswagen has also previously issued manufacturer communications concerning an inoperative hood release/cable disconnection on the 2021 Atlas. Given these similar reports and my Volkswagen dealer’s statement that this is a common problem on 2021–2023 Atlas models, I am concerned this is a recurring component defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate whether this issue warrants further investigation or a safety recall. Total paid: $301.73. Invoice available but I am unable to upload it to this form.

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.

LED DRL headlight on the passenger side failed at 35k miles. That little, single LED light cannot be replaced without replacing the entire headlight system, which costs almost $2k and requires removing the bumper! Negligent design that conveniently happens once the warranty expired, and despite the low miles of my vehicle. (these are supposed to last to 50k-70k)

2021 Volkswagen Atlas—VIN 1V2AP2CA0MC565982. Vehicle manufactured 02/2021. Airbag warning light illuminated. Volkswagen dealer diagnosed the airbag control module as wet and shorted due to water leaking into the vehicle from the A/C drain. This appears identical to the defect described by Volkswagen Safety Recall 87H4 / NHTSA 21V-892. Recall 87H4 includes certain 2021 Atlas vehicles manufactured during this period; however, Volkswagen states this VIN is not included. I am concerned the affected VIN population may have been defined too narrowly because this vehicle has experienced the same safety-related failure mechanism described in the recall. Please see attached VW dealer diagnosis and build sticker image. Also available is video from tech if needed.

Headlight LED DRLs went out on passenger side at only 60k miles. To fix, the whole headlight would need to be replaced which is >$1k. LED bulbs should last much longer and there are many other instances of the same problem from other owners across various forums. Seems like this is a VW issue and should warrant a recall.

The engine stalls randomly while in motion. When this happens, an error gets presented on the dashboard asking the driver to restart it manually. This has occurred when driving forward and backing up. This car was purchased at CarMax and serviced through the extended warranty. However, a few weeks later the problem started happening again.

My vehicle prompted me to do an update on software. As soon as I completed this my SOS button turned red. I immediately contacted my Volkswagen app and told them what was going on I was instructed that they did not see anything on their end that I would need to take it to a dealer and let them check it out upon my arrival at the Dealer they’re telling me that my module needs to be replaced please note that I have no issues with my SOS button until I was prompt to update . This is definitely a safety concern being that I’m paying for an emergency button that is not operable at this time I feel that this should be Volkswagen should pay for the cost of this because I would’ve never hit update if I knew it was gonna cause these issues I feel unsafe in my vehicle based on Volkswagen pump me to push the button thank you

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.

LED DRL headlight stopped working on the passenger side at 90k miles

Hood latch release cable broke after using under normal circumstances.

Passenger side headlight failed prematurely resulting in only one of the headlights functioning

Upon visual inspection of the car. Noticed driver’s side headlight outter light not working with no warning indicator. Have been pulled over since issue was first discovered by police. I believe it’s called daytime driving light part of the headlight.

Aluminum rear differential corroded, causing Haldex fluid to leak out resulting in Haldex pump, failure and loss of rear-wheel-drive ie.(4 motion) causing catastrophic failure of clutch pack.

I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 61,000 miles. After a software update prompted by the vehicle, saying it will be done in 3 parts.the infotainment screen began malfunctioning the following day. Initially, the screen would repeatedly go black, restart, work for a short period of time, and then go black again. This issue continued for almost three weeks. The screen is now completely black and no longer turns on. I contacted a Volkswagen dealership about the issue and was informed that I would be charged approximately $220 for diagnostic work before determining the cause of the problem.i haven't brought it in yet as I'm waiting to be paid as I'm sure they would need payment The problem began shortly after the vehicle's software update, and I am concerned that the update may have caused or contributed to the infotainment system failure. I am reporting this issue because I believe other 2021 Volkswagen Atlas owners may be experiencing similar infotainment system failures. I would like NHTSA to investigate whether this is a widespread defect and whether a safety-related recall or other corrective action is necessary. As it's safely concern I cannot see back up camera or any safety features.

Passenger side Daytime Running Light went out. The vehicle had under 60k miles. Seems like a common problem. For now will not replace because of high price tag and not necessary for safety inspection. The problem is that negates the safety feature on the car.

Hood release cable broken. Cannot open hood

2021 Volkswagen Atlas, VIN [XXX], approximately 116,000 miles. Vehicle developed a cylinder failure requiring full cylinder replacement. Following replacement, compression remains abnormally low, specifically on cylinders #4 and #6 (approximately 90 PSI). Mechanic diagnosed significant carbon buildup on the piston rings as the cause of the persistent low compression, and confirmed this diagnosis via a wet compression test, in which compression increased when oil was introduced directly into the affected cylinders — indicating worn/compromised piston ring sealing rather than a valve or head gasket issue. Check engine light continues to trigger intermittently. This appears consistent with a known EA888 2.0T piston ring/carbon buildup defect currently the subject of active class action litigation (XXX) against Volkswagen Group of America. Vehicle has also experienced a separate prior failure of the high- and low-pressure fuel pumps and control module (repaired XXX at 77,921 miles, Volkswagen of North Nashville). Concerned about ongoing engine performance and reliability, and potential for further damage if underlying cause is not fully resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)