SUV, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 2, 2025 to Sep 24, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-473 | Jul 22, 2026 | Vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions | Back-over prevention | 57,851 | Software update |
| 25V-434 | Jun 30, 2025 | Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear… | Brakes | 546 | Part replacement |
| 25V-334 | May 21, 2025 | Software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse | Back-over prevention | 171,381 | Software update |
| 25V-100 | Feb 17, 2025 | Engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces | Engine and cooling | 177,493 | Not stated |
| 25V-081 | Feb 12, 2025 | Transmission may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loss of drive power | Powertrain | 19 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
23 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
Hi, I have been an owner of 2025 Atlas Cross Sport Premium R line for over 8 months now. Since June 2026 I have 2 incidents of cracked front windshield. All VW manufactured glass for Atlas CS are made paper thin and prone to sudden damage upon small impact my road debris or rocks. I have owned cars in the past and never had this issue before. The quality of the glass does not coincides with fair business standards and it has made to the point of constant wear, so they continue to sell their glass through poor practices.
NHTSA complaint 11766637I keep having issues with the entertainment screen where it stops working. When this happens there are multiple issues: I can not control the temperature and my gps shows I’m in a different town causing my heads up speed limit telling me the speed limit is 50mph in my 25mph neighborhood. Bill jacobs Volkswagen does not care as I have brought it in on multiple occasions and they keep informing me it works as designed. I have sent them videos and pictures. The entertainment screen controls everything in the car since there are no buttons anymore.
NHTSA complaint 11765470I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle repeatedly experienced shaking, hesitation, warning lights, loss of power, and engine shutdowns. On approximately XXX, the engine shut off while the vehicle was idling in Drive at approximately 48,582 miles. On approximately XXX, multiple warning lights appeared and the vehicle stopped operating while being driven on the highway, creating a serious collision risk. An independent diagnostic scan recorded code P2402, EVAP leak-detection-pump control circuit high. Volkswagen personnel had previously been notified of a vacuum-related concern. [XXX] Volkswagen of [XXX] took possession of the vehicle on XXX, at approximately 49,900 miles. The authorized Volkswagen dealership then informed me in writing that the gas tank had “collapsed inward” and that it would replace the tank and other EVAP components. I am concerned that an EVAP or venting malfunction created excessive vacuum and caused the tank to collapse. Tank deformation could potentially damage the tank, seams, seals, fuel lines, fittings, fuel-pump assembly, or vapor connections. Any resulting fuel or vapor leak reaching an ignition source could create a fire hazard. No fire occurred, but the confirmed collapsed tank, repeated shutdowns, and warning lights presented serious safety concerns. The vehicle has undergone repeated repair visits and more than 36 reported days out of service. A torque converter was previously replaced, but the shaking and drivability problems continued. I request investigation of possible fuel-tank collapse, EVAP malfunction, excessive vacuum, stalling, and related fire risks in Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11765193The rear taillight lens on my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport cracked without an impact or collision. Water has entered the taillight assembly through the crack, creating condensation/water inside the lamp and a potential risk of lighting or electrical failure. The vehicle is still within its new-vehicle warranty, but Volkswagen/the dealer declined to repair the assembly. The taillight remains available for inspection. There was no crash, fire, injury, or police report. I understand that similar taillight cracking and water-intrusion problems have been reported by other Volkswagen owners. I believe this may indicate a broader defect trend.
NHTSA complaint 11763726On August 31, 2026, while driving my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on the highway, multiple warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stopped operating while I was in traffic. The sudden loss of vehicle operation created a serious risk of a collision and placed me and other motorists in danger. This vehicle has experienced repeated problems including rough operation, hesitation/loss of acceleration, warning lights, engine/misfire-related faults, and powertrain concerns. The vehicle has previously been presented to Volkswagen dealerships for diagnosis and repair, but the problems have continued. On the date of this incident, the vehicle again displayed three warning lights and then became inoperable while being driven on the highway. I am now afraid to operate the vehicle because I do not know when it may lose power or stop again. Volkswagen had a service appointment scheduled for the vehicle that day, but the appointment was canceled because the dealership stated that no loaner vehicle was available. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this repeated loss-of-power/stalling condition because a vehicle that can suddenly stop operating in highway traffic presents a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint 11761050The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the autonomous braking system was negatively affected by roadway passing underneath the highway. The system mistakenly determined that the vehicle was on the lower roadway, causing the brakes to apply erroneously. The contact stated that the failure was caused by Volkswagen's Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control. During the failure, the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the message curve ahead, reduce speed was displayed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and email. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the issue was deemed not to be a safety concern by the service department.
NHTSA complaint 11761026Car has been to [XXX] in [XXX] many times as the screen will go blank and freeze. Unable to change radio or temperature. Can not see when I go in reverse. I have to turn off the car for 30 mins to have the screen to work again. Volkswagen has been not helpful. Car gps and compass shows I’m in a different city. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11757374When using adaptive cruise/lane keeping feature the vehicle when passing over another roadway will erroneously "see" a sharp curve and suddenly and unexpectedly apply significant braking force to slow the vehicle down and try to turn the car to the phantom curve.
NHTSA complaint 11746872Follow-up to NHTSA complaint ODI #11742508 regarding the same vehicle and VIN. Vehicle experienced intermittent electrical failures while driving, including dashboard warning lights, charging system warnings, infotainment failures, communication fault codes, and intermittent loss of throttle response while entering intersections. Dealer initially stated they could not duplicate the issue and vehicle was returned multiple times despite ongoing safety concerns. Dealership has now confirmed an electrical failure involving the wire harness between the alternator and control module. Dealer stated they found an open circuit/short in the harness and ordered replacement parts after multiple repair attempts Concern remains regarding intermittent electrical and drivability failures affecting vehicle safety.
NHTSA complaint 117437342025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport experienced repeated intermittent electrical and electronic malfunctions while driving. The infotainment screen repeatedly froze, became unresponsive, or turned black/blue while operating the vehicle. Apple CarPlay malfunctioned repeatedly, and multiple USB ports appeared to damage connected electronic devices. Warning messages including “12V battery is not charging” and “Key not detected” appeared intermittently. Vehicle has been taken to the Volkswagen dealership multiple times for diagnosis and repair attempts. Dealer stated they were unable to permanently diagnose or duplicate the issue because the failures are intermittent. Vehicle remained at dealership for extended periods during repair attempts. Electrical malfunctions create driver distraction and concern regarding reliability of the vehicle’s electrical system while driving. Failure of infotainment and warning systems while operating the vehicle may affect driver awareness and vehicle safety. Problem continues intermittently despite multiple service visits.
NHTSA complaint 11742508On 3/27/026 at approximately 1800 hrs, I was driving my 2025 VW Atlas w/8500 miles southbound on the Florida Turnpike in the left hand land. Traffic was at a standstill at mm 76. We sat for 2-3 minutes without moving. When traffic started to roll forward, I moved my foot to apply the gas but the car shifted itself to Park. It did not shut down or stall. The engine was still running. I could not shift the car to drive or reverse. I called 911 to request help from FHP. Traffic was starting to move with increasing speed. I couldn't move my car to the shoulder. I turned the engine off for a few minutes. I turned it back on and still could not shift the car into gear. All of the error messages scrolled across the dash and all of the error lights came on. I had never seen a light on the dash that day or any other. FHP arrived. We pushed the car to the left shoulder. He said the cars were traveling at 60-70 mph at this point. Prior to that I was trapped in my car as I could not get out of my car with the high speed traffic passing on the left shoulder and swerving around to the right lane too. I called for a tow truck and was towed to a VW dealership. It was in service for 8 days. I was told it was a glitch in the software update. I've done some research and this is a known safety issue with VW Atlas. It can happen again...while driving. VW service doesn't know why this happens and they said they don't know how to prevent it from happening again. After picking the car up, I searched "vehicle" for the maintenance hx on the infotainment. It shows low oil. That did not show on the dash. If I had stumbled on it, I wouldn't have seen it. Next, the seat will not move forward or back. This, after, the software update glitch. FHP does not write an official report for this type of scenario but the incident number is XXX. Officer [XXX] #XXX (they do not provide last names for the officer's safety) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11729998The vehicle is experiencing multiple system malfunctions involving engine performance and electrical components. Symptoms include engine trembling at idle, abnormal ticking and hissing noises, and the vehicle pulling while driving. An independent diagnostic scan performed within 24 hours of purchase identified more than twenty fault codes. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These conditions created safety concerns due to instability while driving and the risk of loss of control or unexpected mechanical failure. Additionally, dealership-provided loaner vehicles also malfunctioned, including one becoming inoperable and another displaying a check engine light, leaving the customer stranded and without reliable transportation. The problem has been partially confirmed by both an independent service center and dealership personnel. An independent diagnostic confirmed multiple system faults, and a dealership manager personally observed the engine shaking at idle. A Volkswagen dealership documented abnormal engine behavior but stated the issue could not be consistently reproduced during testing. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center (Meineke Automotive) and a Volkswagen dealership (Stone Mountain Volkswagen). A case has been opened with Volkswagen of America for further review. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Symptoms began immediately after purchase on February 27, 2026, including engine vibration, instability, and drivability issues. Fault codes were identified within 24 hours. Additional warning indicators, including check engine lights and battery-related messages, were later observed, including on dealership-provided loaner vehicles. ⸻
NHTSA complaint 11724844New buy today 3/16/2025 from Carvana. Anyhow took vehicle to get a diagnostic and reputable mechanic shop. The auto scanner would continuously stall on the transmission check,would not produce a report nor respond. We did get a good reading for the engine but not once after several attempts would it generate a reading for the transmission. I am concerned as there does appear to be a slight jerk when shifting from one gear to the next,not a smooth transition at all between gears. Not the smoothest ride. There is definitely an issue and I'm sure others are experiencing this...unfortunately.
NHTSA complaint 11724514Car was operating normal up until 8:47 pm went to go turn car on and check engine light came on with notification “RISK OF ROLLING! P not possible. Please apply parking brake.” Car will go into drive, neutral, and reverse but does not move upon pressing gas pedal. Will not go into park and only allows hand brake when in neutral. Car will shut off but does not lock doors.
NHTSA complaint 11724385Turned off car after arrival at destination got back into car 5 minutes after turned car on and dash light up with multiple error codes. Main one being engine/transmission issue. Message stated car could be driven but limited. Tried to put car in drive but couldn’t. Could only power on and off and put into neutral. Had to be towed to Volkswagen dealership on 1/30/26. No diagnosis yet and advisor stated they had to wait until Monday to open a case with Volkswagen. Car purchased July 2025 and only at 5242 miles. Since car was purchased the Bluetooth connection gets interrupted randomly and will disconnect. Bluetooth will not start working again until car has been shut off for an extended period of time. Mentioned to service advisor 1/30/26 and he stated it’s a known issue with no solution. Since winter 2025 brakes have started to make a rumbling noise.
NHTSA complaint 11714711The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. While driving at approximately 50 MPH on a main road, the contact received a message indicating that the transmission was in emergency mode. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and began to vibrate. The contact pulled over because the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The check engine, air bag, and oil warning lights were illuminated, along with several other unknown alerts on the instrument panel. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.
NHTSA complaint 11710972There’s a chemical smell entering the cabin of my vehicle from the engine ever since my car was serviced at the dealership. I’ve had headaches burning, watering eyes, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, eye twitching, and generally unwell. My daughter has had a cough and they refused to acknowledge any issue. They changed the filter and clean the vents and they’re saying nothing‘s wrong. There’s been multiple – alert since I bought the vehicle in April with them being the lane assist, throwing code all the time while I’m driving in any conditions the front assist as well and the brakes needing some plug that was missing from it and now a light sensor is not working as well and the dealership isn’t being any help. I escalated it to a corporate and they’re saying there’s nothing they can do. I’ve been without my car for a week as it’s been in the shop and I have had a rental and since then I haven’t experienced any symptoms and now they’re wanting to give me the car back because they can’t find anything wrong, but I fear for mine and my kids, health and safety to be in that vehicle
NHTSA complaint 11698976Twice now I have had the vehicle not want to shift appropriately in low gears. When this happens, the vehicle locks up and will not move. Both times, VW has had. Tow get the vehicle and take it in for repair. 1st time was software update. Now it’s there for the second time with no answer as what’s wrong. They have replaced parts but cannot figure out why it’s not shifting correctly. At VW in Texarkana now. 3 weeks and no answers…both times this happened I was on the highway. Dangerous to have the car just not go anymore and leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere at night!
NHTSA complaint 11694507Car’s maneuver assistance light flashes as malfunctioning, then the car’s infotainment system turns off and on repeatedly until the screen is just black. After the first two things happen then the SOS feature and Exit Warning and Rear traffic alert systems malfunction as well.
NHTSA complaint 11693707My fuel gauge was stating I had approx 300 miles to empty. I was traveling on the interstate when the vehicle lost power and different warning lights came on dash. I was able to safely get on to shoulder of highway. Vehicle stopped on its own. I was unable to get it to go into gear or even start. I had it towed to Volkswagen dealership. I was told my floating fuel sensor got lodged near fuel line which gave false fuel gauge readings. So basically it ran of gas but I never had any signs I was getting low on fuel since gauge still showed 300 miles. The battery also died from the attempts to start vehicle. They were able to reposition the sensor in fuel tank and battery was jumped off. The sensors on dash went away and car is operating normally.
NHTSA complaint 11688536Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.