2026 Volkswagen Atlas

9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Sep 12, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Norman, OKElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   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
2. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026Stillwater, OKUnknown or other

   The rear power liftgate opened on its own while the vehicle was being driven at speed on a public road, with no input from the driver or passenger. Luggage was ejected from the cargo area onto the roadway and could not be recovered. A passenger witnessed the incident. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. A police report was filed the following day (Schaumburg, IL Police Department report SCP26-A00243). The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealer on 8/29/2026 (repair order 6108206); the dealer performed a diagnostic scan and test drive but could not reproduce the fault, and no diagnostic trouble codes were stored. The defect is intermittent and remains undiagnosed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A liftgate opening while driving creates a serious safety risk: ejected cargo can strike vehicles traveling behind, and the failure could recur at highway speed. Component involved: power liftgate/rear hatch latch or control module (exact cause UNKNOWN).

   NHTSA complaint 11761211
3. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 24, 2026Bloomington, ILTires

   Purchased vehicle brand new 1/31/26. Went for my first tire rotation and oil change (4600 miles) on 8/24/26. Inspection found wires coming from the inside wall of tire (the interior portion of tire). Service advisor said it was not covered because it’s wear and tear. The damage is not on the tread. The damage is not on the exposed part of tire. I had to purchase a new tire and was advised by the installer that this is a manufacture defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11759483
4. Filed Aug 16, 2026Failure Jun 17, 2026Folcroft, PAElectrical system

   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 kjell.gruner@vw.com and customercare@vw.com 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
5. Filed Jul 9, 2026Failure Jul 8, 2026highgate, VTEngine

   driving on highway XXX -vehicle check engine light came on and started flashing, car started to shake. pulled off at closest rest area, shut it off and and called roadside assistance as i did not feel safe driving it. towed to dealership/[XXX]. awaiting inspection by dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11749239
6. Filed Jun 28, 2026Failure Jun 27, 2026Tucson, AZWarnings

   Infotainment system keeps shutting down and we get an alert that the backup camera and rear traffic collision system is not working.

   NHTSA complaint 11747024
7. Filed Jun 22, 2026Failure Jun 19, 2026Cypress, TXElectrical system, Engine, Exterior lighting

   Infotainment system has been rebooting and disabling the cars ADAS momentarily. Most recently, this resulted in the car turning itself off while making a turn. Happened a second time while pulling into the dealership on the same day.

   NHTSA complaint 11745701
8. Filed May 20, 2026Failure May 13, 2026Burlington, VTFuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

   Had new vehicle for 1 week and it broke down in a parking lot and would not start on 5/10/26. It was towed and dealership, found it to be a faulty feel injector system that was replaced. Picked it up from the dealership on 5/13/26 and I lost the ability to accelerate while on the interstate. It was towed back to the dealership who had to reach out to V. W headquarters to determine the problem. It was discovered that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. That unit is on back order and I still do not have my vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11739130
9. Filed May 5, 2026Failure May 4, 2026Lawton, OKEngine

   oil leak at intake pipe to turbo joint. this is a well known problem with this engine.

   NHTSA complaint 11735799