Complaint volume
456 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2019 Volkswagen Atlas Complaints
456 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, grouped by component category.
456 Total complaints
7 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
9 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are air bags, forward collision avoidance, service brakes. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 7 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 9 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 135 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 20,040 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to air bags, forward collision avoidance, service brakes?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2019 Volkswagen Atlas?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas complaints?
7 Crash
0 Fire
9 Injury
0 Fatality
7 Towed
4 Medical attention
What are the most common 2019 Volkswagen Atlas complaint categories?
AIR BAGS 110
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 36
SERVICE BRAKES 26
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 26
STEERING 21
ENGINE 19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES 12
POWER TRAIN 12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8
456 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2023 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that there was no warning or impact prior to the failure. The contact then closed the sunroof shade and veered to the side of the road. The contact sustained injuries to both legs but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,480. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | 34,480 |
| Mar 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Started with entertainment center reboot itself and dash navigation. Dealer did an software update . then front collision warning would go off… NO ONE AROUND . No cars on road. dealer did another software update to resolve issue. Then Remote start stopped working acc light ecc on dash. Code cleared software update agin. Few months later. At a light car running Car then turned off on incline .. was in light snow. Didn’t know as auto start stop was on. Car began to slide backwards. Had to quickly put car in park and start manually. Went to dealer they found nothing wrong. Car seemed to be always turning off in park or right after remote start was used and car or when placed in park at incline. Dealer could never replicate car turning off. few months later entertainment center began to reboot and so did dash navigation . Took it into dealer again and they did another software update again and also did and update for recall on emissions. This is when rear emergency braking began. It would would activate all the time. No ONE around says check your surroundings then the Emergency braking will kick on locking up all 4wheels. Now front collision warning going off now again with No ONE around. Went back to dealer they once again could not reproduce emergency braking turning or check your rear surroundings warning. they said known issue with emergency braking activating but don’t have a fix yet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | My vehicle has completely just shut down atleast five times since owing it. I have a special needs son who is in the vehicle with me all the time. The vehicle engine will shut down with no warning and not restart. Traffic behind me not aware that my vehicle has shut down after the light has turned green. It has shut down at various times in the middle of traffic. I’m fearful for myself and child that an accident is just a matter of time. I read complaints from others who state they have experienced the same problem. I’m concerned for the SAFETY of others and me and my son. No warning is given before it just dies. I don’t feel safe in this vehicle. This vehicle needs to be FIXED immediately. My vehicle has approximately 38,000 miles on it currently. This occurred either when I have stopped completely at a light, or when trying to start up the vehicle. Respectfully, VAP | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | My vehicle Beeps loudly and says “BRAKE BOOSTER FAULTY”. My brakes become spongy or hard to engage and I usually have to start the car over again. This has become a frequent issue and I’m afraid to drive my vehicle now. I’ve tried to catch a video but I can never get my phone out in time.. I am shocked that this is a common issue and it has yet to be recalled. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a message indicating an air bag error was displayed. Additionally, an audible message indicating the same failure was heard. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 60,000 |
| Feb 2023 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | Complaint: Vehicle owners observed the dashboard airbag warning light flash sporadically on while driving. Passenger seat occupant detection mat, control module, and harness failure. (Failed parts are available) The passenger airbag system failed, jeopardizing the safety of the driver and all the occupants. The parts associated with this failure have been confirmed and inspected by the dealer. Dealer Diagnoses: RO 84066 - 74778: “Airbag light and airbag warning are not currently on. Test drove, could not duplicate concern. Connected battery charger, performed GFF, B1225F1 passive occupant detection system mat shield wire, open circuit (Passive/sporadic) stored in airbag module. Inspected passenger seat harness and occupant detection connectors, no problems found. Recommend replacing detection mat. Detection mat replacement requires replacement of seat harness and occupant detection control module.” Dealer Repair: RO 85716 - 80008: “Replaced occupant detection mat, control module, and seat harness per diagnosis on repair order 84066. Removed passenger front seat. Replaced lower seat cushion, occupant detection mat, control module, and seat harness. Reinstalled seat. Connected battery charger, performed GFF, performed occupant detection basic settings. Cleared codes. Confirmed operation of occupant detection, seat heater, and seat adjustment.” | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On two occasions, I started to back up and the emergency brake system engaged, slamming the car to a stop, as if someone were behind me but there clearly was not. I had a car full of 10 year old girls and they all screamed. Two days ago, I was traveling a city street at 35-40 mph and the emergency braking system engaged and slammed the car almost to a full stop, while in busy traffic. The cruise control isn't currently working either, it throws an error when you try to set your speed. I travel approximately 40 miles round trip to work 5+ days a week at highway speeds. If the emergency brake were to engage while I'm doing 65-70 mph in rush hour traffic and lock the brakes, it will cause an accident. What if it is raining? There is no way someone traveling a few car lengths behind me will be able to stop suddenly. I will injure myself or others and I'm honestly scared to drive my Atlas right now so it is at the local VW dealer for further inspection. I told them my worries and this needs to be recalled quickly. It is a known issue, they asked me if my windows were rolling down when this happens, which is reported in the VM forums. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,PARKING BRAKE | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?
Full Electrical system failure. Yes, car is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car became inoperable while driving, parking brake auto engaged and cannot be manually disengaged. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem, believed to be caused by the wiring harness being soaked in water in the driver side door panel, occurred 3 weeks later after initial inspection. After sealing and a car wash to reproduce, the dealer was not able to get water to enter the area again. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Vehicle was only inspected by the dealer technicians. I called VW but they did not follow up. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? It appeared that all the warning lamps appears on during the failure. A day or so earlier, the Cruise Control would not activate, I suspect this was related. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | While driving, the instrument cluster will light up with red warnings about the braking system not available, I remember seeing "brake booster" in the warning, and need to pull over immediately. At that point, it feels that I have lost the brake booster and I need to step on the brakes very hard to stop. It is scary, as it occurred while driving in the city, with speeds from 30-35 mph and cars behind. It has happened 3 times over 9 months. It is not easy to reproduce as I don't know what causes it. Whe it happens again, if its safe I will try to take a picture as well. Similar people have had the same issues: https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/brake-booster-faulty-alert-while-driving.9175137/ | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the "check air bag" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the power windows failed to function while the "check air bag" warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the parking brake would engage independently at low speeds under 5 MPH. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness on the driver's side needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the wiring harness failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 60,000 |
| Dec 2022 | STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | Steering assist failure at low and highway speed. Lurching and speed fluctuating at low and highway speed. Adaptive cruise control failure at low and highest speed. Yes, it is reproducible. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Every display ECM warning light has come on. Yes, it is reproducible. All ADAS failed at once. Normal system such as brakes, steering, electrical & head unit display becomes random. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 17 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently made a sudden stop. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance brake assist, the cruise control symbol, and stability control system waring lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while driving. The dealer was contacted and stated that the contact would receive a callback. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 59,600. | Crash: No Fire: No | 59,600 |
| Dec 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Atlas displays the same problems that others have also complained about. The vehicle will abruptly stop and engage the parking brake and set off all kinds of warning sensors. The driver's side door harness is the alleged problem and yet they have no fix. My VIN number is not associated with the recall but my Atlas displays the same problems as the recalled ones. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | ENGINE | Car engine turns off while driving and says start engine. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Car stop in traffic and I was almost hit by the car behind me on multiple occasions. I had 6 children in the vehicle at the time who would’ve been seriously injured or dead as the car behind me was going at least 70 mph and my car halted out of nowhere. Nothing has been confirmed for my vehicle specifically but vehicles like mine have had the same issue. The car was inspected once and they said they couldn’t find a problem. The check engine light came on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle abruptly slowed and jolted the driver forward. The Forward Collision Avoidance assist sensor light illuminated and there was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The dealer experienced the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Nov 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving( multiple scenarios ranging from 10 mph, 70 mph, 30 mph and even while car was parked) alarm would go off and message displaying “brake booster faulty” while also illuminating the “brake” light on dashboard. Brake pedal then becomes stiff and/or spongy, while not working properly. Once car is turned off and back on, “ABS” light is also illuminated. Could not brake my car today with 2 children in backseat. Very dangerous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I own a 2019 vw atlas and I had called the dealership about low coolant level light that had came on and you know what I was told it’s common in the atlas’s and that they just use coolant and I’m thinking to my self that cars don’t just use coolant and I’m finding out more and more a lot of people are having this issue the funny thing is that the had told me to just come on down and they will top it off with coolant | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I have had the emergency brake suddenly deploy about a dozen times since purchasing this car. All have been at relatively low speeds, as in parking lots or when making a turn on street. There has been nothing in my path to cause the emergency brake system to deploy. I took it to the dealership and they said that the computer only registered one deployment and there was nothing that could be done. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | WHEELS | My car just hit 30,000 miles. The light for loss of tire pressure on my left rear tire goes on. I go to the gas station to put air in the tire, and touch the tread with my fingers. THE INSIDE INCH OF TREAD/RUBBER ON BOTH REAR TIRES IS COMPLETELY WORN DOWN --- down to the metal. Seems like a serious alignment issue to me on this vehicle. Service and tire rotations regularly performed at the VW dealership in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | On two occasions the Auto Start/Stop system has engaged and turned off the engine at a stop light (performing correctly), but then failed to restart the vehicle. The vehicle did not provide any error message, it just did not try to restart and began rolling forward when the brakes were disengaged. The vehicle was then required to be placed in park and manually restarted. This presents a safety concern at a stop light as you could be rear ended if the car behind you is anticipating you to start driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On September 29th, my wife was driving approx 40 mph and her 2019 VW Atlas came to a screeching halt for no reason. The automatic emergency braking system engaged and caused the car to slam on the brakes and stop. Luckily there wasn't another vehicle directly behind her as this could have caused a very serious accident. We took the vehicle to local VW for service to diagnose and they could not make any repairs or determine anything at fault. There are numerous comments online from other VW Atlas drivers that are having these issues and for some year models, a faulty door wiring harness or electrical shorts in wiring could cause the issue. VW has even issued recalls for some year models but not 2019. Please investigate immediately and contact me with a resolution. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to experience issues and has since been traded in. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Error Airbag keeps coming on and dealership cant find issue and cant replicate problem but it happens every time we get in car and are driving. This is very dangerous if we get in a accident and airbags dont deploy. Also There has been some weird electrical issues with vehicle that cause lights to flicker and turn on and off inside car dash. Dealership cant figure it out due to not replicating issue. Last issue is with brakes. Something in the electrical system is causing brakes to fully engage slamming us into the dash board and windshield. Has happened 3 times since owing vehicle. Dealership again said they cant replicate issue. This is getting to be the worse car we have purchased. First time owning a Volkswagen and probably the last time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving along the interstate on a clear day, I heard a loud explosion that sounded like a very, very loud pop. It took me a moment to realize that my sunroof had essentially exploded. I have a large panoramic sunroof, and the front section was completely shattered, and a section toward the middle of the side that touches the middle panel was blown out, with a small section missing. I pulled over on the road and realized that the entire front section of glass was buckled up, bowing upward to the center to the point where it seemed to explode. I heard nothing before the pop and saw no object coming from the road or elsewhere. Traffic on the opposite side of the interstate was at a standstill and it's unlikely anything came from that side that I may not have seen. It looks like the sunroof bowed upwards under pressure and exploded in the middle. Fortunately, my sunshade was closed and this kept pieces of glass from falling on me and my passenger. Also fortunately, I was able to react with safety. A young driver may not have been able to maintain control of the vehicle with the loud exploding noise. Since it happened, the glass has continued to fall, so the hole now is bigger than what it was initially. I contacted VW and was told they could examine the car and send pictures to VW to see if they would cover it under the car's 72K mile warranty, but I would have to wait 7-10 days for an answer. They did not offer to provide me with a car while I wait. I am replacing it through my insurance glass coverage, but believe that VW should have been responsible. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |