Complaint volume
444 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
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Complaints
444 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, grouped by component category.
444 Total complaints
8 Crash reports
1 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 exterior lighting, air bags, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 8 crash reports, 1 fire report, 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 36 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 21,554 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to exterior lighting, air bags, unknown or other?
- 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 2021 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.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas complaints?
8 Crash
1 Fire
9 Injury
0 Fatality
10 Towed
6 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Atlas complaint categories?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 49
AIR BAGS 38
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 35
ENGINE 28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 25
SERVICE BRAKES 22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES 13
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 12
STRUCTURE 12
444 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Engine nearly stalls at low speeds in either toward or reverse - such as in parking lots or when backing up a driveway. The car will also surge at moderate speeds (30-40 mph). Car hasn't actually stalled yet but feels like it's about to until I press on the brake. The problem occurs randomly and would be very difficult to reproduce. The transmission will also shift violently randomly during the 30 - 40 mph range. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I am writing to inform about the ongoing issues I have been experiencing with the infotainment system in my Volkswagen Atlas 2021, which was purchased in March 2021 from Mall of Georgia Volkswagen. At the time of purchase, the drivers of this vehicle were using the following phones: iPhone 13 Pro Max (2 drivers) and iPhone 13 Pro (2 drivers) All phones were kept up to date with the latest iOS updates until November 2023. At that point, we upgraded to the following phones: iPhone 15 Pro Max (2 drivers) and iPhone 15 Pro (2 drivers), These new devices were initially running iOS 17.1.1, which was released on November 7, 2023, and were later upgraded to iOS 17.1.2 upon its release on November 30, 2023. On December 8, 2023, the first driver encountered a significant issue with installed mapping applications (Apple Maps and Google Maps), where the apps would repeatedly reroute unexpectedly. When iOS 17.2 was released on December 11, 2023, all drivers upgraded their devices to this version no later than December 15, 2023. By December 16, 2023, all drivers began to experience the same rerouting issue. To troubleshoot, we disconnected each offending phone and connected another non-used phone until all four phones had been tested. However, the problem persisted with each device. This prompted us to bring the vehicle in for service on December 21, 2023. It’s important to note that this problem does not occur in our other vehicles, which include: 2021 Toyota CR-V, 2022 Dodge Charger, and 2023 Dodge Challenger. All do not use wireless CarPlay. We attempted to connect the vehicle using only a cable, but this was unsuccessful as it forces the phone to use wireless CarPlay. Manually turning off WiFi and Bluetooth on the phones results in WiFi being automatically turned on by the vehicle, further complicating the issue. The rerouting problem continued, leading us to bring the vehicle back for servicing in January 2024 and March 2024, with no resolution as of today. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | VW Atlas front LED daytime running lamps stop working within first 4 years of ownership. Daytime running lamps are a standard safety feature of most new vehicles. VW dealership cost to repair $1,000, replace the entire headlight assembly. VW needs to extend warranty on this important safety feature for a vehicle designed to transport families. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On [XXX] my 2021 Volkswagen Atlas cut off on [XXX] at the red light and I was almost rear ended multiple times until a kind gentleman moved my car out of the intersection. It has been parked in my driveway since because the battery won't hold a charge. I had the battery tested but the machine read that something is draining the battery even without keys being in the car ignition switch. The windows goes up and down by themselves without the power being engaged. The car is surging and all of these things are included on a recall list for Volkswagen which I will include in this complaint but Volkswagen specifically Kurt O from VW Social Media said that won't do anything to help. I truly believe they are picking and choosing whose VIN number to repair and the rest are left to their own vices. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My vehicle turned off while driving even though the start stop feature was deactivated. I’m scared that this might cause an accident on the highway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Emergency SOS error. Dealership stated that the modulator is defective. It is draining my battery and requires to be jumped off to start. I have read in VW forums that this is a known problem effecting many VW, Audi and BMW owners. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Object, too small to be seen or causing sound on impact while driving on HWY, ruptured the gas tank, making it loose gas / heavily dripping gas. No warning on car computer. I did not notice the leak until arriving at my destination and I don’t really want to think about what could have happened. Gas dripping could have caused car go up in flames, causing severe damage to passengers, other vehicles, other people. Car was inspected at VW dealership, gas tank needed complete replacement. Same dealership advised same day another VW came into the dealership with exact same issue. VW states no warranty. I’m seriously wondering if VW gas tanks are made of such weak material / are insufficiently protected to cause such a huge safety concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | AIR BAGS | Was advised recall is usually sorted out within 30 days. It has been 30+ days since the official passenger airbag recall. Purchased vehicle 60 days ago, Vehicle recalled 30+ days ago— no remedy available. Passenger airbag issue— Turo, Lyft, Uber will not allow me to earn income due to NHTSA recall regulations— not drivable due to safety issue. Unemployed 30+ days as well as no transportation for family. We are stuck at home this summer with car payment and house payment we cannot pay. Hoping this complaint may help my family get back on our feet and speed up a solution to the recall on our 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SE w/motion & technology R-Design. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My vehicle while driving on the highway at 65-70mph had the automatic emergency brake system engage. We came to a complete stop and if the highway was not empty could have resulted in a traumatic incident for my family and I. I called Volkswagen and they do not have a fix for this issue. This is our only vehicle and we are not comfortable driving it. It could happen again and could be worse than the first time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Driving and sun roof shattered while it was in closed position. nothing struck it. no temperature extremes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE | While driving at low speeds or accelerating from a stopped position, vehicle engine stalls out and the entire vehicle shuts down and prompts me to manually restart the engine by placing the vehicle in park. This has happened as I have tried to pull out of a parking lot onto a road with vehicles coming both ways. This is a safety hazard for passengers of the vehicle as well as others around if my car shuts down in the middle of the road. Inspection at Killeen VW, they were unable to replicate the issue so they were not able to diagnosis the issue. The problem occurred twice approximately two hours after we left. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Running lights (under headlight) went out before 60k Multiple vehicle report same problem | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal fluttered while depressed. Additionally, the contact heard a loud grinding sound while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 55,000 |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My 2021 Atlas with around 28,000 miles turned off on me instead of restarting while the auto start/stop function was engaged. This happened 3 times. 1) June 26, 2024 I was in standstill traffic. My auto start/stop was engaged and when I took my foot off my brake to move, my Atlas engine turned off (power stayed on) and a message appeared stating “please start engine manually”. I had to switch my car from Drive to Park and then turn it on again. 2) June 26, 2024 I was parking and when maneuvering in to a parking spot and took my foot of the break, my Atlas engine turned off (power stayed on) and a message appeared stating “please start engine manually”. I had to switch my car from Drive to Park and then turn it on again. 3) July 8, 2024 same as number 2. Except I know for a fact that my start/stop was turned off. I took it to the dealership and they found that my battery failed and replaced it. About a week later is when the 3rd incident occurred. My car is currently at the dealership where “they aren’t finding any faults”. It is incredibly dangerous to have a car unexpectedly turn off on you while in the middle of a highway, intersection, or really around any other cars. The dealership cannot reproduce the problem; however, it is sporadic. Multiple forums online mention other owners having the same exact issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Sunroof exploded while driving on the freeway with no other cars around | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | Right now there is a recall for an incorrectly working airbag for my volkswagon and i have a lease that is up next month. They will not buy back my vehicle because of the recall and the fact that they have no fix. I have a family of 5 and need all 5 seats and now cannot drive my car with everyone without a giant safety risk. This is happening in concert with a faulty air conditioning unit in the vehicle that has been serviced more than 5 times in a 3 year period and is currently at the dealership to have the a/c unti fixed but now is not willing to negiotate because they know they cannot resell the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My 2021 Atlas, has started to shut off by itself when put in park. "MESSAGE- engine will shut off automatically to conserve battery" it randomly shut off when the car slows down stopped or on in reverse. This has occur while stopped on red light, reverse or even when driving slow. . This is a very dangerous problem and safety issue that can result in collisions / injuries or worse. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle is shutting off when coming to a stop light or sign or when placed in park.. throws a message on dash to restart manually. Has happened intermittently since purchase used in December 2023 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Just purchased vehicle, light: SOS: EMERGENCY CALL FUNCTION, SERVICE VEHICLE is continuously turning on, you turn off car, it goes away. Start car and drive, turns right back on. Have been to dealer and was told module would need to be replaced car is 3 years old. It's a constant beeping/ distraction. The potential consequences of not addressing the issue are unclear. There exist numerous blogs and consumer reviews about this issue, indicating that consumers must constantly expend funds to rectify the issue, when it should ideally be managed by the manufacturer. This is unacceptable. Are we being sold lemons here in California? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | AIR BAGS | Passenger air bag sensor defect Diagnosed by local dealership and quoted $800 for repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | We bought this vehicle with 15,000 miles in January 2023. Since then, we have made close to 30,000 miles, currently sitting at 44,000 miles. Today, I discovered another crack in the windshield. This would be our 5th windshield since we own a car. I had numerous vehicles but never had a crack. Further investigation on my part revealed that this is an extremely common problem with the VW Atlas. It impairs my view; sun light is breaking over those cracks, and not to mention that glass can break if I hit a pothole. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | AIR BAGS | My 2021 Atlas has been giving me an “error: airbag” warning for the last 12 months, off and on. I’ve taken it to the shop multiple times for this issue and there are no codes that indicate anything is wrong. The first time the issue occurred, it would ding and pop up the warning while driving, and would only pop up one time over the course of my drive. The shop checked it out and said the “sensor was loose”. The second time it happened (3 or so months later), it would ding at me multiple times over the course of my drive and while I was parked. I took it in yet again and they said it was just messy under the seat and that’s probably why. Four weeks later, it’s happening again. I am beyond fed up with having to take it in over and over again for the same thing, and they never find a problem. I need a reliable car as I have kids and a husband and I’m not willing to risk their safety. I am strongly considering getting rid of the car, due to this issue alone. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES | Steering wheel vibrates when going 55mph and over. Tired have been balanced and aligned I bought new tires and rims and got them balanced and aligned as well spent a lot of money and it’s still an issue. Vehicle pulls to the left, even with an alignment done. Taken to multiple shops they “can’t find the issue” .. my brakes grind, squeak, but again they said they are perfectly fine. My touchscreen turns off randomly for days won’t turn on nothing works on it and because of that I can’t put it in ECO mode , use navigation, or any other features and because VW couldn’t replicate the same issue they can’t fix it despite my many videos I showed them. I have only had the car since Feb 26,2024 and put more money into this than I’d like. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Currently there are 17500 miles on the vehicle and at times the extreme harsch downshift is back. The car will shake so strong that it seems that someone hit us in the back. No hills, smooth and flat streets, no potholes. Not sure what is going on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | STRUCTURE | Peeling clear coat at 47,000 miles. Dealership said paint warranty ended at 36,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |