Complaint volume
148 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
148 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, grouped by component category.
Buyer interpretation
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
148 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
The most common categories are service brakes, unknown or other, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Enriched records include 6 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 6 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage is available on 6 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 9,587 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
148 total complaints on record
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The vehicles Transfer Case Bevel Box Seal) has been leaking fluid. This has been inspected and confirmed by the VW Dealer. There were no warning lights for this issue. The problem was found during oil change and routine maintenance. This issue has occurred twice on this fairly new 2024 vehicle with less than 20, 000 miles. This appears to be an ongoing issue with these vehicles and a recall should be initiated by the manufacturer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My 2024 Volkswagen Atlas began displaying multiple warning messages involving the engine, drive system, and powertrain. Warning messages included “Engine: error start/stop,” “Drive system, please service vehicle,” and other engine/powertrain alerts. The vehicle has had intermittent check engine lights, shaking, rough operation, abnormal noises, and repeated warning messages that disappear and then return. This is a serious safety issue. The vehicle has lost power, stopped working, failed while in use, and broken down. On one occasion, when I attempted to drive forward, the vehicle moved backward instead. The vehicle displays repeated drive system and engine warnings and becomes unreliable during operation. I have children and regularly transport them in this vehicle, and I do not believe this vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle is still under factory warranty, but I have been unable to obtain timely warranty service. The Volkswagen dealership in Jackson, Mississippi advised they have severe staffing limitations and limited diagnostic availability, and I was told I need to take the vehicle to another state for service. I was also told by Volkswagen customer service that towing assistance may be available under warranty, but when connected with towing assistance I was advised coverage was only for a very limited distance 6 miles! I was quoted approximately $1,900 to tow the vehicle to the available Volkswagen service location in Louisiana. Because the vehicle is not safe or reliable to drive, I have also been forced to pay out of pocket for a rental vehicle while attempting to obtain warranty repairs. VW refused to help me with a loaner or rental. I am filing this complaint because these issues appear to involve the engine, electrical system, and powertrain and create a serious risk of loss of power, unexpected movement, breakdown, or failure while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE | Safety recall issued in November 2025 for the engine cover. The dealership removed the faulty engine cover for safety reasons. VW customer care informed me that the part is not in production. Under federal recall law, manufacturers must provide a remedy within a "reasonable time". Seven months with no production date for the repair is my complaint. The engine cover is designed to reduce engine noise. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES | Component/System Failure: The braking system, specifically the brake rotors (and possibly pads), appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle experiences severe vibration during braking. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: While braking at highway speeds (approximately 50–70 mph), the steering wheel shakes violently and the vehicle vibrates rapidly. This reduces control and creates a serious safety risk, especially when driving downhill or in traffic. It increases stopping distance and makes the vehicle feel unstable. Reproducibility / Dealer Confirmation: The issue has been reproduced multiple times under normal driving conditions. The dealership inspected the vehicle and acknowledged brake/rotor-related vibration but classified it as normal wear and tear and declined warranty repair. Inspections by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. No police or insurance inspections were involved. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: No warning lights or dashboard messages were displayed prior to or during the issue. The only symptom is severe shaking and vibration during braking, which began around 33,000 miles for 2024 ATLAS. Additional Details / Suspected Cause: Given the low mileage, this appears to be premature failure of brake components rather than normal wear. Similar complaints have been reported by other owners, suggesting a potential defect or design issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Repeated concerns involving the reliable response to pressing the gas pedal. Directly after purchase notified dealership the vehicle felt unsafe to drive. That pressing the gas pedal did not guarantee the vehicle would predictably move forward. Response ranges from high rpm with no forward propulsion, delayed response with eventual slow or regular movement, high rpm with no forward movement when taking tight turn, feeling of incorrect gear. Most important when passing and accelerating or moving into traffic from stop you do not know how the vehicle will respond. Two Volkswagen dealers have inspected and state there is nothing wrong. Vehicle has recently had vacuum seals replaced which gave a temporary improvement of response feel but has degraded and left vehicle with a rough idle at stopping. Dealership has replaced based on check engine light: Faulty Breather Valve EVAP Solenoid Vavle Upper Timing Cover Safety is put at risk when car presents an unpredictable response in entering traffic or initiating a maneuver requiring acceleration. Check engine light has appeared only on the most recent repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Car shakes aggressively when going downhill and has been occurring since buying the vehicle. Vehicle was bought brand new has had three vehicle services to fix problem and none of the vehicles services from vermicelli dealership have fixed the vehicle problem. This causes difficulty steering and breaking. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES | am filing a complaint regarding my 2024 Volkswagen due to ongoing safety concerns and the dealership’s refusal to properly address them under warranty. Since early ownership, I have experienced abnormal brake behavior (including a “spongy” or inconsistent pedal feel) and suspension-related issues. At under 16,000 miles, the vehicle has already shown irregular tire wear (feathering), which indicates a potential alignment or suspension defect. These issues raise serious safety concerns, particularly regarding braking reliability and vehicle stability. Despite multiple visits, the dealership has repeatedly stated that “no issues were found,” while simultaneously recommending services such as wheel alignment at my expense. This is contradictory, as the premature tire wear and drivability concerns suggest an underlying defect that should be covered under warranty. Additionally, there is a known recall involving similar models for brake system components (master cylinder), yet my VIN was excluded despite exhibiting similar symptoms. The dealership has not made a good-faith effort to investigate whether my vehicle is affected by a related defect. I believe the dealership is avoiding warranty responsibility by minimizing or dismissing legitimate safety concerns. I am requesting that this matter be formally investigated, including potential defects in the braking and suspension systems, and whether this vehicle should be covered under recall or warranty provisions. This situation presents a potential safety risk not only to myself and my family but also to others on the road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | Brakes are constantly grinding and squeaking Seat belt sensor has an issue - Seat belt noise will continuously go off if no one is sitting in the seat If you give the SUV more gas going uphill then it gets stuck in that gear, which means there is a transmission issue. Car also randomly jolts The safety of my family is put at risk each day I drive the SUV. The dealer has not confirmed the issue and told me the brake squeaking is because of the materials used to produce the SUV. There has been no resolution after the vehicle has been inspected 3x by the Dealer. No warning messages before the issue appeared | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | AIR BAGS | The same airbag error mentioned in recalls for other VINs of this vehicle is happening to this one. I think this VIN also needs to be included. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | When you move from reverse to drive in short spurts to park the car, the vehicle's emergency brake system turns on when nothing is in the way and causes car to lock up - beep loudly and vibrate. This is very disruptive when you try to park and scary as the car is over-reacting. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I am writing to formally report repeated and serious defects with my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, VIN [XXX] , which I leased in California. These defects occurred well within the vehicle’s first year and while under factory warranty. Brake System Defect At 8,405 miles, the vehicle received its 10,000-mile maintenance. At 9,340 miles, brake pads measured 10 mm front / 8 mm rear, reflecting nearly new condition. By 13,175 miles, the pads had separated from their backing plates, causing scoring of the front rotors. Told they crumbled by the dealership. Dealer performed a “one-time goodwill repair” on the 1-year in-service date, replacing pads and rotors, but refused to document the failure as a warranty-covered defect. This premature failure at 13k miles is not normal wear and reflects a serious manufacturing/material defect that created a safety hazard. Engine and Oil Issues At 13,175 miles, the oil light came on and the vehicle was found to be low on oil despite proper service at 8,405 miles. At 8,405 miles the oil light also came on showing low to no oil. Intermittent Warning and Electrical Issues Throughout this period, the vehicle has experienced recurring warning messages and system malfunctions, including: “Error: Dynamic Road Sign Display” “Lane Assist Not Available” “Front Assist Has Limited Availability” TPMS issues, where displayed tire pressure did not match actual pressure, and the light remained on for days despite correct tire pressures being confirmed. Additional Warranty Repairs At 9,943 miles, the radio required a software repair under warranty. Paint defect required repair under warranty. Summary: In less than 14,000 miles, this vehicle has experienced: Critical brake system failure (pads separating, rotor damage). Engine oil loss triggering warning light. Multiple electrical and safety system errors affecting driver-assist features. Radio malfunction requiring repair. Paint defect requiring repair. I have more pics & orders INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | the backup camera has had a flicker/black screen issue since the car was purchased. after recall 24V480000 was applied to the vehicle, the flickering, black screen and no image issues persisted with the backup camera. dealership says software is up to date and this site shows the recall was applied to the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES | The brakes on the vehicle are spongy and have to be depressed much more than normal for it to be applied. There is a brake system recall by VW but my vehicle is not part of the recall list. However I am experiencing the same symptoms as what's listed in the recall reasons. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER | The rear light bar/tail light assembly fills with water and causing turn signals and light bar to intermittently not work. This occurred the first time that the vehicle was left out in the rain at approximately 65k. It is always parked covered and I do not drive in the rain. Many other Atlas have this issue much sooner if they are left in the inclement weather. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | Vehicle was first sohwn to have low coolant and improper temps in the engine compartment, found to have multiple issues by independent car care facility regarding the coolant system and engine temperature. This also caused issues with rpms at idle and while parked. Car was taken to dealership for repair. Replacements under warranty made including thermostat, coolant pump, vacuum pump, toothed belt cover, and pressure pipe, etc. 1,000 miles later, issues continued, with the dealership having to perform a second fix including fixing the intake runner control valve. The car still behaved irregularly though assured that dealership performed full inspection. Now, third set of problems have arisen with the vehicle, with significantly low coolant after only 5 months post-repair and multiple spraying stains from oxidized coolant inside engine compartment. Vehicle still fluctuates in rpms at irregular times and has issues changing gears. Family members and children occupy this vehicle at regular times during the week, and having coolant issues, rpm spiking, idle lurching, and malfunctioning engine systems can lead to catastrophic failure of the entire vehicle while in transit, putting family life at serious risk of harm, injury, or death. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety-related defects with my Volkswagen vehicle that remain unresolved despite multiple attempts through the manufacturer and an authorized dealership. The vehicle has experienced recurring and unpredictable issues including warning lights activating without explanation, sensor malfunctions, abnormal and recurring brake noises, and the infotainment/vehicle information system intermittently failing to power on or experiencing complete blackouts during operation. These issues occur during normal driving and present potential safety concerns by distracting the driver, limiting access to vehicle information, and raising concerns regarding braking reliability and electrical system stability. I previously filed a formal complaint directly with Volkswagen regarding these defects and have received no meaningful response, resolution, or follow-up. I also brought the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for inspection. Despite review, no permanent repair was completed and the same defects continue to occur. I was not provided a clear explanation, corrective action, or assurance that the vehicle is safe for continued operation. I have documentation showing that these issues are not isolated to my vehicle. Identical brake noises and infotainment system blackouts have been widely reported by other Volkswagen owners across social media platforms and Reddit community groups, suggesting a broader or systemic defect. In addition, I personally possess videos and photographs documenting the brake noises, infotainment blackouts, warning lights, and electrical irregularities affecting my vehicle. This evidence is available upon request, and I am prepared to provide follow-up information as needed. Given the repeated failures, lack of manufacturer response, and corroborating reports from other owners, I am requesting that this complaint be formally recorded and evaluated by the NHTSA. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The owners manual for the 2024 VW Atlas SEL fuse diagrams and descriptions do not match the fuse box (interior) found in the vehicle. As an example the owners manual states the telephone system is controlled via fuse 16, but in my vehicle fuse 16 is an airbag fuse (as detailed in third-party fuse diagrams (e.g. [XXX] )). While third-party sources do display the correct and accurate fuse diagrams these may not be available to a driver in an emergency when they need to investigate an issue and replace a fuse on the roadside. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES | Not even a year old and brakes squeaking/ gurgling sounds coming from the front wheels. As time goes on seems to get worse to the point where I am braking and slips a little. I've taken by car to the dealership twice and made several calls they keep sayings it is a known issued and a flaw for VW not a safety issue. The gurling sound is not normal and not safe especially for a new vehicle. I have an open case with VW, but they won't budge since they go off of what techs are documenting. They said I would have to pay out of pocket to replace the rotors and breaks even though vehicle is only a year old. If I would have known of this issue, I would have not bought this vehicle. On another note, having issues with moisture building up and developing mold which is coming through the vents. This is something VW does not take care of would have to pay for odor treatment on faulty design. I have never ran into this issued with any other make. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On December 15th, 2025, in Bradenton Fl, I was changing a tire in front of my house's parking area. I removed the tire and properly installed the car's original jack in the correct location on the vehicle. After about a minute, the jack collapsed, and the entire vehicle, along with the rotor, crushed my right foot. I couldn't get it out and had to scream for help because of the terrible pain. After several minutes, some neighbors tried to help me, but it wasn't until about 10 minutes later that a man and his son came to my aid and used their jack to lift my vehicle. An ambulance picked me up, and at the hospital, I was treated for several lacerations and a deep wound on my heel that required eight stitches. After I got home, I looked at the jack, and it was marked with a maximum weight capacity of 2866 pounds. I compared this to the vehicle's manual, and it didn't match the weight of the front axle, which is heavier. This means the jack was not suitable for supporting the front of my car, and this is why it caused me serious injuries to my foot, as well as fear, anxiety, and significant medical bills. I need help with my case, please! | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STRUCTURE | The temperature was about 1 degree this morning at my home. My vehicle was parked outside. The driver's side door will not latch closed. The visible part of the latch mechanism is not frozen. I have not not gotten the vehicle to a dealer yet because I do not know how to get it there with a door that won't latch closed. I am hoping that when it warms up the door will start working properly again but this is not acceptable or safe. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES | The brakes on this vehicle are substandard; they produce a loud noise when cold. I took it to the dealership to assess whether the brakes were defective, but they were found to be in proper condition. However, the representative at the Volkswagen dealership mentioned that all customers with a newer Atlas experience the same issue. It appears there is a common problem with the brakes, and they have indicated that it will not be repaired or replaced. The noise suggests the brakes are retreating, which is highly distracting while driving or braking. I am therefore concerned about the possibility of an accident or brake failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | GPS/Navigation/SOS/Roadside Assistance - SOS System logs as "deactivated" and vehicle thinks it is 2 states away from my current location. In case of an accident, emergency, or other safety issue, the SOS system would, unbeknownst to an operator, not be able to locate the vehicle and/or notify emergency services. When you get into the vehicle, it does not let you know that the SOS function is deactivated (only once you "test" the system to do you become aware that the feature is not functioning). When the vehicle erroneously believes that it is "off road" it shuts the ADAS features off until it thinks you are back "on" the road. The vehicle has been seen by the dealership twice and multiple calls have been placed to VW. No known fixes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I have a 2024 VW Atlas and this is the second time I'm taking the car to the dealer to have the fuel door opened. There is a problem with the fuel door actuator and it was replaced one time about 14-16 months ago. Often the fuel door will not open and there is no pull string to open it. The fuel door locks and unlocks with the vehicle. It often sticks and it could cause a problem with someone running out of gas in their vehicle. Also - being stranded in a less than a desirable area can impact one's safety. I was fortunate - but today Im heading to the dealership to have them replace the actuator again. Now, I question taking this car on a long road trip and having to fuel in the middle of the evening when dealerships are not open. I believe all vehicles should have a pull tab to open the fuel door in case of these kinds of situations. I had a similar problem with a 2017 Porsche Macan S - not sure if it is the same part number. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 1st Issue: Braking noises while applying brakes. While applying brake pressure to brake pedal there are squealing, grinding, gargling (liquid) sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. There are no lights or warnings displayed. This has been happening since bought new back in may of 2024. This issue has been brought up to the service department at the Volkswagen dealership where purchased multiple times when going in for oil changes and (other issues) the vehicle had or has. Every time it is brought up the service advisor states there is nothing wrong with the vehicle and is “normal” operation for the vehicle being in the southern states. This is a safety hazard to not only myself and family but other family’s traveling U.S. roads. We fear that the brakes may fail at anytime while traveling and we do a lot of traveling with our son. 2nd Issue: Engine noises and erratic idle upon start up. Vehicle was brought in for low oil level light, supervisor was informed about the problem. Vehicle was checked, oil added and was told nothing wrong. When cold starting (not every time) the vehicle makes a surging sound and has erratic idle for about 3-5 seconds then clears up. Vehicle was also recently brought in for low coolant light, vehicle was topped off, no leaks visible but was not checked for internal leaks. 3rd Issue: Electrical problems with the infotainment system and windows. Infotainment system randomly goes black at any time while vehicle is being used. Windows will randomly go up or down when trying to work the switches. Ex: once window is rolled down and try to raise, when the switch is released the window will randomly go back down or the opposite window will roll down or up depending on what position it is in. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | STEERING | since purchase the car when holding steering straight veers to the left into oncoming traffic. vehicle has been to service 9x work on the subframe was completed at the first go..significant work that VW Corporate could not explain on a new car coming off the line. attempts since from most recent road force 4 wheel balance. car still pulls to the left. VW corporate was notified we would like a replacement but they still want to send the car back to service again. transparency has not been at the front of this case, they cant answer questions when directed asked esp regarding subframe work. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |