2019 Volkswagen Atlas Owner Complaints

MY BATTERY DIED WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKES OR WHEEL

3/22/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SAFETY FEATURE ENGAGED WHEN DRIVING ON AN INCLINE OR OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE SAFETY FEATURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE AREA EMITTED A BEEPING AND GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE GEAR INTO PARK, THEN REVERSE, AND THEN RESTART THE ENGINE TO REGAIN NORMAL FUNCTION. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH LARRY H. MILLER VOLKSWAGEN (10205 WEST PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, (480) 865-3991) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY AND THE SAFETY FEATURE ENGAGED WHEN IT SENSED AN INCLINE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANEUVER BRAKING SYSTEM COULD BE DISENGAGED TO STOP THE INCLINE DETECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.

4/18/2019

DEFECT IN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. ALSO, INCORRECTLY CODED DATA CONTAINER WHICH FAILS TO PROVIDE AUDIBLE WARNING WHEN THE DRIVER OPENS THE DOOR WHICH INCREASES RISK OF VEHICLE THEFT.

12/29/2018

WATER COLLECTING ON FRONT PASSENGER FLOORBOARD. A/C DRIP LINE PINCHED OR DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY IS THOUGHT TO BE RESPONSIBLE

3/22/2019

MY BATTERY DIED WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKES OR WHEEL

3/22/2019

UPON ACCELERATING MY 2019 VW ATLAS DOWN AN EMPTY STREET BETWEEN 10 TO 20 MILES PER HOUR THE AUTONAMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP JOLTING US FORWARD. IT WAS SO UNEXPECTED THAT MY HANDS SLIPPED OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AND LANDED ON THE DASH BOARD. THE HALT CAME WITH A VERY LOUD NOISE. AS I EXPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN AND VW CORPORATE OFFICE REGIONAL CASE MANAGER, THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS, ANIMALS, OBSTACLES, ETC. ON THE ROADWAY. THE DAY WAS SUNNY AND THE GRILL EMBLEM THAT HOUSES THE SYSTEM SENSOR WAS UNOBSTRUCTED AND CLEAN. IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A VEHICLE BEHIND ME I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT "THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE" AND PER CORPORATE ENGINEERS THE SENSOR IS WORKING PER SPECIFICATIONS AND NO FAULT CODES WERE FOUND WITH THE SENSOR. IMAGINE RECEIVING THIS EXPLANATION AFTER THAT SCARY INCIDENT HAPPENS TO YOU OUT OF NO WHERE. NOW I CAN'T GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THINKING WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. TOO HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE CEO OF VOLKSWAGEN SEEKING A RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. MY THOUGHT IS THAT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR'S SOFTWARE CODE AND VOLKSWAGEN DOESN'T HAVE A SOLUTION. PLEASE I ASK THAT THIS ISSUE BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL BE ISSUED. THE INTERNET HAS INFO ON OTHER OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE ALONG WITH A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED IN CALIFORNIA AGAINST VW FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THANK YOU. *JS

9/11/2019

MY BATTERY DIED WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKES OR WHEEL

3/22/2019

BOUGHT MY ATLAS ON 3/24/19, A FEW DAYS AFTER I GOT THE LOW COOLANT WARNING LIGHT WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOPPED IT OFF AND SAID, "OH THEY COME TO THE DEALER SOMETIMES A LITTLE LOW." NOT SURE WHY THEY DON'T CHECK WHEN PREPPING THE CAR FOR DELIVERY. ON 4/3, LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 4/4, NO VISIBLE LEAK UNDERNEATH OR BY THE TANK. A POSSIBLE LEAK WAS FOUND BEHIND THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL, I CAN SEE SOME PINK POOLING ON SOMETHING SILVER (ENGINE OR TRANS WHATEVER IT IS). THEY DETERMINED THAT THE COOLANT HOSE HAS FAILED AND CLAIM TO HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT ISSUE BEFORE. THEY ORDERED THE WRONG PARTS AND COULDN'T FIT. THEY ARE ORDERING MORE PARTS AND IT COULD BE A FEW WEEKS BEFORE I GET IT BACK. I HAVE ALSO ENGAGED VW OF AMERICA. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A NEW CAR YET ALONE THE DEALER TAKE SO LONG TO FIX IT. THE CAR HAS ONLY 400 MILES ON IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANKS.

4/12/2019

BOUGHT MY ATLAS ON 3/24/19, A FEW DAYS AFTER I GOT THE LOW COOLANT WARNING LIGHT WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOPPED IT OFF AND SAID, "OH THEY COME TO THE DEALER SOMETIMES A LITTLE LOW." NOT SURE WHY THEY DON'T CHECK WHEN PREPPING THE CAR FOR DELIVERY. ON 4/3, LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 4/4, NO VISIBLE LEAK UNDERNEATH OR BY THE TANK. A POSSIBLE LEAK WAS FOUND BEHIND THE ENGINE NEAR THE FIREWALL, I CAN SEE SOME PINK POOLING ON SOMETHING SILVER (ENGINE OR TRANS WHATEVER IT IS). THEY DETERMINED THAT THE COOLANT HOSE HAS FAILED AND CLAIM TO HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT ISSUE BEFORE. THEY ORDERED THE WRONG PARTS AND COULDN'T FIT. THEY ARE ORDERING MORE PARTS AND IT COULD BE A FEW WEEKS BEFORE I GET IT BACK. I HAVE ALSO ENGAGED VW OF AMERICA. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ON A NEW CAR YET ALONE THE DEALER TAKE SO LONG TO FIX IT. THE CAR HAS ONLY 400 MILES ON IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANKS.

4/12/2019

ONE WEEK AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING NOISE DURING THE FOLLOWING SCENARIOS: ACCELERATING FROM LOW SPEED / TAKING OFF FROM A STOP / AFTER VEHICLE TURNED OFF. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE SOUND ON FIRST ATTEMPT. VEHICLE HAS AGAIN BEEN DROPPED OFF AT DEALER AS GRINDING NOISE CONTINUES AND GETS LOUDER AT TIMES. HAVE SEARCHED IN DIFFERENT FORUMS AND SOME STATE THAT IT IS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING PROPERLY PROGRAMMED TO SHIFT FROM 3RD TO 2ND WHEN SLOWING DOWN. INSTEAD IT SKIPS 2ND GEAR (NOT A PROFESSIONAL OPINION AS I AM JUST QUOTING WHAT I'VE READ). SOME HAVE STATED IT COULD BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. STILL NO SOLUTION.

6/24/2019

CAR HAS STOPPED ABRUPTLY IN TRAFFIC ON TWO OCCASION IN WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INNOCUOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. FIRST WAS TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON A SLIGHT DECLINE AND NO HAZARDS, SLOW MOVING MODERATE TRAFFIC (ABOUT 25 - 30 MPH), WHERE THE CAR WAS COASTING (DRIVE NEITHER ACCELERATING OR BRAKING) IN PERFECT WEATHER. SECOND WAS MAKING A TURN AT A GREEN LEFT TURN SIGNAL, PROBABLY AT SPEED OF 15 MPH; AGAIN PERFECT WEATHER. DEALER RESPONSE WAS TO INDICATE THE SYSTEM WAS SENSITIVE AND OFFERED TO DEACTIVATE IT. SECOND RESPONSE WAS TO "RECALIBRATE" IT FOR $400. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 12,000 VERY LIGHT MILES ON IT.

11/9/2020

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OUR 2019 VW ATLAS SEL PREMIUM HAS ENGAGED THE BRAKES EVEN WHEN THERE ARE NO OBSTACLES TO AVOID CREATING A DANGEROUS, SCARY AND UNPREDICTABLE SENECIO FOR OUR FAMILY AND OTHER DRIVERS AROUND US. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATED BRAKING HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED BY SERVICE ADVISORS AS SOFTWARE ISSUES WITH 'FRONT ASSIST, MANEUVER BRAKING, AND/OR REMOTE START".

12/1/2020

AT DELIVERY (4400 MILES) AS THIS WAS A PROGRAM CAR, THE STEERING COLUMN CREEKS, POPS, AND CRACKLES WITH AT TIMES PRODUCES A LOW PITCH HIGH FREQUENCY MOAN/GROWN. THIS IS MOST NOTABLE AT LOW SPEEDS FOR THE CRACKLING NOISE, THE MOANING SOUND IS EVIDENT AT 60 MPH OR SO. I SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE AND TOWED IT TO DEALERSHIP. STEERING FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR, BUT THE NOISES CREATED SAFETY CONCERN. THE SALESMAN CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS A OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE

10/22/2019

I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW ATLAS IN OCTOBER. WE DECIDED ON ATLAS DUE TO THE GREAT SAFETY RATINGS. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, THE ATLAS WAS IN THE SHOP FOR O2 SENSOR #1. THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT WAS IN FOR REPLACEMENT OF STEERING RACK. THE EXTREMELY LOUD NOISES STARTED WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT THE SECOND O2 SENSOR REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. NOW I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING IT IN ON MONDAY BECAUSE THE REMOTE START THAT I USE EVERY MORNING STOPPED WORKING TUESDAY. AS OF TODAY, IT HASN'T EVEN HIT 3,000 MILES.

12/26/2019

AIR BAG ERROR LIGHT SHOWED UP WHEN I TURNED ON MY CAR, UNDER 3,000 MILES ON CAR CAR WAS DRIVEN THE NIGHT BEFORE AND DRIVER REPORTED AIR BAG ERROR LIGHT FLASHING AND THEN REMAINED STEADY ON.

3/23/2019

STRUCK A LARGE POTHOLE WITH DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING 15MPH ON A ROUNDABOUT WHICH APPARENTLY CAUSED THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. NO BODY DAMAGE AND NO APPEARANCE OF SUSPENSION DAMAGE. TIRE AND WHEEL REMAINED INTACT, DROVE STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR CLOSER LOOK/EXPLANATION AS TO WHY ALL SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

2/16/2020

2019 VW VOLKSWAGEN SEL-P WITH 1600 MILES. STARTED THE CAR TO COME HOME FROM THE PARK 2 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND HALFWAY HOME THE CAR STARTED CUTTING OUT, HAD VERY LIMITED POWER, EPC LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED SHORTLY BY THE ENGINE LIGHT AND A FUEL SMELL. BY THE TIME I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE FUEL SMELL WAS VERY STRONG. SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT WHILE SOMEONE WAS LOOKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY SEEN THAT A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL WAS DUMPING FROM THE FUEL RAIL/INJECTOR AREA AT THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. RAW GAS WAS ALSO SEEN DRIPPING ONTO GROUND. FUEL IS ONLY DUMPING WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED AND RUNNING. LUCKILY DRIVE WAS A SHORT DISTANCE OR IT IS VERY LIKELY IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL LEAK.

6/9/2019

THE GAS CONSUMPTION IS BELOW WHAT VOLKSWAGEN CLAIMS AND ADVERTISES. OUR CAR AVERAGES 14 MPG INSTEAD OF 19 MPG. ON USER FORUMS, OTHER ATLAS OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT AVERAGING 14 MPG. WHEN WE PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, IT STARTS TO ROLL FORWARD. THE TRANSMISSION JOLTS WHILE DRIVING. SINCE WE GOT THE CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR AN EVAP LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP "FIXED" IT. HOWEVER, SEVERAL HOURS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON.

9/7/2019

1) RADAR AUTO-BRAKE: WHEN PARALLEL PARKING AND BACKING ( GOING IN REVERSE ) PARALLEL TO THE CURB, AT MAYBE 2 MPH AND 10 INCHES FROM CURB, I GOT YELLOW STOP, STOP !!!!!!! MESSAGE FOLLOWED BY SENSATION OF HITTING AN OBJECT AND BEING THROWN INTO THE SEAT. ONLY THERE WAS NO OBJECT. RAN OUT OF A CAR, NOTHING AND NOBODY THERE, AT LEAST FOR 50 YARDS. AN AUTO-BRAKE ENGAGED. THAT IS REALLY BROKEN. INTERFERENCE CAUSED IT TO DO THAT ? OVERHEATED COMPUTER IN 90 DEGREE SUN ? 2) TRANSMISSION LOGIC: UNRELATED TO ABOVE, WHEN GOING IN SLOW TRAFFIC 2-10 MPH, PRESSING GAS SHIFTS TRANSMISSION INTO HIGHER GEAR INSTEAD OF LOWER, RESULTING IN HIT-LIKE ENGAGEMENT AND ACTUAL INABILITY TO REV THE ENGINE AND ACCELERATE. SLOW AND DEEP PEDAL MOVEMENT DOES DOWNSHIFT AND ACCELERATE BUT TOO MUCH. ALL CARS ARE LIKE THAT AND I TEST DROVE SEVERAL. 3) TRANSMISSION LOGIC: RELATED TO (2) ABOVE, PARADOXICALLY IN SPORT DRIVING MODE, WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND MERGE HIGHWAY FROM 10 MPH, TRANSMISSION SHIFTED UP SEVERAL GEARS, NOT ALLOWING TO REV THE ENGINE, AND RESULTED IN RPM DECAY /POWER LOSS -- VERY SCARY. THAT LAUNCH WAS TIMELY ABORTED, AND DRIVER LATER MERGED THE ROAD IN MANUAL "TIPTRONIC" MODE. 4) IMPROPER GAS PEDAL CALIBRATION: COMPARED TO OTHER GERMAN, JAPANESE AND AMERICAN CARS, VW ATLAS HAS ABNORMAL AND UNSAFE GAS PEDAL CALIBRATION. FROM A STOP, ONLY LIGHTLY FEATHERING THE PEDAL RESULTS IN CIVILIZED CONTROLLED MOTION. NORMAL GAS PEDAL PRESSURE RESULTS IN A CAR ROCKETING FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY. VW HAS TO TALK TO SOME OTHER MANUFACTURERS AND GET THEIR GAS CALIBRATION CONSISTENT WITH OTHER CARS, SO IT CAN BE DRIVEN STEADY AND SAFELY AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN NECESSARY.

7/2/2019

AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DEPLOYS WITHOUT CAUSE. SITUATION: DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, NO CARS WITHIN A HALF MILE, GOING 75 WITH ACC AND BREAKS AUTOMATICALLY SLAMMED ON WITH A COLLISION WARNING. SENSOR AND CAR WERE CLEAN, NO CARS OR POSSIBLE IMPACTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES. ADDITIONAL SITUATIONS: ACC TURNS OFF BOTH ON INTERSTATE AND ON LONG HIGHWAY BRIDGE. SITUATIONS WERE DIFFERENT, BOTH DAY AND NIGHT TIME/ WITH OTHER CARS AND WITHOUT. ALL SITUATIONS HAD NO POSSIBLE CHANCE OF IMPACT. ACC WILL TURN OFF WHILE CAR IS GOING IN 50-70 MPH RANGE AND SUDDENLY BREAK, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DEALERSHIP RESPONDED "NOTHING IS PERFECT" THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ROUGHLY 7 TIMES, WITH NO ADVICE FROM THE DEALER OTHER THAN TO "SEE IF I CAN JUST TURN THE ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS OFF." THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO SEE MY CAR IMMEDIATELY WHEN I TOOK IT IN AFTER THE BRAKING INCIDENT TODAY AND HAVE SCHEDULED ME FOR A LATER DATE.

3/9/2020

THE CAR RANDOMLY DOES NOT ACCELERATE AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN CHANGING LANES IN TRAFFIC, HAS A SCREECHING NOISE UPON ACCELERATION THAT VW SAYS IS A NORMAL LOUD NOISE BECAUSE ITS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR ALL THE VEHICLES (THAT'S THE EXACT WORDS FROM THE VW MECHANIC). I HAVE A VIDEO THAT SHOWS THE PROBLEM WITH EXCELEAREATION YET VW TELLS ME THEY'RE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE SWAY BARS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES IN 6 MONTHS AND THE PROBLEM STILL ISN'T REPAIRED. THE AUTO COLLISION RANDOMLY WORKS.

11/18/2020

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OUR 2019 VW ATLAS SEL PREMIUM HAS ENGAGED THE BRAKES EVEN WHEN THERE ARE NO OBSTACLES TO AVOID CREATING A DANGEROUS, SCARY AND UNPREDICTABLE SENECIO FOR OUR FAMILY AND OTHER DRIVERS AROUND US. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATED BRAKING HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED BY SERVICE ADVISORS AS SOFTWARE ISSUES WITH 'FRONT ASSIST, MANEUVER BRAKING, AND/OR REMOTE START".

12/1/2020

STRUCK A LARGE POTHOLE WITH DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING 15MPH ON A ROUNDABOUT WHICH APPARENTLY CAUSED THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. NO BODY DAMAGE AND NO APPEARANCE OF SUSPENSION DAMAGE. TIRE AND WHEEL REMAINED INTACT, DROVE STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR CLOSER LOOK/EXPLANATION AS TO WHY ALL SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

2/16/2020

PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/18/2020. SUV WAS SHAKING AND TOLD THE SELLER. THEY STATED THEY WOULD FIX WHEN THEY DID THE STICKER AND REGISTRATION. ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE SHAKING BY ROAD FORCE BALANCE. WAS TOLD WAS A FLAT SPOT SO THEY REPLACED RIMS AND TIRES WITH A SET OFF ANOTHER TRUCK. STILL SHOOK AND WAS PULLING TO RIGHT. THEY ATTEMPTED FIXING THE TIRES AND DID ROAD TEST BALANCING ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE TRUCK STILL SHAKES EXCESSIVELY AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I CONTACTED CORPORATE AND THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID WHAT THEY COULD AND NO LONGER WISH TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS MY WIFE AND TWIN 16 MONTH OLD GIRLS WILL BE IN THE SUV. WE PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN SHAKING SINCE THEN. IT SHAKES AT 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. SO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO BE DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS AT THOSE SPEEDS. *TR

6/2/2020

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 5 MONTHS AGO AND IT HAS LESS THAN 6K MILES ON IT. YESTERDAY, WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, I NOTICED THE STORAGE NOOK UNDER THE RADIO COMPARTMENT WAS WET. I LOOKED UP AND SAW WATER DRIPPING FROM THE CEILING ON PASSENGER SIDE CONSOLE. I DID TAKE VIDEO OF DRIPPING. IT DROPPED WATER WHILE MOVING AND AT A COMPLETE STOP, SO LONG AS IT WAS RAINING. I'VE LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT ON FORUMS. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO VW DEALER TODAY AT 8AM AND IT IS STILL THERE AT 3:32 AM. I CALLED TO GET A STATUS AND THE RETURN CALL SAID THAT I NEED A NEW DRAINHOSE AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. THEY SAID IT WILL BE IN 2 DAYS AND THEY WILL CALL TO SCHEDULE REPAIR. I ASKED WHAT HAPPENS IF SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD "WE USUALLY JUST HAVE TO REPLACE CARPET". THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY'RE WELL AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. THIS DEALERSHIP DOES NOT GIVE LOANER VEHICLES. I'M NERVOUS AFTER READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND READING OF PEOPLE WHO'VE HAD THEIR VEHICLE IN THE SHOP REPEATEDLY FOR THIS PROBLEM. I'M FILING A COMPLAINT ON MY FIRST GO ROUND BECAUSE OF ALL I'VE READ AND THE RESPONSE I GOT FROM THE DEALERSHIP.

12/2/2019

PANORAMIC SUNROOF POPPED AND SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY ROCKS OR DEBRIS HITTING IT PRIOR TO IT EXPLODING. GLASS SHOWED OUTWARD DEPRESSION, NOT INWARD, AFTER CRACKING.

2/5/2020

1) RADAR AUTO-BRAKE: WHEN PARALLEL PARKING AND BACKING ( GOING IN REVERSE ) PARALLEL TO THE CURB, AT MAYBE 2 MPH AND 10 INCHES FROM CURB, I GOT YELLOW STOP, STOP !!!!!!! MESSAGE FOLLOWED BY SENSATION OF HITTING AN OBJECT AND BEING THROWN INTO THE SEAT. ONLY THERE WAS NO OBJECT. RAN OUT OF A CAR, NOTHING AND NOBODY THERE, AT LEAST FOR 50 YARDS. AN AUTO-BRAKE ENGAGED. THAT IS REALLY BROKEN. INTERFERENCE CAUSED IT TO DO THAT ? OVERHEATED COMPUTER IN 90 DEGREE SUN ? 2) TRANSMISSION LOGIC: UNRELATED TO ABOVE, WHEN GOING IN SLOW TRAFFIC 2-10 MPH, PRESSING GAS SHIFTS TRANSMISSION INTO HIGHER GEAR INSTEAD OF LOWER, RESULTING IN HIT-LIKE ENGAGEMENT AND ACTUAL INABILITY TO REV THE ENGINE AND ACCELERATE. SLOW AND DEEP PEDAL MOVEMENT DOES DOWNSHIFT AND ACCELERATE BUT TOO MUCH. ALL CARS ARE LIKE THAT AND I TEST DROVE SEVERAL. 3) TRANSMISSION LOGIC: RELATED TO (2) ABOVE, PARADOXICALLY IN SPORT DRIVING MODE, WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND MERGE HIGHWAY FROM 10 MPH, TRANSMISSION SHIFTED UP SEVERAL GEARS, NOT ALLOWING TO REV THE ENGINE, AND RESULTED IN RPM DECAY /POWER LOSS -- VERY SCARY. THAT LAUNCH WAS TIMELY ABORTED, AND DRIVER LATER MERGED THE ROAD IN MANUAL "TIPTRONIC" MODE. 4) IMPROPER GAS PEDAL CALIBRATION: COMPARED TO OTHER GERMAN, JAPANESE AND AMERICAN CARS, VW ATLAS HAS ABNORMAL AND UNSAFE GAS PEDAL CALIBRATION. FROM A STOP, ONLY LIGHTLY FEATHERING THE PEDAL RESULTS IN CIVILIZED CONTROLLED MOTION. NORMAL GAS PEDAL PRESSURE RESULTS IN A CAR ROCKETING FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY. VW HAS TO TALK TO SOME OTHER MANUFACTURERS AND GET THEIR GAS CALIBRATION CONSISTENT WITH OTHER CARS, SO IT CAN BE DRIVEN STEADY AND SAFELY AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN NECESSARY.

7/2/2019

THE CAR IS 6 MONTHS OLD. WE HAVE 5 DOCUMENTED CASES OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING/BRAKING ON IT'S OWN FOR NO REASON. THE DEALER AND VW CORPORATE DO NOT HAVE A FIX AND SUGGESTED WE KEEP DRIVING IT TO GET MORE DOCUMENTED OCCURRENCES. THE VEHICLE POSES AN EXTREME SAFETY RISK AT THIS TIME DUE TO FAULTY BRAKING ASSIST MECHANISMS. 2 OF THE 5 OCCURRENCES INVOLVED IT THROWING THE PARKING BRAKE ON BY ITSELF AND THE OTHER 3 WERE DRASTIC SLOW DOWNS WITH NOTHING AROUND. ALL INCIDENTS REPORTS ARE ATTACHED AND ARE EXACTLY WHAT WAS TURNED INTO THE DEALER AND VW CORPORATE.

8/23/2019

STRUCK A LARGE POTHOLE WITH DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WHILE TRAVELING 15MPH ON A ROUNDABOUT WHICH APPARENTLY CAUSED THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. NO BODY DAMAGE AND NO APPEARANCE OF SUSPENSION DAMAGE. TIRE AND WHEEL REMAINED INTACT, DROVE STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR CLOSER LOOK/EXPLANATION AS TO WHY ALL SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

2/16/2020

PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/18/2020. SUV WAS SHAKING AND TOLD THE SELLER. THEY STATED THEY WOULD FIX WHEN THEY DID THE STICKER AND REGISTRATION. ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE SHAKING BY ROAD FORCE BALANCE. WAS TOLD WAS A FLAT SPOT SO THEY REPLACED RIMS AND TIRES WITH A SET OFF ANOTHER TRUCK. STILL SHOOK AND WAS PULLING TO RIGHT. THEY ATTEMPTED FIXING THE TIRES AND DID ROAD TEST BALANCING ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE TRUCK STILL SHAKES EXCESSIVELY AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I CONTACTED CORPORATE AND THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID WHAT THEY COULD AND NO LONGER WISH TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS MY WIFE AND TWIN 16 MONTH OLD GIRLS WILL BE IN THE SUV. WE PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN SHAKING SINCE THEN. IT SHAKES AT 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. SO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO BE DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS AT THOSE SPEEDS. *TR

6/2/2020

WE HAVE RAIN SENSING WIPERS, BUT WE KEEP THE CONTROL IN THE OFF POSITION. UNFORTUNATELY, WHILE DRIVING ON SUNNY DAYS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SPORADICALLY GO OFF. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHERE THEY WILL WIPE JUST ONCE, BUT THEN THERE ARE TIMES WHERE IT JUST GOES OFF FOR MINUTES AT A TIME. IT COULD BE A SMOOTH ROAD OR A BUMPY ROAD. IT COULD BE AT A SHOW SPEED OR HIGH SPEED. DOESN'T MATTER. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT WE HAD THE SENSITIVITY TOO HIGH, BUT IN THE OFF POSITION, THEY SHOULDN'T GO OFF AT ALL. THIS IS A DAILY OCCURRENCE. AS IF THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. PLEASE HELP AS WE NEED THIS FIXED. A NEW VEHICLE SHOULDN'T HAVE AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. *TR

5/9/2020

The Panoramic sunroof continues to leak water. This is a safety risk by water obstructing the driver's vision. Also, the water mixing with electrical wires in the A frame, driver-side electronics, and leaking on and through the center dash area is a major concern. The vehicle has been serviced twice within the same month and has not been fixed.

1/13/2022

WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A SLOW STOP AT A STOP SIGN. THE MIDDLE ROW RIGHT SIDE SEAT DISENGAGED WHILE CHILD AND CAR SEAT IN THE SEAT AND FLUNG FORWARDED AND INTO THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.

2/19/2019

THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH HAS COME ON 2X WHEN MY SEAT BELT HAS BEEN ON. THE SOUND WILL STOP AFTER SEVERAL MILES BUT THE LIGHT STAYS ON FOR THE WHOLE TRIP. IT HAPPENED THE 1ST TIME IN ROUGHLY SEPTEMBER & THEN NOVEMBER 9TH

11/9/2019

WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A SLOW STOP AT A STOP SIGN. THE MIDDLE ROW RIGHT SIDE SEAT DISENGAGED WHILE CHILD AND CAR SEAT IN THE SEAT AND FLUNG FORWARDED AND INTO THE BACK OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.

2/19/2019

WHEN LOWERING THE THIRD ROW SEATS OF THE ATLAS THE SEATS SLAM DOWN AND FORWARD WITH GREAT FORCE. WHEN PARKED TODAY, I WAS LOWERING THE SEATS AND THE SEAT LOWERED WITH SUCH FORCE THE MY FOOT WAS MASHED AND PINNED IMMEDIATELY A LARGE KNOT APPEARED. I PLAN TO HAVE AN X-RAY OF THE FOOT TOMORROW. MY IMMEDIATE THOUGHT WAS THE DAMAGE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO A SMALLER CHILD.

7/23/2020

IF THE VEHICLE IS STARTED VIA REMOTE START, AND THEN DRIVEN, RADAR RELATED AND OTHER SAFETY SYSTEM ARE NOT ONLINE. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THESE SYSTEMS ARE OFFLINE. THE ONLY INDICATOR IS CRUISE ERRORS IF YOU ATTEMPT TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER HAS VALIDATED THIS BEHAVIOR BUT HAD NO PLAN OF ACTION. THE WORK AROUND IS TO RESTART THE CAR BEFORE DRIVING. IT'S SUSPECTED AND DISCUSSED IN MANY FORUMS. IT PRESENTS A LOSS OF SAFETY SYSTEM WITH NO ANNUNCIATION.

12/26/2020

VW PERFORMED AN EMISSIONS RECALL SOFTWARE UPDATE ON THIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO. SINCE THIS SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AFTER USING THE VEHICLES OEM REMOTE START. THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS WHEN NOT USING REMOTE START HOWEVER. THEY HAVE SO FAR REFUSED TO OFFER A FIX.

1/2/2021

Tire sidewall separating causing an immediate flat tire while traveling in the fast lane at 70mph on the freeway. This put me and other vehicles at risk as it was with no warning, just immediately a flat tire. Dealer was called and seems uninterested in seeing the tire as it was not apart of the most recent recall regarding this same issue with Continental tires. Continental tire manufacturer also seems uninterested in helping as the tire was replaced by a different brand as that was the only option on Labor Day so I could return home due to being 400 miles from home at the time of the incident.

9/7/2021

255/50 R20 105 KUMHO 7 CRUGEN PREMIU 23186 MILES FRONT TIRES ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. CAR ONLY HAS 28,000 MILES. IT CAUSES CAR TO LOSE TRACTION AND SKID.

1/17/2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINED ROAD AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BEEPED WHILE ERRONEOUSLY SENSING SOMETHING WAS AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE BACK-UP CAMERA DID NOT IMMEDIATELY DISPLAY THE PERSON WALKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE PERSON WAS NOT DISPLAYED ON THE CAMERA UNTIL THEY WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCREEN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. NORM REEVES VOLKSWAGEN (20 AUTO CENTER DR, IRVIN, CA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

8/22/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINED ROAD AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BEEPED WHILE ERRONEOUSLY SENSING SOMETHING WAS AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE BACK-UP CAMERA DID NOT IMMEDIATELY DISPLAY THE PERSON WALKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE PERSON WAS NOT DISPLAYED ON THE CAMERA UNTIL THEY WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCREEN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. NORM REEVES VOLKSWAGEN (20 AUTO CENTER DR, IRVIN, CA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

8/22/2019

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OUR 2019 VW ATLAS SEL PREMIUM HAS ENGAGED THE BRAKES EVEN WHEN THERE ARE NO OBSTACLES TO AVOID CREATING A DANGEROUS, SCARY AND UNPREDICTABLE SENECIO FOR OUR FAMILY AND OTHER DRIVERS AROUND US. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATED BRAKING HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED BY SERVICE ADVISORS AS SOFTWARE ISSUES WITH 'FRONT ASSIST, MANEUVER BRAKING, AND/OR REMOTE START".

12/1/2020

WAS TRAVELING ON EXPRESSWAY WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW. UPON PULLING OFF THE ROAD I SAW THAT THE WHOLE TIRE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL AND WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ONCE AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS DETERMINED THE BLOW OUT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE STRUT, EMISSIONS, AND WHEEL LINING. WHEN I GOT HOME I RESEARCHED MY TIRES WHICH ARE CONTINENTAL CROSS CONTACT SPORT LX IN SIZE 225/50/20 AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE A LONG LIST OF RECALLS ON THIS MODEL OF TIRE. I CALLED CONTINENTAL AND PROVIDED THE DOT NUMBER AND MOLD NUMBER BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TIRE IS WHAT THE RECALL STATES CAN HAPPEN. I INFORMED THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I BELIEVE MY TIRE(S) IS ONE OF THE AFFECTED TIRES AS THIS LIST IS ON GOING. I ENDED UP FILING A PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM WITH CONTINENTAL AS I FEEL THEY ARE LIABLE FOR THE DAMAGE.

3/21/2021

WAS TRAVELING ON EXPRESSWAY WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW. UPON PULLING OFF THE ROAD I SAW THAT THE WHOLE TIRE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL AND WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ONCE AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS DETERMINED THE BLOW OUT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE STRUT, EMISSIONS, AND WHEEL LINING. WHEN I GOT HOME I RESEARCHED MY TIRES WHICH ARE CONTINENTAL CROSS CONTACT SPORT LX IN SIZE 225/50/20 AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE A LONG LIST OF RECALLS ON THIS MODEL OF TIRE. I CALLED CONTINENTAL AND PROVIDED THE DOT NUMBER AND MOLD NUMBER BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TIRE IS WHAT THE RECALL STATES CAN HAPPEN. I INFORMED THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I BELIEVE MY TIRE(S) IS ONE OF THE AFFECTED TIRES AS THIS LIST IS ON GOING. I ENDED UP FILING A PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM WITH CONTINENTAL AS I FEEL THEY ARE LIABLE FOR THE DAMAGE.

3/21/2021

VW Atlas with 17000 miles Front passenger tire 255/50R20. Car started shaking and pulling to right while traveling on interstate with low tire pressure warning going off. Put all passengers and cars around us at risk. Pulled off interstate to inspect and tread appeared widened and bead seemed to be dislodging from rim. Replaced with spare tire and took car to dealer we purchased from they inspected and informed our vin number is not on recall list and told us we would have to sign a wavier to take the car in its unsafe condition. This recall needs to be expanded immediately.

7/23/2021

VW Atlas with 17000 miles Front passenger tire 255/50R20. Car started shaking and pulling to right while traveling on interstate with low tire pressure warning going off. Put all passengers and cars around us at risk. Pulled off interstate to inspect and tread appeared widened and bead seemed to be dislodging from rim. Replaced with spare tire and took car to dealer we purchased from they inspected and informed our vin number is not on recall list and told us we would have to sign a wavier to take the car in its unsafe condition. This recall needs to be expanded immediately.

7/23/2021

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 mph, the vehicle inadvertently stalled but remained in motion. The warning message "There Is Someone in Front of You" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted on its own and she was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated independently and the message "There Is Someone in Front of You" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light illuminated once, and the rear-view camera screen would inadvertently go black. The vehicle was taken to a second the dealer The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside Auto Service (6161 Joliet Rd, Countryside, IL 60525) who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.

8/2/2021

Tire sidewall separating causing an immediate flat tire while traveling in the fast lane at 70mph on the freeway. This put me and other vehicles at risk as it was with no warning, just immediately a flat tire. Dealer was called and seems uninterested in seeing the tire as it was not apart of the most recent recall regarding this same issue with Continental tires. Continental tire manufacturer also seems uninterested in helping as the tire was replaced by a different brand as that was the only option on Labor Day so I could return home due to being 400 miles from home at the time of the incident.

9/7/2021

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the electronic power control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. In addition, there was a fuel odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the top fuel rail assembly was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bottom fuel rail assembly was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.

10/27/2021

This is a safety issue where this can be dangerous for drivers like myself and their families life, and others life at risk. This reporting is to prevent and avert future accidents. Headlights brightness in 2019-2020 Atlas Se with Tec is very poor. Due to dull brightness (Low Beam) night driving is very exhaustive and need to very extreme alert state. This causes strain eyes and causes fatigue during long drive. Lights are so dull when an oncoming very old cars with halogens lights passes by, led lights in Atlas fades away from road. Usually leds lights are suppose to have more brightness and good lumen rating. When it is raining and after road is wet one cannot properly see lights on the road. One time narrowly escaped (thanks to extreme cautious) from hitting a pedestrian who was walking in a pitched dark road(right side) at night. Right side illumination was dim that is why couldn't see the person from a distance. In 2021 Atlas, VW made such a brightness improvements that it projects some glare for oncoming traffic. For reference youtube video link is attached. Video at 0:12 - 0:39 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ-Ml5BRvgA To validate my finding I have attached two links from reputable source who inspected headlights: IIHS.ORG (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). In their findings 2019 Atlas Se with Tec has poor rating whereas 2021 Atlas Se with Tec has Medium rating. 1. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Volkswagen/atlas-4-door-suv/2019 2. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Volkswagen/atlas-4-door-suv/2021 Below I have attached few links from 2019-2020 Atlas competitors who were also analyzed by IIHS>ORG. They all received acceptable and good ratings: 1. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Hyundai/palisade-4-door-suv/2020 2. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Mazda/cx-9-4-door-suv/2019 3. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Toyota/highlander-4-door-suv/2019 4. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Honda/pilot-4-door-suv/2019

12/30/2021

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver's and front passenger’s side window failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the parking brake failed to operate as designed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was not able to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

3/24/2022

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver's and front passenger’s side window failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the parking brake failed to operate as designed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was not able to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

3/24/2022