The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 484 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 10 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (141 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas recalls
Steering Rack Bolt May Corrode and Break, Causing Loss of Steering Control
A bolt that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break.
Driver's side air bag may detach or deploy improperly
Certain vehicles may have a driver's side impact air bag missing a weld at the side air bag housing.
Passenger Air Bag May Shut Off With Occupant Seated
A wiring fault in the passenger occupant detection system can cause the front passenger air bag to deactivate even when the seat is occupied.
Tire Pressure Warning May Miss All-Tire Air Loss, Raising Crash Risk
Some vehicles may not detect a sudden loss of air pressure when all four tires deflate at the same time.
Side Air Bag May Deploy Late in a Crash
Corrosion can develop on the electrical contacts in the front door wiring harness.
Missing Weight Label Can Lead to Overloading and Crash Risk
Certain Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from model years 2018 to 2021 were equipped with accessory side steps, but the label showing the reduced gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which accounts for the added weight of the side steps, was not installed.
Tires may fail suddenly, risking loss of control
Some tires on these vehicles may have been cured (baked) for too long during manufacturing.
Fuel tank may leak, creating fire risk; engine may stall
The fuel tank's suction jet may have been welded in the wrong position, which can allow fuel to leak.
Headlights May Be Misaimed, Reducing Night Visibility
Some Volkswagen Passat and Atlas vehicles may have been built without the blocking cap that prevents the headlight's horizontal aim from being adjusted.
Side Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in Side Crash
An incorrect driver or front passenger side impact airbag may have been installed in certain vehicles.
Rear Coil Spring May Break, Risking Tire Damage and Loss of Control
Certain rear axle coil springs may prematurely fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
Key-in-ignition chime may not sound, raising theft risk
Certain vehicles without keyless entry may not sound an audible warning from the instrument cluster when the driver's door is opened with the key still in the ignition.
Most common 2019 Volkswagen Atlas problems
Problem areas named in the 484 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 141 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 97 |
| Service Brakes | 76 |
| Electrical System | 76 |
| Unknown Or Other | 61 |
| Engine | 60 |
| Steering | 39 |
| Power Train | 34 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 32 |
| Suspension | 19 |
What owners report
I was proceding through an intersection when my car's automatic braking system activated with no warning or reason. I was driving on [XXX] on [XXX] at around [XXX]. I was stopped at a red-light behind another vehicle waiting for the light to change. When the light changed green, I proceded to drive forward through the intersection with about a car distance between the car in front of me. As soon as I cleared the intersection, my car suddenly stopped and made a loud noise while it slid forward. Unsure of what had happened, I looked around and saw nothing in the road or around my car. My car had suddenly jerked as if I hit or ran a large object over. After observing my surroundings for causes
During routine rear brake service, my mechanic discovered that both rear coil springs were broken on my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 111,000 miles. There had been no noticeable symptoms, unusual noises, or changes in handling to indicate a suspension problem. I have since learned that Volkswagen previously issued NHTSA Safety Recall 18V904000 (VW recall 42J3) for premature rear coil spring failures on certain 2018â2019 Atlas vehicles. However, my VIN ([XXX]) is not listed as having an open recall. The failure of both rear springs raises serious concerns about the durability and safety of these components, particularly given Volkswagen's history of similar failures. Broken coi
Digital instrument cluster is not working.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally loud rumbling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking sound while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics on several occasions to be diagnosed, but the contact was informed that no failure was found. The failure became progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with steering rack and pinion failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and th
Vehicle would stall out of no where every time I would accelerate or put into reverse. Sometimes when I turned into intersections it would stall out. There was no check engine light until over a week later stating evap system charcoal canister. This has happened multiple times, even after being replaced it goes bad again. Itâs dangerous when I stall in the middle of traffic especially with having my children with me. I lose all power to the vehicle when it stalls
2019 Volkswagen Atlas safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (15.9% rollover risk) |
| 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (13.6% rollover risk) |
2019 Volkswagen Atlas questions
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas: Steering Rack Bolt May Corrode and Break, Causing Loss of Steering Control; Driver's side air bag may detach or deploy improperly; Passenger Air Bag May Shut Off With Occupant Seated; Tire Pressure Warning May Miss All-Tire Air Loss, Raising Crash Risk; Side Air Bag May Deploy Late in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas?
Based on 484 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (141), Forward Collision Avoidance (97), Service Brakes (76).
How safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.