10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
14,772 miles

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problem #65

Nov 272023

Atlas

  • miles
2018 Atlas SEL Premium 3.6L V6. Currently at VW dealership for warranty work. Vehicle has had coolant leaks in the past where dealer replaced water pump. Atlas in for the third time for misfiring in cylinder 6 and other misfiring engine codes. They found issues with the head cylinder gasket and will be replacing the head gasket. There are blogs about this issue throughout the internet.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #64

Aug 112023

Atlas

  • miles
2018 atlas 3.6 sel premium 4 motion. 3rd time in for service for fuel injector MIL code and misfiring with no resolve. Computer was reprogrammed from VW and compression test and replacement of injectors. Mil code turned on again for misfiring. Vehicle will loose full driving power and only drive at lower speeds without accepting the overdrive when depressing pedal.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #63

Sep 212023

Atlas

  • miles
When starting up my vehicle the battery turns on but the engine will not start. My dash will light up with multiple warnings. These are the specific ones that warn me: Error: electronic stabilization control (ESC) Error: hill hold assist BRAKE - Brake booster faulty ERROR: Hill hold assist Front assist not available. ERROR: tire pressure monitoring system. Trans. in emerg. Mode. You can continue driving. FAULT: electronic parking brake. Eventually my car starts up, but this is after several attempts. Once I shut car off and go to start back up, it goes through the whole process again. My car was taken into Volkswagen dealership and they said it was my fuel pump, fuel filter & battery. They -??fixed-?? that but by the time I drove my car home, the issue started back up again. My safety is 100% put at risk because not only does my car not start up right away but I can be driving my vehicle and it will slow me down on a main highway and make me brake and then I need to attempt to restart my car to get it started up again several times. I have children I drive around in this vehicle and it is not safe to drive. My car has been illuminating the check engine light and all the other ones for each error I stated above. The problem itself has not been identified. When I did research, the 2019-2020 VW Atlas-??s were recalled for this same issue it seems. But mine wasn-??t because it is a 2018.

- Crofton , MD, USA

problem #62

Aug 222023

Atlas

  • miles
I was driving the vehicle was in drive moving on the road and literally turned off. Completely disabled in the road. I purchased a new battery in September 2022, got the battery tested again and there-??s no issue with it. Mechanics can-??t find an issue. I had the engine stop feature off (the light is on when it-??s off) and it turned itself off prior to the car shutting off completely. I was unable to restart and someone had to assist in Pushing my vehicle out of the road then jumpstart my car. Again I had everything thoroughly checked and there are no active issues.

- Leominster, MA, USA

problem #61

Jul 012023

Atlas

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and approaching a stop, while decelerating, the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The START/STOP feature became inoperable. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle rolled into an intersection. While her husband was driving, the START/STOP feature became inoperable. The contact stated that the -??START/STOP System/Restart Manually-?? message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who drove the vehicle for approximately four miles but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Waterbury, VT, USA

problem #60

Jan 102022

Atlas

  • miles
My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has a defect that has impaired my ability to use the vehicle as intended. It is not only unsafe but I am in fear of driving freeways because I do not know when my car will cut off. Manufactures were fully aware of their defective products. I have read forums pertaining to the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas engine sputtering (Causes and Diagnosis). It states that the causes could be a bad fuel system, ignition system, MAF sensor, or bad converter. I have owned my vehicle for over a year and a half. During this time my vehicle has repeatedly started sputtering, deccelerated and turned off. It has happened 3 times and I do not feel safe. Have taken to dealership only to be told nothing was wrong with car. On October 18, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America recalled 74,067 SUV'S due to Engine Failure that could result in stall, increasing risks of crash. Troublesome connecting rod bearings that potentially lead to oil leaks and fire. Volkswagen has recalled 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.This is a Manufacturer's defect. The defect did not start in 2022-2023 models the problem occured in 2017 when the Volkswagen Atlas was launched as a one of the most innovative technical platforms in automotive industry. I understand that the Federal law requires safety recalls repairs to be provided up to 15 years because safety recalls do not expire. NHTS I am requesting that safety recalls be performed on 2018 Volkswagen Atlas because the same problems exit. I am requesting that Volkswagen Group of America stand behind their products, take ownership of the necessary repairs to keep consumers safe from harms way. I thought there was nothing more terrifying than being buried alive until I drove up and down the streets of San Francisco in a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The fear of not knowing when your car will start sputtering and decelerating causing you to plunge to your death is the most terrifying experience that I have just indured in my life.

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #59

Jul 072023

Atlas

  • miles
Our 2018 VW Atlas will randomly shut the engine off even with auto start/shut off disabled. This has happened 5 times in 3 months. It has done so on the highway and on main streets putting our family of 6 at risk of being in an auto crash every time. The brakes have automatically came on 2 times. Forward collision sensors come on with nothing in front of us which also puts the breaks on and makes a distracting loud beep which has made me jump out of surprise while driving. The EPA rated fuel economy is 26 highway and 22 city. We drive both and rarely get above 16 combined MPG even with multiple drivers and making an attempt at getting better economy. Our Atlas also makes a loud -??clunk-?? sound from the undercarriage in the center/rear of the vehicle. It does this while driving or while parked with the vehicle idling. Also not major but sometimes when the front passenger window is half down, if you push the button to roll it up, it goes all the way down. We are going to take it in to VW soon but there is a lot wrong that either make driving it a hazard to ourselves and other drivers and makes us feel very uncomfortable. We love it but we are also afraid of it. There is currently no open recalls. I-??ve been a mechanic, a machinist and an engineer for nearly 20 years. Some stuff just doesn-??t make sense. I read the crank and cam pulses, usually you-??d expect a drop in pulse that could cause the engine to shut down but there-??s nothing. Nothing on the scan tool or on the onboard vehicle diagnostic.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #58

Apr 072023

Atlas

  • 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to stop and shift to park (P) and restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. The VIN was not available.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #57

Feb 022023

Atlas

  • miles
I noticed about 6 months ago on a couple of occasions, while walking in front of my running 2018 VW Atlas. The sweet smell of antifreeze. I looked under my Atlas and did not see anything on the ground ( water, antifreeze ) and this happened just a few times. Then one 2/2/2023, I started up my Atlas to move it over and the low coolant warning signal came on my dash as soon as I started my vehicles. I did not have any of the specific coolant that the manufactured ask for it the time and after checking the reservoir tank the coolant level was down to the low mark on the reservoir tank. So I was able to put some distilled water in it which was about two cups 16 oz. Now after I have read all of the other issues that owners have had I am really worried that my vehicle will get worse. Then yesterday when I started my car in the morning I had a error message I shut the car off and restarted it and the message went away. I'm really worried that it is going to get worse and become more and more expensive. I am the second owner I bought it in April of 2020 it has a little over 28,000 miles on it yes 28,000 Mi for a 2018. I don't go very many places I take care of my elderly mother. I have looked at the VIN number to see if it is part of any of the recalls and it is not. It was part of the drivetrain recalls and that was fixed last year.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #56

Jun 012022

Atlas

  • miles
Car has been automatically shutting off at slow speeds such as red lights and trying to park. Mainly happens at lights as you break. The car was taken first to Tire Plus, they ran a diagnostic where they received an error and instructed me to take the car to dealer. Took car to VW and provided them with the tire plus paperwork and they stated the car is fine and they do not see anything wrong. They asked me to take a video when it happens. My son who relies on this car just took a video at a stop light and it is now being sent to VW to see what next step is. Car is getting close to warrantee expiration. I believe I have about 6k more miles to go.

- Sunrise, FL, USA

problem #55

Oct 012022

Atlas

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH with her children in the rear seats, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of bystanders. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to her destination. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred on another occasion. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

problem #54

Oct 042022

Atlas

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that after turning the ignition to the off position, the engine remained running but then turned off after a short while. The check engine and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had misfired and the ABS was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #53

Jun 012022

Atlas

  • miles
Engine stopped during on drive on highway and requiring to put in park to restart in the middle of the road. Dash board displaying -€œStart- Stop error -€œ with engine sign. So far car stopped three times while driving this time and a service is scheduled for June 17, with the dealership. Same thing happened and notified and serviced. At that time they have replaced the battery. I checked the battery in a auto shop and they told me the battery is good this time. Upon google search, noticed this is happening with other people as well.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

problem #52

Nov 272021

Atlas

  • miles
My trucks breaks has given out multiple times almost causing accidents in the middle of driving with no warning. Message on dash says faulty breaks, break failure before it quickly goes away. The abs break light comes on and the car stalls almost causing me to get rear ended. I purchased the car Oct 12,2021 car start having issues December 2021. It is extremely dangerous to drive. I took it to car max in forth myers fl when I almost hit a tractor trailer WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR ! Carmax refused to look at my vehicle or give me a rental for it being unsafe. This has happened on multiple occasions. I shouldn-€™t have to pay for something like this to get fixed when I was sold a faulty car from the start. I have spoke with a few Lawyers over this matter about CarMax and Voltswagon. I only have one photo I don-€™t have a chance to take other photos when it happens because Im to busy trying not to get hurt.

- Flowery Branch , GA, USA

problem #51

Mar 312022

Atlas

  • miles
Water pump was replaced a few months ago after VW dealer discovering cracked pump housing during routine maintenance. A few days ago a "CHECK COOLANT LEVEL" message was displayed. Immediate check underneath vehicle found no evidence of external coolant leak. However, reservoir coolant tank found to be almost empty. Visual inspection of engine compartment showed all coolant hoses to be intact, cap secure on ball style reservoir tank without evidence of leakage. No odor of coolant in or around vehicle. Research on this problem found hundreds of 2018-2019 VW Atlas owners with identical symptom description, most ended up finding evidence of coolant in engine oil (crankcase). A sample of crankcase engine oil has been sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. The General Manager and Service Manager at VW dealer have been notified of the issue and that it is a known serious problem to VW Atlas owners despite not having risen to the level of a recall. Once VW has completed diagnosis and repair, the plan is to resubmit another sample for post-repair analysis. This vehicle was purchased new from VW and we are the first and only owners. With the exception of tire service and replacement of the battery, ALL other maintenance has been performed at VW. All recommended routine services have been completed on time, by VW per manufacturer recommendations. Let me be very clear on this point: WE DO NOT PLACE ANY BLAME ON THE VW DEALER(S) THAT HAVE SERVICED THIS VEHICLE SINCE WE TOOK DELIVERY. WE BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE THAT HAS YET TO BE ADDRESSED AND JUST WANTED TO DO OUR PART IN REPORTING FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF ALL ATLAS OWNERS.

- Punta Gorda, FL, USA

problem #50

Nov 152020

Atlas

  • miles
On 2020, the engine was stopped while I was driving, and the engine no longer work. I couldn-€™t start my car. The mechanic engineer said that I needed to replace the engine. However, my car had same issues about engine this year again. The engine was repeatedly stopped, and I had the engine warning light again. At first, they said they had to replace the engine, and at this time, he found the issue that the left cylinder #4 valve lifter/roller rocker securing clip to be missing and has been consumed by the engine and metal debris has contaminated the engine requiring engine replacement. I was so concerned my safety because of these issues. The engine should be replaced with a new one again. I am worrying my safety seriously because the engine issues are FATAL problems. I have owned the Atlas for about 40 months, and I have engine issues repeatedly. I am sure TWO replacement of the engine was not reasonable.

- Beaverton , OR, USA

problem #49

Oct 202021

Atlas

  • miles
My car displayed a warning that my engine was overheating and to pull over immediately. My temperature gauge was at max HIGH and check engine light came on. Towed to dealer. Was told by VW that the secondary coolant pump had failed. It was replaced and then it happened again two days later. My car was towed back to dealer again who cleaned, drained and refilled coolant. Two days later it overheated again and my engine was making a crackling sound. I use this car to transport my three young children and I am afraid to drive it. The car is overheating after driving less than a half mile.

- Kailua, HI, USA

problem #48

Oct 152021

Atlas

  • miles
Continually leaks coolant.

- Ft Myers, FL, USA

problem #47

Jul 152021

Atlas

  • miles
Volkswagen Dealership of Lake Charles, LA attempted to repair a safety recall on catalytic converter. When I picked my car up for the safety recall on the catalytic converter my car smelled like fuel and was leaking fuel and would not stay running and stopped running while driving in traffic and at stop lights and intersections. The dealership has had my vehicle for 3 months and still not repaired my recall correctly and I just got it back today October 4th and the problem remains unresolved. I attempted to back out into traffic and my car stopped running and there was incoming traffic. Luckily me and my 2 daughters were not hurt however this car is not safe and request the dealership fixes the safety recall correctly.

- Deridder , LA, USA

problem #46

Jun 282021

Atlas

  • miles
2018 atlas I bought less than a year ago I was on the freeway when the car completely stalled I pulled over to try and restart the car but the car never restarted it was towed to Vw Thousand Oaks to find out that the engine went out I wasn-€™t under warranty because The warranty was up by miles I reached out to Vw corporate to see if they were willing to fix the car because the car wasn-€™t that many miles over and the engine went out in three years the corporate did not agree to help with the repairs the engine failure happened at 77,000 miles-€¦.

- Thousand Oaks , CA, USA

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