Steering rack and pinion (steering gear) is failing. There is a violent intermittent vibration in the steering wheel when driving. I have had an import repair shop check out the car - I did have some suspension work done on the rear as well as replaced the sway bars in the front (still had the vibration and it continues to worsen). After more review of the issue and numerous test drives it was determined that the steering rack and pinion was the issue and needed to be replaced. I authorized the shop to order the parts back in January, however they have been unable to get the part as it has been on back order. I have contacted other shops as well as dealerships and getting the part will require a substantial wait. This is a significant safety issue and even Volkswagen parts department here in High Point NC acknowledged that the part has been "upgraded" a few times so clearly its a known issue. I do not know how this sort of a safety issue cannot be a recall. As the car's warranty is expired and this is not a recall, we are stuck navigating between driving a car that may be unsafe, renting a car or trying to get by on one car when we require 2. We have no option here but to wait, hope and pray that nothing significant happens.

- High Point, NC, USA

With the past year, have had 2 dangerous safety issues pop up. 1. April 2024, seat belt malfunctioned causing an error message. From what the VW dealer told me, the seat belt would not lock, therefore requiring a replacement of the entire assembly Had to drive home several hours with this error message. Should a 5 year old car have such issues? 2. January 2025, steering began to feel very sloppy. Was informed Steering rack assembly had excessive play inside the steering gear. Presume losing steering at highway speeds would be quite dangerous. Replacing seat belt assembly cost $1261.25, the steering rack assembly replacement will cost $1988.75. Both should be recall items and covered by VW.

- Dallas, TX, USA

Since we purchased our vehicle in 2019 the steering wheel will shake when turning the steering wheel. The VW Service Center claimed it was the clockspring and did the repair in early 2020 and the vehicle issue seemed improved with that repair. However, shortly after the same issue began and it has gotten much worse. I am concerned that if it is the clockspring then there can be a sudden serious issue depending on what is happening to the wiring with the clockspring. We have attempted several more times to get this issue fixed, but the VW Service Center claims to not detect the issue and on the last attempt refused to service the vehicle after having it for a week.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel began to vibrate intensely. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the struts. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- West Columbia, SC, USA

The vehicle would start from the remote and upon getting into the vehicle the push start won-??t engage with the steering wheel locking and the vehicle being inoperable. The steering will will make locking mechanism sounds and the vehicle won-??t start. The vehicle will then not turn on and I am unable to drive. It has sputtered for weeks now yet it turns on and I am able to drive. When first purchasing the vehicle the engine had to be replaced as it backfired and went out the same start stop issue was present then.

- Conyers, GA, USA

Vehicle steering wheel shakes when turning hard to the left or right. Sounds like tires are getting stuck on vehicle, but dealership has confirmed that it is an issue with the steering rack. Issue started in April 2023 and after first steering rack replacement, issue persists. Now steering rack software is being updated and possibly parts replaced again. Car is not operating safely.

- Charleston, SC, USA

The steering rack continues to fail in the VW Atlas.

- Madisonville, TX, USA

Steering assist failure at low and highway speed. Lurching and speed fluctuating at low and highway speed. Adaptive cruise control failure at low and highest speed. Yes, it is reproducible.

- Merritt Island, FL, USA

Steering Wheel column fully locked while parked. Was not able to turn the car on as the steering wheel had issues. Had to call a tow company to take it to the dealership for repairs. They had to replace the steering wheel column module.

- Mckinney , TX, USA

Military Combat Retired Veteran, purchased CPO 2019 Atlas from VW dealer. Claim filed with VW Customer care. Numerous issues with Steering Rack, and excessive vibrations at normal speeds. Vehicle has never sounded or handled like would be expected. First alignment and 4 wheel balance 1 month after purchase - 2 months later, steering rack replaced. 5 months and 5500 miles after rack replaced, brakes and tires worn 50% post-steering rack replacement. Dealer state 'steering rack retorqued', and ware on tires and brakes due to 'underinflation'. When asked what psi was on the tires, dealer did not take a readings. Tire ware does not indicate 'underinflation', or misalignment. Indicates issues with toe or camber - presumably from when steering rack was replaced. Dealer resolution was to replaced tires, brakes, and rotors at a cost of over $2000 - all of this without knowing exactly what is causing the excessive ware... each time, dealer indicates that "underinflation" or "alignment" issue - of which tire tread ware does not align with cause. Dealer still 'unsure' of what has caused issues, but 'is confident that it is good now'. At this point, without knowing the 'why' something is happening, and with dealer unable to determine root cause of problems, do not feel safe with my family in this vehicle.

- Ponte Vedra, FL, USA

Vehicle is on its 3rd steering rack in 6 months. The vehicle steering gets sloppy and pops when when going bad. Volkswagen refuses to issue a recall or take the vehicle.

- Midway, GA, USA

Vehicle has 11K miles. Took the vehicle in to repair a tire with a nail. My alignment was off (I thought I was feeling a shake anyway). Had the alignment fixed but a week later (first time on the highway) my vehicle is shaking far too much to be the road. All tires are in good shape as they were checked during the alignment. Shaking does not occur while driving under 45 mph.

- Liverpool, NY, USA

I bought my new VW Atlas in December of 2019. When I bought it, I noticed a rubbing/squeaking noise when I turned the steering wheel but was told that was normal for a new vehicles. So, I let it go, then came to realize it continued to get worse and louder over time. So at my 10,000 mile check, they told me it was the steering rack that needed to be replaced asap but that it was on back order and could take a couple of weeks for the part to come in. I was told this was not a common issue. So I waited 3-4 weeks, and the part finally came in. It was replaced and I thought I was done with repairs early on. Then, a couple of days pass and I find that there is still somewhat of a noise when I turn my wheel and especially when I'm on the backroads going over bumps. I take it back the dealership and of course, they can't replicate the problem. A couple more weeks pass, I'm still hearing a creaky noise and then one night on my way home, all of the sensor and warning lights light up in my digital cockpit. I have it towed, VW determines it's a tire sensor of which they repair. Three weeks later, here I am again and all of my tire pressure sensors are on again on my way home from work. I have a new tire from where I got a flat two weeks ago, and that tire pressure sensor light is also on. So, now not only am I having an issue with my tires but the first steering wheel noise issue still isn't repaired on an Atlas that I bought with 12 miles on it in December of 2019. VW corporate has been called, the dealers corporate has been called and still I haven't gotten nowhere.

- Oxford, NC, USA

While in motion and remaining still, as you turn the steering wheel left and right the steering gear makes a clunking, knocking noise throughout the steering gear.

- Temple, TX, USA

I have been having some issues with my recent purchase that I am having a very difficult time resolving. I took the vehicle in some weeks ago because there was a loud noise coming from the steering column. The issue was dismissed as a normal "breaking in" and should go away as I approach 12,000 miles. This was very troubling as I have never been in a new vehicle with this issue. On July 9, 2020, I returned the car with the same steering issue and to have the oil changed. After not hearing anything back from the service department, I went back to loyalty to check the status. At this time, I was told that the issue was a faulty rack and pinion but the service advisor was unsure on a timeline and would not know anything until Monday. After not hearing back from the service department, I returned to loyalty Monday evening to learn that the part is on backorder and it will be some months before it is available. I am also told at this time by two of your services advisors that the vehicle is safe to drive with a faulty rack and pinion, but at the same time was told by one of your service technicians that he absolutely advises against driving it with a faulty rack and pinion until it is repaired. Also, the same service advisor that told me the issue was a normal "breaking in" on Saturday explains, repeatedly, that he has an Atlas that has been there for several months with the same problem waiting on the same part. I was also told by a loyalty sales associate on Thursday (7/23) that a loyalty employee has a similar vehicle with the exact same problem. This makes the fact that I was dismissed a few weeks ago even more troubling, especially since the military is moving us nearly 900 miles in a few days.

- Fort Lee, VA, USA

There is a squeaking noise anytime you turn steering wheel. It happens at lower speed and when stopped. Just turn wheel left and right, by couple of degrees and you will hear it.

- Hawthorn Woods, IL, USA

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.

- Dartmouth, MA, USA

We parked the car in our garage and the next day we got in it and it would not start. The car gave a warning of steering column locked. This car is less than 3 months old and under 3,000 miles. The dealership had to order and replace the steering column.

- Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA

Vehicle would turn off while in drive. Originally happened when going in reverse up a hill, vehicle warning to put into park and manually restart. Happened 2 more times and was brought in for repair. Dealership was unable to duplicate the issue. It happened again and was brought back to the dealership. They contacted VW and recommended the fuel pump be replaced. They completed the repairs. Then a week later while driving on the parkway at approx. 75 mph the vehicle began slowing down, I was driving in the middle lane, I was able to start to get over to the shoulder as the vehicle started declining speed, I was unable to use the gas, so I was almost coasting to the shoulder. Then it stated put in park and start vehicle manually while the vehicle was still in drive and at a speed of 45. I was able to get to the shoulder and parked the vehicle, everything locked up. There was an epc light on, a check engine light. The vehicle was towed.

- Point Pleasant, NJ, USA

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.

- Citrus Springs, FL, USA