VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS · model year

2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

206 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2024VOLKSWAGENATLAS carries 206 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 3 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2024 ATLAS is electrical system with 36 filings, followed by service brakes (30) and engine (19). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2024 ATLAS, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

206
Complaints
12
Crashes
3
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

206 filings

Crashes Reported

12 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36
SERVICE BRAKES30
ENGINE19
UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
POWER TRAIN14
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING14
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL11
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS9
VISIBILITY/WIPER6
AIR BAGS6
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING4
SEAT BELTS3

Recalls (7)

25V43400030/06/2025

SERVICE BRAKES

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of

24V72300027/09/2024

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.

24V48000027/06/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Moto

23V59300023/08/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

25V33400021/05/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V

24V46400020/06/2024

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.

25V10000017/02/2025

ENGINE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.

Recent Complaints

20260217ENGINE

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 regula

20260130SERVICE BRAKES

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 revie

20260130ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 revie

20260130FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 revie

20260129ELECTRICAL 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)

20260127SERVICE 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.

20260122UNKNOWN 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 c

20260120STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20260120SERVICE 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.

20260101UNKNOWN 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.

20251219UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20251219FUEL/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.

20251210SERVICE BRAKES

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 probl

20251210ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 probl

20251210ENGINE

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 probl

20251209STEERING

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.

20251209SERVICE BRAKES

I have a certified 2024 VW Atlas with 22K miles. I noticed a strong rattling when braking at higher speeds. And the breaks are constantly squeaking. The VW dealer said the brakes looked good. I took it to Brake Master and they did a full inspection and found the brakes were in a descent shape but the rotors were severely damaged and had some stress fractures. Notes from BM: Check front brakes approx. 10 millimeters 10mm pads Left 1.194 Right 1.192 Rotors glazed and hot spotted. Looks like hardware was scraping for a whole at one point. Rear Brake pads have approx 10mm remaining. Rear rotors have extreme heat glazing rings around them. Appearance seems that new brake pads were installed without addressing any rotor issues.

20251208ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The rear camera of our vehicle has been intermittently failing for the past year. The VW dealer has not been able to repair as it is an intermittent issue. Today the entire screen wouldn't turn on to even be able to control the HVAC system, and it was a cold day. Luckily the rear has separate controls so my kids weren't freezing in the car. I was going to take it to the dealer today, but the screen started working again and the service advisor said not to bring it in if it's not broken. We have brought this car in several times for the reverse camera not functioning with no repairs done. All we are told is the mechanic resets modules and it should be good. There was a recall for this issue which was performed. The problems occured more frequently since the recall was performed, but I'm always told that they can't fix what's not broken, which I understand. This is a large vehicle not having a reverse camera working properly at all times is a big safety concern that is being dismissed be

20251130SERVICE BRAKES

volkswagen atlas 2024 brake noise with maneuver braking function currently not available light coming on after first couple stops. I have recording and everything and showed to vw dealership they said this is normal. I used to work on brakes this is not normal. It is so bad every looks at it and this is a new car. It happens ever morning. Cold wet or not just doesn't brake well from start of the day. They claim stuff builds on the disc and has to burn off but thats for new brakes and rotors only. During the noise the light comes one braking function is not available. What I see in the car is almost like a a slippage where the car kind of feels like it is on ice but your foot is all the way down. This has done that from day one. They said they cant fix it. I fear someone is going to get hurt soon,because it affects the stopping power.

20251130ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

volkswagen atlas 2024 brake noise with maneuver braking function currently not available light coming on after first couple stops. I have recording and everything and showed to vw dealership they said this is normal. I used to work on brakes this is not normal. It is so bad every looks at it and this is a new car. It happens ever morning. Cold wet or not just doesn't brake well from start of the day. They claim stuff builds on the disc and has to burn off but thats for new brakes and rotors only. During the noise the light comes one braking function is not available. What I see in the car is almost like a a slippage where the car kind of feels like it is on ice but your foot is all the way down. This has done that from day one. They said they cant fix it. I fear someone is going to get hurt soon,because it affects the stopping power.

Compare 2024VOLKSWAGENATLAS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS have?
The 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS has 206 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 3 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS?
The 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS?
Yes, the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS?
The most-complained component for the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 36 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and ENGINE.
Is the 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2024 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.