The Volkswagen Atlas is a mediocre SUV in the “affordable midsize SUVs” segment of the market. Though the vehicle does have some positives like a spacious cargo room and useful infotainment system, the vehicle is filled with reliability issues. The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas has 8 different categories of recalls, 1 still open investigation, and 158 complaints. It seems to follow suit with the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas problems as well. Unfortunately, problems with the electrical connections, emergency and service brakes, engine, and powertrain are its most common niggles, generally speaking. The Toyota Highlander, the Buick Enclave, and the Ford Edge are the ones that give Volkswagen SUVs some competition.
User Complaints and Problems for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Mechanical Problems
- Engine stalling along with other troubles -.The Volkswagen Atlas’ engine is riddled with problems. The coolant is either leaking from leakage or the cap comes off. The users have also stated that the engine surges and stalls mid-operation. This can be a consequence of a malfunctioning fuel tank that tends to leak and also provide improper fuel distribution, refer to NHTSA ID: 19V614000 for more.
- Steering racks the main troublemaker- The steering rack expires its use rather quickly and also sends a lot of the vibrations up to the steering, causing inconvenience to the users.
- Brakes failing to act on time- Users are having troubles with the Atlas’ brake system all over, stating that the brakes do not function according to the need of the users. o\One user stated that over at 50mph, the brake failed to reduce the speed on time. Fortunately, no crashes or incidents occurred.
- Powertrain problems - The transmission does not shift into proper gear, as stated by the users. It feels like the transmission is hesitating to switch. One user even stated that the vehicle was still in 3rd gear when they were around 5mph.
Electrical Problems
- Electrical malfunction far too many - VW Atlas electrical problems were the most common occurrence of trouble for the users. There are too many to state, but briefly, the windows couldn’t roll according to the user's needs. However, the main problem was with the airbags and brakes. The dashboard lights up with an unnecessary warning of a crash causing the “emergency brakes” to activate without any need, resulting in an inconvenience to the users. The airbag also either failed to deploy on time, causing minor injuries to at least a couple of users, or the airbag deployed prematurely without any instigation. The problem with the airbag along with another electrical issue can be due to the recalls made in reference to NHTSA ID: 22V152000
Recalls for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional remarks. |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
28th March 2022 |
22V152000 |
Delayed deployments of the front airbags. |
As a result of corroded electrical contacts in the door harness, there might occur a delay in the deployment of the front side airbags during a crash. |
The dealership will inspect the wirings and change the wirings if needed, free of charge. |
|
2 |
16th February 2022 |
22V086000 |
Missing labels indicating reduced GVWR |
The label for GVWR does not take into account the additional weight of the side steps in its information provided to the user. Hence, fails to comply with FMVSS requirements. |
Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. |
|
3 |
5th March 2021 |
21V142000 |
Sudden air loss resulting in tire failure. |
Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires are prone to fail mid-operation as a result of the tires being "curved for too long" during production. This might result in the sidewalls of the tires breaking and the end result of losing control of the vehicle as consequence. |
The dealership will inspect the tires, and if needed, will replace them free of charge. |
|
4 |
21st August 2019 |
19V614000 |
Fuel tank might defect due to improper welding. |
The suction jet in the fuel tank is presumed to be welded improperly and might result either in fuel leaking or engine stalling due to improper fuel distribution. |
Volkswagen will notify the owners and the dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. |
|
5 |
22nd May 2019 |
19V389000 |
Headlights can be adjusted. |
Some vehicles are missing the blocking caps for the headlights, which as consequence allows people to adjust the headlights outside the safety preview as mentioned by FMVSS. |
The dealership after inspection will install the block caps, preventing horizontal headlight adjustment free of charge. |
|
6 |
20th March 2019 |
19V218000 |
Incorrect installation of side airbags. |
An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side-impact airbag may have been installed. |
Volkswagen will replace the airbags free of charge. |
|
7 |
19th December 2018 |
18V904000 |
Rear coil spring might break. |
The rear coil springs might prematurely fail, potentially causing damage to the rear tires and making the user lose vehicle control. |
Upon inspection, the dealership will change the rear coil springs free of charge. |
|
8 |
26th November 2018 |
18V824000 |
No warning if the key is left back in the ignition. |
When or if the door is open there will be no audible warning that the key is left in the ignition, and hence fail to comply with the FMVSS regulations against theft protection. |
Reprograming of the instrument cluster, free of charge will be done by the dealership. |
Should you buy the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
In short, the answer would be a NO. Why? Well for people who do not have the time to read the entire article, the several recalls, and complaints registered about the airbags and emergency brakes lead us to believe that the 2019 Atlas is not a great option.
Its competitors like the Buick Enclave, in terms of safety and reliability, seem to be a better fit. Fewer complaints and recalls make the choice of Enclave over Atlas a no-brainer.
