The Volkswagen Atlas is an anonymous offering from the German's stable. It offers minivan-like space and expansive cargo space. The three-row SUV sells well with good numbers to boast of, but the reliability has been shaky. The Atlas has 12 recalls and 117 complaints registered on the NHTSA, with one warning asking people to NOT DRIVE their Atlas SUVs vide NHTSA Campaign Number 20V712000. Let's see how troublesome the ownership of the SUV has been and why it was recalled that much.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Problems
Electrical issues:
- Erroneous electrical operation: Many people have reported the electricals of the VW Atlas to go haywire and act erroneously. Some people report that the lighting turned on/off while some claim that the windows rolled up/down without any input.
- Faulty door sensor: The 2021 Atlas is marred with faulty door sensors. These sensors lit up many warning signs inside the instrument cluster and caused the windows to roll down. Sometimes, the faulty sensors also stalled the car. This malfunction made driving the SUV difficult and many people have started proceedings under the Lemon law.
- Rearview camera issues: Another widespread issue in the Atlas is the faulty rear-view camera that does not function as intended. Many people complained of the system malfunctioning and not displaying anything. Sometimes, the screen froze and the car had to be restarted for the system to work properly.
Mechanical issues:
- Faulty start/stop system: Many people have reported the start/stop system in the Atlas to malfunction and stall the SUV at low speeds. Many people had very close rear-end calls due to the SUV shutting off while driving.
- Transmission issues: Many people report the transmission violently jerking while driving at low speeds. There have been incidents of unintended acceleration reported every now and then.
Safety issues:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) issues: People have reported the AEB and proximity sensors in the Atlas to malfunction. Such malfunction causes the SUV to brake unexpectedly and increases the chances of a rear-end collision.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
August 26, 2020 |
20V505000 |
Seats |
Breakage of the backrest adjustment could reduce occupant restraint, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on September 11, 2020. Dealers will inspect the front seats and replace the affected seatback frames. |
|
2. |
August 26, 2020 |
20V504000 |
Exterior Lighting |
Incorrectly aimed headlights reduces overall visibility of the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. The affected units fail to comply with FMVSS 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment”. |
The recall started on September 9, 2020. Dealers will inspect and adjust the driver-side headlight. |
|
3. |
November 13, 2020 |
20V702000 |
Tires |
Overcured tires may cause cracks in sidewall and cause loss of air pressure. This affects handling and increases the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on November 30, 2020. Dealers will inspect DOT date code and replace the affected tires. |
|
4. |
November 17, 2020 |
20V712000 |
Steering |
Failure of a damaged steering knuckle causes loss of handling, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on November 19, 2020. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering knuckles. |
|
5. |
November 18, 2020 |
20V716000 |
Back Over Prevention |
A malfunctioning rear-view camera affects the driver's rearward visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. The affected units fail to comply with FMVSS 111, “Rear Visibility”. |
The recall started on December 11, 2020. Dealers will update the infotainment system software. |
|
6. |
January 27, 2021 |
21V026000 |
Steering |
Failure of a damaged steering knuckle causes loss of handling, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on February 16, 2020. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering knuckles. |
|
7. |
March 3, 2021 |
21V132000 |
Wheels |
Incorrectly manufactured lug bolt holes may separate the wheel from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on March 4, 2021. Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary lug bolts, wheels, and wheel bearings. |
|
8. |
August 6, 2021 |
21V616000 |
Electrical System |
Damaged relays may cause the horn or the electrical starter to be activated for an extended period, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. |
The recall started on August 27, 2021. Dealers will inspect and replace the relays. |
|
9. |
October 15, 2021 |
21V812000 |
Wheels |
Incorrectly tightened wheel bearing bolts may separate the wheel from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on March 4, 2021. Dealers will inspect and replace the wheel bearing bolts. |
|
10. |
November 17, 2021 |
21V892000 |
Visibility |
Damage to the airbag module due to water leakage might hinder operation, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on January 14, 2022. Dealers will inspect and replace the airbag module. |
|
11. |
February 16, 2022 |
22V086000 |
Equipment |
An unintentional overloading due to an increased GVWR label affects handling and increases the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on March 31, 2022. Dealers will inspect and install reduced GVWR labels. |
|
12. |
March 28, 2022 |
22V152000 |
Airbags |
Corrosion of the wiring harness may delay airbag deployment, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The recall started on March 31, 2022. Dealers will inspect and replace faulty wiring harnesses. |
Should you buy the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is an underdog that provides a cavernous cabin for adults. The cargo area is massive as well and can easily hold luggage. Apart from this, the SUV is laced with many electrical issues that keep people away from the SUV. Seeing all the complaints, we would advise against the 2021 Atlas, new or used.
