2018 Volkswagen Atlas electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V824000Nov 26, 201873,549 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

  Risk: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 5, 2026INCrashDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   EPC light Tire light My cold air doesn't work, cruise control, heating on driver side mirror. Not sure what else. I made my first car payment in June 2026. Looks like I got a lemon vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11755138 · source
2. Filed Mar 30, 2026CAElectrical SystemSteering

   The vehicle intermittently displays a “Steering lock faulty, stop!” warning and fails to start. When this occurs, the vehicle cannot be operated at all. This issue has occurred multiple times within a short period and has persisted despite prior repair attempts by authorized Volkswagen dealerships. The failure of the steering lock system prevents the vehicle from starting, creating a safety concern as the vehicle may become unexpectedly inoperable and leave the driver…

   NHTSA complaint #11728119 · source
3. Filed Dec 23, 2025TXElectrical SystemLighting

   Both low beam headlights went out within two weeks of each other and the vehicle just hit 100,000 miles. Dealership states that replacing the entire headlight assembly is the only fix and will cost $3,000. So now both headlights (safety issue) are out and the vehicle cannot be driven safely. Other VW Atlas vehicles are having the same issue around 50-60K miles. There should be a recall on the head lamps for safety concerns and liability reasons.

   NHTSA complaint #11706755 · source
4. Filed Nov 6, 2025SCElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving, the vehicle suddenly loses engine power and shuts off without warning. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety hazard because it happen in traffic multiple times . The problem appears to be related to the fuel pump control module and/or electrical wiring failure. Additionally, the power windows stopped functioning due to a failure in the driver door wiring harness, which is a known issue on this vehicle model year. The electrical…

   NHTSA complaint #11697983 · source
5. Filed Jun 19, 2025ILElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   ECM light came on, while going 60+ on expressway. Car lost ability to accelerate and began to sputter. Unable to adjust speed and had to pull over to shoulder in fast moving traffic.

   NHTSA complaint #11668026 · source
6. Filed Mar 7, 2025LAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The epc light will come on at anytime. Meaning while driving on a street highway or freeway. Which is a safety issue. The veichle will lose power and start to shake. The light will go off once turned off and turned back on. There most be some electrical issue. Not sure why there has not been a recall on the 2018. They have many complaints and issues. This has been an issue for months.

   NHTSA complaint #11646925 · source
7. Filed Jan 29, 2025FLElectrical System

   The door actuator on the front passenger side of the vehicle stopped working. Here is a list of my concerns as a result: Security: Inability to Lock/Unlock/Functionality: - The primary concern is the inability to securely lock or unlock the vehicle. It creates a significant security risk, putting myself and my belongings vulnerable. - The alarm system is integrated with the door lock system and when I open the faulty door after locking my car, the alarm does not sound. -…

   NHTSA complaint #11639431 · source
8. Filed Jan 17, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Purchased Car with 17,000 miles on it. At 35,400 miles I had an electrical issue, cars was driving slow and jerking, sputtering while on the highway. the EMP ? light came on. I brought to the Clear Lake Volkswagen and they had to change our alot of the electronic system. I drove my car for about 9 months and my battery that was brand new died. There was a something with the electronic system. All along since I have owned the car, it would randomly stall when I would come to…

   NHTSA complaint #11636569 · source
9. Filed Jan 14, 2025MIDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   When the outdoor temperature gets low, below 20 degrees fahrenheit, the vehicle thinks the driver-side front door is open, when it is closed. Because of this, the vehicle does not want to allow itself to be driven and will put on the electric parking brake. Even if released, the parking brake will automatically re-engage any time the vehicle speed drops below a couple of miles-per-hour. In addition, other errors persist with the electrical system, including error messages…

   NHTSA complaint #11635820 · source
10. Filed Dec 30, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngine

    Engine shuts down unexpectable at a stop sign/light and when driving in parking lots. A message on the dashboard comes on "Manually restart the vehicle" This has happen several times (at least 4 times) in the past few days

    NHTSA complaint #11633060 · source
11. Filed Oct 21, 2024COElectrical System

    The actuator door has failed, resulting in a constant and very loud clicking noise. I contacted both the dealer and manufacturer and they advised that this happens as no fault of my own. I am now unable to run the fan.

    NHTSA complaint #11621109 · source
12. Filed Oct 2, 2024NCElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts

    I have a moonroof that leaks whenever it rains. It comes on the sides of the car and also in the middle near my rearview mirror which leaks on my electronics. I am at risk because it brings water into my car when I am driving. It can cause mold and mildew as well. I've taking this to my local VW dealership without any resolution. They just said its a well know issue. The attempted to 'clean' the drains but it still leaks.

    NHTSA complaint #11617675 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology