2019 Volkswagen Atlas transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 18, 2026LAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine/Fuel injectors causing SUV to cut off at intersections or backing up in road causing a safety risk of getting hit and I know because it has happened to me.

   NHTSA complaint #11757598 · source
2. Filed Jul 13, 2026FLFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle has been to VW at least 10 times for same issue since 2021. Stalls at low speeds like in traffic or driving around neighborhood, and while decelerating from higher speeds causing a dangerous safety issue. Several components replaced some like the fuel evap canister and purge valve numerous times. Symptoms clear up for days or weeks at a time and than return. VW has been unable to correct this or or find cause, has had an “engineer” from VW look at it and cannot…

   NHTSA complaint #11749975 · source
3. Filed May 27, 2026GAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   For powertrain: failure of right front CV axle before 100k miles on a certified pre-owned vehicle; associated failure of shocks and struts in right front axle. The problem was inspected by an ASE certified VW mechanic, attested to be true and shown to us, and repaired. There were no warning lamps/lights, and the finding was made on a full vehicle inspection when brought in for a brake pad change. The issue appeared at approx 79000 mi on the odometer, 3 months after…

   NHTSA complaint #11740419 · source
4. Filed May 2, 2026CAOther / UnknownSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Bad steering rack for 2019 Atlas VW. No recall announced but multiple vehicles having similar issues nationwide. Car has always had a small vibration in the steering and over time it has steadily gotten worst. I recently added new tires and an alignment. the problem is mechanical in nature and presents an extreme safety risk to the vehicle. The vehicle has been looked at multiple times in the past few years by a VW dealership. Nothing until recently has a problem been…

   NHTSA complaint #11735294 · source
5. Filed Mar 2, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine and the HVAC systems. Specifically, a persistent "ghost misfire"—where the engine vibrates and shudders without triggering a dashboard warning light—and a total heater failure. The vehicle is currently held at the dealership; all service records (RO# 367641, 367891, 367980, 368179) are available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The…

   NHTSA complaint #11721328 · source
6. Filed Oct 2, 2025TNFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I’ve consistently had a coolant leak with my engine water pump. Constantly have to refill the coolant. The reason I’m making this complaint is because yesterday October 1, 2025 I filled up my coolant and I drove a few miles to the grocery store and my coolant was empty and I got a coolant, low warning light and the coolant pump was completely empty. This is becoming very expensive and should not happen on a certified preowned vehicle with only 75,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11690908 · source
7. Filed Apr 7, 2025NYBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Driving at constant speed on highway, vehicle either loses acceleration and / or applies brake for short moment. Tapping the accelerator appears allow the vehicle to resume to initial intended speed. Automatic braking, not intended by the driver is a safety risk for both this and adjacent drivers. The problem has been reproduced by a dealer service center. No other agencies have inspected the vehicle's problem. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms evident. Dealer has…

   NHTSA complaint #11653333 · source
8. Filed Nov 27, 2023NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   MY Volkswagen atlas Transmission appears to be making a grinding, screeching or squealing noise when accelerating at low speeds. Sounds to me like a bad torque converter but its not a normal noise. It also seems to not accelerate when this noise happens and if it stops when I pull into traffic I'll get hit. I took it to a dealer in NJ, said he has had others complain and that there is nothing they can do. My car is till under warranty, but they refuse to fix it. Its not…

   NHTSA complaint #11557021 · source
9. Filed Dec 26, 2022FLAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11498839 · source
10. Filed Apr 25, 2022MDElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    I bought the car new 2 years ago and the issues began around 11k miles and have continued every several months to it is current 45k mileage. On 4 occasions my car has powered down while driving speeds approximately 60mph and began shaking with the EPC and check engine light becoming illuminated. Of those occasions, 3 of which I was able to get the car to the side of the road and restart it to get to a servicer. 1 of those times I had to have to towed. On the fifth occasion…

    NHTSA complaint #11462137 · source
11. Filed Apr 15, 2022FLElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11460886 · source
12. Filed Mar 21, 2022TXTransmission & Drivetrain

    Since the purchase of this vehicle in 2019 I have complained that it was not shifting gears properly and upon first acceleration the Atlas would feel jumpy or hesitate. When slowing down even at 5 or 10 mph the vehicle would stay in 3rd gear. In June 2020 I had it documented, VW tech tested vehicle and stated performing to manufacturer's specs. It stayed like this and I took to another dealer in April 2021, Nov 2021, & Dec 2021 & was told transmission fine, then it began…

    NHTSA complaint #11457635 · 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