2021 Volkswagen Atlas lighting problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V504000Aug 26, 202011 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: A headlight aimed incorrectly aimed reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the driver's side headlight, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94N7.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 5, 2026GALighting

   My 2021 Volkswagen Atlas at 58,000 miles the passenger side daytime running light stopped working. This is a replacement that can only be completed with an entire headlight assembly replaced the cost of a headlight assembly is between $1800- $2500 which is an astronomical amount to replace just the LED daytime running light.

   NHTSA complaint #11762375 · source
2. Filed Aug 27, 2026NYLighting

   LED DRL headlight on the passenger side failed at 35k miles. That little, single LED light cannot be replaced without replacing the entire headlight system, which costs almost $2k and requires removing the bumper! Negligent design that conveniently happens once the warranty expired, and despite the low miles of my vehicle. (these are supposed to last to 50k-70k)

   NHTSA complaint #11760104 · source
3. Filed Aug 24, 2026MALighting

   Headlight LED DRLs went out on passenger side at only 60k miles. To fix, the whole headlight would need to be replaced which is >$1k. LED bulbs should last much longer and there are many other instances of the same problem from other owners across various forums. Seems like this is a VW issue and should warrant a recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11758990 · source
4. Filed Jul 28, 2026MALighting

   Upon visual inspection of the car. Noticed driver’s side headlight outter light not working with no warning indicator. Have been pulled over since issue was first discovered by police. I believe it’s called daytime driving light part of the headlight.

   NHTSA complaint #11753203 · source
5. Filed Jul 23, 2026MOLighting

   Passenger side Daytime Running Light went out. The vehicle had under 60k miles. Seems like a common problem. For now will not replace because of high price tag and not necessary for safety inspection. The problem is that negates the safety feature on the car.

   NHTSA complaint #11752529 · source
6. Filed Jun 30, 2026FLLighting

   Both set of running lights on my Atlas have burned out and were replaced since purchased of car in 2021 and again both left and right running lights are no longer working. The first time the car was under warranty. The cost to fix the LED running lights are 1500.00 + per light! This is clearly a defect on VW‘s design and should be fixed and fall under a recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11747355 · source
7. Filed Jun 23, 2026ARElectrical SystemLighting

   passenger side day time running light went out right at 60,000. called dealer not covered under warranty on a 21 atlas even though i purchased a 4 year 80,000 mile warranty.. the extended warranty started the day i bought the car.

   NHTSA complaint #11746013 · source
8. Filed Jun 20, 2026SCLighting

   Daytime running lights have failed on both headlight assemblies. Both failed at just outside the warranty period. High and low beams work fine and the repair is $2000 for a headlight which is outrageous.

   NHTSA complaint #11745383 · source
9. Filed May 28, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemLighting

   The right driver side daylight light is out, the SOS response system warning light is on, tire pressure loss detected light is but tires are fine and no loss in pressure, cruise control doesn’t always work and deactivates.

   NHTSA complaint #11740726 · source
10. Filed May 27, 2026RILighting

    Front passenger-side daytime running light went out. Cannot be replaced individually. Must replace entire front lighting assembly at significant cost.

    NHTSA complaint #11740364 · source
11. Filed May 26, 2026MALighting

    The DRLs went out at the same time. It's still not working so it's available for inspection. DRLs are obviously safety-relevant. No warning, no messages. Checking fault codes shows "module overheating".

    NHTSA complaint #11739993 · source
12. Filed May 25, 2026AZLighting

    Passenger side daytime running light has burned out. Driver side daytime running light is starting to burn out as well. Starting to read that this is a problem for this year make and model of vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint #11739873 · 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