2024 Volkswagen Atlas engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

29 owners have reported engine problems with the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, 17% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 18,227 mi.

Engine complaints
29
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
18,227 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine28
Engine and engine cooling1
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system1

Engine complaints across Volkswagen Atlas years

692018522019320208720215120223720232920247202542026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2024 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k310k–30k30k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 25V100000Feb 17, 2025177,493 vehicles
    ENGINE

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.

    Risk: A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.

  • Recall 23V593000Aug 23, 20232,018 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

    Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, engine failure may cause an oil leak which can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 13i6.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 15, 2026MOEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    The problem is the car has moments of stalls/not accelerating. From a stop, like at a stoplight, I have to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and even though the RPMs go up, the car doesn't move or barely moves for several seconds before it finally goes. The engine is clearly running and revving the power just isn't getting to the wheels and it stalls in thr middle of traffic.I don't know exactly which part is failing because after four repair attempts, the…
    NHTSA complaint #11764505 · source
  2. Filed Aug 27, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    While accelerating, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas hesitates and drags before responding to throttle input. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen Cypress (Houston, TX) on 08/25/2026 for a scheduled service appointment that included this concern as well as recall 24V480. As of 08/27/2026 - two days later - the vehicle has not been inspected or touched by a technician. The dealer has confirmed they are approximately 3 days behind and offered no resolution. The acceleration…
    NHTSA complaint #11760008 · source
  3. Filed Aug 11, 202618,227 miINEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, exhaust system malfunction, and master warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Engine Control Malfunction" and "Transmission Overheated" were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…
    NHTSA complaint #11756192 · source
  4. Filed Jul 22, 2026OHEngine
    The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas suddenly lost all power and acceleration while driving at approximately 45 mph with a child passenger. There were no warning lights, messages, or abnormal symptoms prior to the failure. Pressing the accelerator pedal, including flooring it, produced no response, and the vehicle continued to decelerate. I was able to coast into a nearby neighborhood and pull off the road safely. Had this occurred on a highway, it could have resulted in a serious…
    NHTSA complaint #11752042 · source
  5. Filed Jul 5, 2026MNEngineOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control
    It's been about one month since engine light has lit up on the dashboard and stays on now. The first incident occurred about a week ago, as I was driving, I was slowing down to go into a roundabout, the vehicle begin to jerk and pull back, a red triangle exclamation mark light started going off warning me to safely park my vehicle as it had overheated. I assumed it was low on coolant so I topped it off to see if that would fix the issue. Then two days later after the first…
    NHTSA complaint #11748338 · source
  6. Filed Jun 18, 2026GAEngine
    While driving, the engine light comes on along with a flashing red error message that says error: drive system and then the engine starts overheating and I have to park the car and turn it off. Once I restart the car, the check engine light remains on.
    NHTSA complaint #11745113 · source
  7. Filed May 12, 2026MSElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    My 2024 Volkswagen Atlas began displaying multiple warning messages involving the engine, drive system, and powertrain. Warning messages included “Engine: error start/stop,” “Drive system, please service vehicle,” and other engine/powertrain alerts. The vehicle has had intermittent check engine lights, shaking, rough operation, abnormal noises, and repeated warning messages that disappear and then return. This is a serious safety issue. The vehicle has lost power, stopped…
    NHTSA complaint #11737200 · source
  8. Filed May 8, 2026TXEngine
    Safety recall issued in November 2025 for the engine cover. The dealership removed the faulty engine cover for safety reasons. VW customer care informed me that the part is not in production. Under federal recall law, manufacturers must provide a remedy within a "reasonable time". Seven months with no production date for the repair is my complaint. The engine cover is designed to reduce engine noise.
    NHTSA complaint #11736580 · source
  9. Filed Apr 21, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Repeated concerns involving the reliable response to pressing the gas pedal. Directly after purchase notified dealership the vehicle felt unsafe to drive. That pressing the gas pedal did not guarantee the vehicle would predictably move forward. Response ranges from high rpm with no forward propulsion, delayed response with eventual slow or regular movement, high rpm with no forward movement when taking tight turn, feeling of incorrect gear. Most important when passing and…
    NHTSA complaint #11732648 · source
  10. Filed Feb 17, 2026GAEngine
    Vehicle was first sohwn to have low coolant and improper temps in the engine compartment, found to have multiple issues by independent car care facility regarding the coolant system and engine temperature. This also caused issues with rpms at idle and while parked. Car was taken to dealership for repair. Replacements under warranty made including thermostat, coolant pump, vacuum pump, toothed belt cover, and pressure pipe, etc. 1,000 miles later, issues continued, with the…
    NHTSA complaint #11718430 · source
  11. Filed Dec 10, 2025LABrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    1st Issue: Braking noises while applying brakes. While applying brake pressure to brake pedal there are squealing, grinding, gargling (liquid) sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. There are no lights or warnings displayed. This has been happening since bought new back in may of 2024. This issue has been brought up to the service department at the Volkswagen dealership where purchased multiple times when going in for oil changes and (other issues) the vehicle had or…
    NHTSA complaint #11704285 · source
  12. Filed Oct 30, 2025MDEngine
    October 27th- As my husband was parking at work, the vehicle suddenly refused to shift into any gear—Park, Reverse, or Drive—and defaulted to Neutral. The dashboard displayed a warning message: “Risk of Rolling! P not possible. Please apply parking brake.” Despite multiple attempts, the Atlas could not be shifted or safely parked. After several failed tow attempts, VW Roadside Assistance successfully towed it to Ourisman Volkswagen of Laurel. As parents of young children…
    NHTSA complaint #11696592 · source

Other 2024 Volkswagen Atlas problem areas

Back to all 2024 Volkswagen Atlas problems →

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