2024 Volkswagen Atlas transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving at 5 mph, the vehicle suddenly revved up and shifted into neutral. The vehicle then stopped abruptly and would not shift. The gear shifter showed neutral but the vehicle could not be moved as it was in park. The tow truck driver had to manually override the transmission to get it onto the flatbed tow truck. The dealer diagnosed a problem with the selector shifter and replaced it. When picking up the vehicle at the dealer, the same issue occurred as I was…

   NHTSA complaint #11768033 · source
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed May 28, 2026ALTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicles Transfer Case Bevel Box Seal) has been leaking fluid. This has been inspected and confirmed by the VW Dealer. There were no warning lights for this issue. The problem was found during oil change and routine maintenance. This issue has occurred twice on this fairly new 2024 vehicle with less than 20, 000 miles. This appears to be an ongoing issue with these vehicles and a recall should be initiated by the manufacturer.

   NHTSA complaint #11740550 · source
6. 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
7. 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
8. Filed Aug 14, 2025TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   The car does not downshift into second gear from third, the downshift occurs when triggered by the first gear. This can result in starting acceleration initiating below 1000 rpm around 5 MPH in gear 3 to get back up to speed. This can be best observed during stop and go traffic where the car does not reach mark to trigger downshift to first gear. This creates unpredictability and potentially hazardous situations.

   NHTSA complaint #11680753 · source
9. Filed Aug 4, 2025MATransmission & Drivetrain

   At about 8,200 miles I got the low oil warning light. I had to add a quart of oil and get it to the dealership. The dealership confirmed there was an issue with 6 cam bridge bolts and clean the engine of all the leaked oil.

   NHTSA complaint #11678337 · source
10. Filed Jul 30, 2025VATransmission & Drivetrain

    I was driving about 50-55 miles per hours. I had been driving for about 45 minutes when I heard a loud pop in the rear portion of the vehicle. Warning lights came on the dash at this time. The message said to "apply the park brake because of roll potential" and some other messages that I cannot remember. The vehicle stopped moving/pulling (the engine was still running) and the vehicle put itself in Neutral. The wheels locked up. A bystander tried to push it out of the lane…

    NHTSA complaint #11677185 · source
11. Filed Jul 8, 2025COCrashDriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain

    While going through an automated car wash, I experienced a critical malfunction at the end of the belt. When it came time to shift my vehicle from Neutral into Drive, the car would not respond. Every time I attempted to shift into Drive, the emergency brake would automatically engage, preventing the vehicle from moving forward. As a result, I was stuck at the end of the car wash belt. The car behind me, unable to stop due to the forward momentum of the belt, was pushed into…

    NHTSA complaint #11672094 · source
12. Filed Jun 16, 2025FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain

    On 5/24/25 I made another complaint with my car issues complaint number 11662972 The VW Orlando South dealership replaced my transmission. I received my vehicle back on 06/05/25 and after a few hours once I did a u turn, the gears shifted by themselves again. I had to quickly pull over to safety. On the freeway going 70mph it also stalled out, again I had to quickly pull over to safety. The next morning, I informed the dealership the vehicle was having the same problems. I…

    NHTSA complaint #11667257 · 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