*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Back over prevention › Warnings
Backup camera screen and all related screen safety features unexpectedly stopped working. Safety features including backup / rear facing camera, parking assist, and blind spot warnings no longer function and put people and property at risk while maneuvering the vehicle. There was/is no warning that the systems do not work. Additionally, the health of children in the backseat is at risk as there is no way to control heating and cooling for backseat passengers. The failure to use safety equipment was confirmed by Ken Ganley North Olmstead VW dealership service department. Service department staff acknowledged other VW Atlas customers with similar problems. Service stated they could not…
Oct 11, 2026Unknown or other
A manufacturer-pushed OTA software update failed, completely bricking the 5F Infotainment Module. This has caused a total loss of the rearview backup camera, parking sensors, and safety alerts, creating an immediate, severe blind-spot safety hazard.
Oct 3, 2026Electrical system
I own a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, purchased new in March 2023. The vehicle has experienced two incidents of sudden loss of propulsion. The first incident occurred around June 2026 while stopped near a roundabout entrance. The vehicle became inoperable and required multiple restart attempts over approximately 4â5 minutes before normal operation resumed. I do not recall whether any unusual noise occurred during this first incident. The second incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately [XXX], while driving at approximately 20â35 mph and entering an intersection in Madison, Alabama. The vehicle suddenly lost propulsion, and pressing the accelerator produced no response. The vehicle continued…
Oct 15, 2026Electrical system
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the center entertainment panel blacked out, and the rearview camera display remained active while shifted into drive. The check engine, caution, and SOS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine misfire, and ignition coils were replaced. The battery was tested, and no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure progressed; the vehicle lost motive power, the power window rolled up when the down button was pressed, and roadside assistance provided a battery jump-start. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone store where the…
Mar 15, 2025 · 48,157 milesElectrical system
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen Atlas due to the complete failure of the infotainment/electronic display system, including loss of the rearview backup camera. The system initially malfunctioned intermittently over several months before failing completely. The screen is now entirely black and nonfunctional. Most concerning, the rearview camera no longer displays an image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This creates a significant safety concern, particularly when backing up near children, pedestrians, or other vehicles. The loss of the camera is not simply an inconvenience; it is the failure of an important safety feature. My vehicle has slightly over…
Sep 26, 2026Engine
No warning lights or under car oil leakage noted (due to "belly pan" under engine/oil pan). NY inspection [XXX] with private mechanic oil noted on belly pan ("diaper"); referred to dealer for oil change and inspection of seals leaking front crankcase. [XXX] dealer changed oil and initially stated no seal replacement needed in spite of "seepage" until informed of private mechanic's concern then dealer recommended warranty replacement (parts ordered) of front crankcase seal; work completed April 10 2024@5400 miles. Oil change [XXX] mechanic again noted oil about crankcase seal; taken to dealer where I was told front crankcase seal "leaking oil badly, damaged serpentine belt will need to be…
Mar 13, 2024Fuel/propulsion system
On 8/7/26 after idling while waiting in line for a car wash, while in Drive I pressed the accelerator, the vehicle does not move forward as expected, then the vehicle prompts me to restart the engine while roll backwards at the same time. The exact cause of the malfunction has not been confirmed to me. The vehicle is currently in the dealership's possession and should be available for inspection through the dealership. The malfunction creates a safety risk because the vehicle can become unable to move when I am attempting to drive forward or reverse. If this occurs while entering traffic, crossing an intersection, or backing out of a parking space, I could be left in a dangerous position…
Aug 7, 2026Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control
2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport SEL AWD, about 57,500 miles. Available for inspection. Oct 3, 2026: infotainment screen would not turn on. A soft reboot, a multi-hour shutdown with the car locked did not fix it. The unit is stuck in a reboot loop ("Starting navigation" then fails, repeating). By about the third restart, the blower fan stopped completely: no heat, no AC, no windshield defrost or defog, no ventilation. Rearview camera, radio, and navigation are inoperative. Cruise control, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance do not work. Warning lamps came on when the climate system failed (photographed Oct 5): electronic stability control, power steering, Front Assist (forward…
Oct 3, 2026
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
