2021 Volkswagen Atlas recalls

17 safety recalls, 480 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

17Recalls
480Complaints
10Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Volkswagen Atlas recall list

Air Bags recall

24V-464
June 20, 2024 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Safety risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.

Air Bags recall

23V-215
March 30, 2023 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Safety risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.

Tires recall

22V-815
October 31, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Safety risk
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

Back Over Prevention recall

22V-514
July 20, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

Fuel System, Gasoline recall

22V-245
April 13, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Safety risk
Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.

Air Bags recall

22V-152
March 28, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Safety risk
A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.

Equipment recall

22V-086
February 16, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Safety risk
Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.

Visibility recall

21V-892
November 17, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
Safety risk
A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.

Wheels recall

21V-812
October 15, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Safety risk
The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.

Electrical System recall

21V-616
August 6, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
Safety risk
A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.

Wheels recall

21V-132
March 3, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.
Safety risk
An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.

Steering recall

21V-026
January 27, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
Safety risk
A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.

Back Over Prevention recall

20V-716
November 18, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Safety risk
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.

Steering recall

Do not drive20V-712
November 17, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.
Safety risk
A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q6. Note: Owners are advised to DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the vehicle has been inspected and repaired if necessary.

Tires recall

20V-702
November 13, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have been over cured.
Safety risk
Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.

Seats recall

20V-505
August 26, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Safety risk
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Exterior Lighting recall

20V-504
August 26, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem
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."
Safety 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.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas owner complaints

480 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 9 crashes, 1 fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Electrical System149
Service Brakes93
Engine86
Unknown or Other77
Exterior Lighting70
Forward Collision Avoidance67
Air Bags66
Fuel/Propulsion System41
Structure22
Power Train15

Recent complaints

October 24, 2026Exterior Lighting

Day time running light has failed on the driver’s side. $1000 plus for the parts and labor. Reduces visibility and presents a hazard to other motorists

October 23, 2026Exterior Lighting

HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY. ÐRL LIGHT BURNT OUT RISKING MY SAFETY DAYTIME DRIVING

October 20, 2026Forward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

Something NHSTA should look into is an ongoing problem with the SOS system in the Volkswagen ATALS. In my case, the module was first replaced in 02/21/2025 with 46,973 miles on my 2021 Atlas SEL AWD V6. My vehicle was out of warranty so that repair cost just under $1,200.00. The module went out again and was replaced on 10/20/2025, with 56,437 miles. This repair was covered since the part was still under warranty. The module most recently went out again and was replaced on 10/15/2026, with 68,992 miles on my Atlas. The dealer covered the repair as I was approximately 500 over the warranty period. They called it a "Onetime goodwill for customer satisfaction". I never received any explanation

October 20, 2026Electrical SystemEngine

Purchased my vehicle from a known dealership of Volkswagen, I’ve had the vehicle for 6 months and within the first three months my SOS system stopped working. I went to have it diagnosed and they stated that there is a back order on the module for the replacement. Now I’m experiencing a sweet smell coming from the vents, sometimes heat is interment and the windows have a film on them.

October 10, 2026Exterior Lighting

About a week ago I noticed that my 2021 Volkswagen atlas 2021 signature LED strip that functions as the Daytime Running Light (DRL) not working. I search online and there’s a lot of complaints about the same problem with this car It says it’s a very common and expensive problem

2021 Volkswagen Atlas crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Volkswagen Atlas: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning no, lane departure warning optional. Rollover risk: 13.6%.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 17 safety recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The most recent, filed June 20, 2024, concerns the air bags.

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen Atlas problems?

Owners have filed 480 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is electrical system (149 reports), followed by service brakes.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas safe?

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?

Contact any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.