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2021 Volkswagen Atlas recalls

17 recalls are on record with NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, including a "stop driving" advisory.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas recall lookup visual: Vehicle rear underside raised on a dark service lift with cool metal light and red reflection
NHTSA advises owners of affected vehicles to STOP DRIVING until the recall is repaired.

Methodology: recall and complaint counts are pulled from NHTSA public data by make, model, and model year during the site build. This page is not a VIN-specific open-recall status.

Sources and review: source: NHTSA recalls and complaints datasets. Last reviewed June 2026; author: VinSleuth editorial desk; reviewer: Vehicle public-records review.

17 Open recalls
439 Complaints
0 Fire reports
0 Crash reports

Recall details

Recall BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA #20V716000 Reported 18/11/2020

Defect

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."

Risk

A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall STEERING #21V026000 Reported 27/01/2021

Defect

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.

Risk

A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall WHEELS:RIM #21V132000 Reported 03/03/2021

Defect

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.

Risk

An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS #21V812000 Reported 15/10/2021

Defect

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.

Risk

The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM #21V892000 Reported 17/11/2021

Defect

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.

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.

Free fix

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.

Recall SEATS #20V505000 Reported 26/08/2020

Defect

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.

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.

Free fix

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.

Recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS #20V504000 Reported 26/08/2020

Defect

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.

Free fix

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.

Recall TIRES:SIDEWALL #20V702000 Reported 13/11/2020

Defect

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.

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.

Free fix

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.

Stop driving STEERING #20V712000 Reported 17/11/2020

NHTSA advises owners to stop driving this vehicle until the recall repair is completed.

Defect

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.

Risk

A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS #21V616000 Reported 06/08/2021

Defect

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.

Risk

A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

Free fix

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.

Recall EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS #22V086000 Reported 16/02/2022

Defect

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."

Risk

Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW #22V152000 Reported 28/03/2022

Defect

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.

Risk

A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Free fix

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.

Recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS #22V245000 Reported 13/04/2022

Defect

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.

Risk

Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Free fix

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.

Recall BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA #22V514000 Reported 20/07/2022

Defect

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."

Risk

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS #22V815000 Reported 31/10/2022

Defect

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."

Risk

An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER #23V215000 Reported 29/03/2023

Defect

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.

Risk

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER #24V464000 Reported 20/06/2024

Defect

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.

Risk

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Free fix

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.

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What owners complain about

Top components in 439 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 135
AIR BAGS 48
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 48
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 42
ENGINE 40
SERVICE BRAKES 30
STRUCTURE 17
POWER TRAIN 14

Frequently asked

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have?

17 recalls are on record with NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, including a "stop driving" advisory. Recall repairs are always free at a franchise dealer.

Do I have to pay to fix a Volkswagen recall?

No. Federal law requires manufacturers to repair safety recalls for free at any authorized dealer, regardless of who owns the vehicle or its warranty status.

Is this recall list specific to my VIN?

This page lists recalls reported to NHTSA for every 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. To confirm whether a recall is still open for one specific VIN, enter it in our decoder or check with Volkswagen. NHTSA has no public by-VIN recall feed, so we look up the make, model, and year.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas crash ratings All recalls