Problems · by component

2018 Volkswagen Atlas fuel/propulsion system problems

33 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas cite fuel/propulsion system, 7% of all 468 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
33
7% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL has experienced repeated unexpected engine stalling, hesitation, surging, and fluctuating RPMs despite numerous warranty repairs. Since XXX, the vehicle has undergone at least six EVAP charcoal canister replacements, multiple N80 purge valve replacements, and a fuel tank replacement. These repairs have repeatedly failed to permanently correct the problem. On XXX, while departing the [XXX] with my family, the vehicle stalled while pulling into traffic from a stop sign. An approaching vehicle was forced to swerve around us to avoid a collision while I attempted to restart the engine. This incident created an immediate risk of a serious collision and is consistent with the recurring stalling condition I have reported to Prestige Volkswagen of Melbourne for years. The vehicle has approximately 126,000 miles. Despite repeated dealership repairs, the condition continues to recur, and I am concerned that the vehicle may stall again without warning. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this recurring engine-stalling condition and the repeated failures of the EVAP system components.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 8, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11776536
“Fuel line leak due to the angle the manufacturer line is coming out of the fuel tank. Rubbing on the line caused a wear on the line, gas leak and has to be repaired and rerouted by mechanic to keep this from happening again. Very unsafe condition due to fumes and risk of fire. No warning lights just a very strong fuel smell and fuel leaking from under the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 24, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11759117
“Fuel gauge suddenly changes its reading, sometimes dropping to a zero level indication while driving! The readings frequently change up and down, so if the previous reading before a drop to completely empty is incorrect, this could be a serious safety risk to suddenly find out the tank is very near empty. Volkswagen has a TSB about this, but are requiring expensive diagnostic and repair fees, over 1200. The TSB indicates the car model gas had frequent issues with a faulty fuel level sending unit.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11757921
“Several times before I got the car stalled in the car wash which I thought that could no be important however yesterday Sunday 12, driving on I4 by Tampa bay in Florida when traffic was stocked and slow suddenly the car went off, so I geared neutral and started again. Then happened twice in total three times.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026Structure, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11750086
“Gas tank melted on top of the tank next to drive shaft and a hole was leaking gas- we are keeping the tank that was removed for investigation. Extreme safety issue that put my daughter and granddaughters at risk of fire/explosion when it was unknown that there was a gas leak while driving. The part was inspected by a repair shop in Lake Havasu AZ as well as the Capistrano Volkswagen, CA dealership and no explanation of the cause. Since the vehicle is out of warranty the VW.com and the dealership refused to replace without full charge. Insurance claim has been filed. There were no warning lamps messages or other symptoms of the failure. About 45 miles prior to gas leak detection, while fueling, the reverse pressure shutoff did not work, and a significant amount of gas was released at the station. No indication of a leak from the gas tank until the car stopped, then significant release onto the ground was observed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 8, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11703840
“While driving, the vehicle suddenly loses engine power and shuts off without warning. This has happened multiple times and creates a serious safety hazard because it happen in traffic multiple times . The problem appears to be related to the fuel pump control module and/or electrical wiring failure. Additionally, the power windows stopped functioning due to a failure in the driver door wiring harness, which is a known issue on this vehicle model year. The electrical malfunction and engine stall appear to be connected. This issue has been repaired because the dealership stated the warranty is expired, but this is a safety defect that can lead to a crash. There is also an open unrepaired recall on this vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11697983

Showing 6 of 33 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 14, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.