Problems · by component

2021 Volkswagen Atlas forward collision avoidance problems

67 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas cite forward collision avoidance, 14% of all 480 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
67
14% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the forward collision avoidance

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 on the root cause for these failures or if there was a recall on this module/SOS System. I have reported this issue to the VW Customer Care Program, and was informed that I need to work with my dealer for this issue. I explained the problem goes beyond the dealer at this point and was looking for an explanation or if VW USA was working on this problem as it is well documented online in VW Forums. They said they could not do that and I must work with the dealer. Hence, my…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureODI 11772410
“The electric board goes black frequently. Also, my backup camera and assistive device for backup doesn’t work. It starts and stops after a second. Posing a big problem with backing up because I have neck injury and can’t adequately see.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2026Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Back over preventionODI 11746984
“The right driver side daylight light is out, the SOS response system warning light is on, tire pressure loss detected light is but tires are fine and no loss in pressure, cruise control doesn’t always work and deactivates.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 28, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11740726
“When I went to start my vehicle on 6/26/25, I noticed that the instrument cluster was stating an error: "COMPASS IS NOT AVAILABLE". The vehicle continues to go through an entire list of items not available. including the radio and infotainment system, navigation. I should also mention that the dash also was showing that the outside camera was not available to me. I live in a small town and shopping is very limited and I drive 32 miles for decent groceries and clothes for my family, and I rely on that radio for company, sometimes, and for weather and traffic so if I don't have these items I could get stranded in the middle of the desert. No one has looked at the car yet for this problem. I have no clue how this happened.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11669836
“Upon starting the car All of the above warning lights came on the dashboard and did not function. Power steering,l and all adas did not function. Took to dealer and sensor was replaced.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2025Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11654600
“Upon starting car All ADAS functions did not work. Warning lights came on. Did not work for several days. Took to dealership and they found a sensor in tire to be faulty”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2025Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11654604

Showing 6 of 67 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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