Problems · NHTSA complaints
2022 Volkswagen Atlas problems
Owners filed 185 complaints about the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas with NHTSA between Jan 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (50).
Complaints
185
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine50
- Service brakes46
- Electrical system44
- Air bags30
- Forward collision avoidance20
- Fuel/propulsion system14
- Exterior lighting14
- Back over prevention8
- Steering6
- Seats5
- Power train4
- Parking brake3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Seat belts2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
20
29
52
43
41
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 43 |
| 2026 | 41 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
50 reports1 fire
“We were told by Salem County Volkswagent that there is an issue with the hood latch on our 2022 Volkswagent Atlas which may render it impossible to open the hood. The cable/latch/other part(s) is/are nearing failure and will render it impossible to open hood of vehicle.”
Service brakes
46 reports2 crashes
“Software update for the vehicle. Since we have completed the update we have had issues with the Radio unit flashing in and out intermittenly and finally the unit went black and will not work at all. This is now showing multiple fault codes including. Engine control module 1 (U105400), Brakes 1(C102D00), Adaptive Cruise Control (U112100), Dash Board (U111000), Gateway (U105400), Telematics Communication Unit (B104914, U112100,B1916f4), Light Control Left 2 (U140700,C123AFA) Light Control Right 2 (C123AFA). None of these codes started till the System update happened.”
Electrical system
44 reports1 fire
“The infotainment module in my vehicle that I purchased in March 2026 has completely gone out and was deemed faulty by two different Volkswagen dealerships. Because of this amenity no longer working, I do not have access to a backup camera, the SOS feature, safety sensors, navigation, control to the dashboard (I cannot set an accurate time), hands free phone connection to the screen and the many other necessities that are directly linked to the infotainment system. My husband and I are expecting our first baby any day now, and we purchased this car specifically for the safety features — now we no longer have them. The part to fix this issue has been on back order with Volkswagen for quite a long time and I cannot get a definite answer from anyone as to when it will be back in stock. Multiple dealerships and car technician businesses have relayed to us that this is an issue they have seen many times with the newer Volkswagen models. They have confirmed that nobody has a timeline on when the part will be back in, and the only way for my husband and I to stay updated about the status of the back order part is to consistently call the Volkswagen dealership for an…”
Air bags
30 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“Ever since I bought this vehicle, it stalls randomly. Apparently this is a major issue with this car and complaints are all over the Internet by owners. I have a child and I am afraid to drive the car. I have bought the car to get fixed and it is still stalling. It appears that thousands of people have the same issue as some sort of canister needs to be replaced but even shortly after it is replaced, my vehicle stalls along with everyone else’s. Also, my info entertainment center has issues and my airbag has an error code right now. From what I am reading, this vehicle is a major hazard and is very dangerous to drive.”
Forward collision avoidance
20 reports1 crash
“My atlas forward collision system malfunctioned causing the automatic emergency braking to turn on when there was no one and nothing in front of me. I was then rear ended. Which ultimately totaled my vehicle. My car said airbag error as well. I called Volkswagen Perrysburg Ohio, to report the incident, was sent to the managers voicemail 7/16/2025. The manager never called me back.”
Fuel/propulsion system
14 reports1 fire
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel/emissions system failed due to a defective carbon canister, which was covered under an active Volkswagen factory extended warranty. The vehicle has since been repaired, so the original defective part was retained by the replacing dealer and is likely unavailable for independent inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle experienced sudden, intermittent engine stalling while being operated on public roadways. This created an immediate safety hazard, leaving me vulnerable to rear-end collisions and loss of vehicle control in active traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. While the original dealer (Volkswagen of North Tampa) completely failed to inspect the part on 9/1/2026 and misdiagnosed the vehicle, a second authorized Volkswagen service center successfully reproduced, confirmed, and diagnosed the defective carbon canister on 9/22/2026. The original dealer also later admitted in writing via email that they "missed the carbon canister issue." Has the…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.