Problems · by component

2024 Volkswagen Atlas engine problems

30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas cite engine, 17% of all 176 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
30
17% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My wife was operating the vehicle when the check engine light suddenly came on and alerts on the dash stating that the car was overheating. She was unable to pull over as she was in the road, the car then flashed more alerts and limited her speed to under 20 mph only operating in first gear and limiting rpm to 4000. She was thankfully able to pull over as she was on a city road not a highway whilst driving with my [XXX] in the vehicle. The car was towed to a VW dealership where they stated it was a known software issue with the cooling system not operating properly. They referenced TSB XXX which was first posted in 2024. This information was not provided to the customers and only VW technicians through the TSB. If this were to happen at a high rate of speed there could have been a serious issue and my wife and daughter could not be with me today.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11770215
“COMPONENT: Engine In XXX at 35,750 miles, the check engine light illuminated. Fault codes P0301 (Cylinder 1 misfire) and P130A (ECM "hide cylinder" — fuel injector shut off due to severe misfire) were stored. The dealer ([XXX] Volkswagen, [XXX]) diagnosed the concern per VW TSB #XXX, added a fuel additive, cleared the codes, and returned the vehicle as repaired under warranty. Approximately 2,093 miles later, at 37,843 miles, the check engine light returned with the same P0301 cylinder 1 misfire. The dealer then attributed the misfire to carbon buildup on the intake valves — a known characteristic of the direct-injection 2.0L TSI engine — and refused warranty coverage, quoting $695.40 for intake-valve cleaning as a "maintenance" item, although carbon cleaning does not appear in Volkswagen's official maintenance schedule for this vehicle. Safety concern: A misfiring cylinder causes rough running and loss of engine power. The P130A code indicates the misfire was severe enough for the engine computer to shut off fuel delivery to the cylinder to protect the catalytic converter. An engine that misfires unpredictably can hesitate or lose power while driving, creating…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11770262
“The problem is the car has moments of stalls/not accelerating. From a stop, like at a stoplight, I have to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and even though the RPMs go up, the car doesn't move or barely moves for several seconds before it finally goes. The engine is clearly running and revving the power just isn't getting to the wheels and it stalls in thr middle of traffic.I don't know exactly which part is failing because after four repair attempts, the dealership still hasn't found it. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. Me, my kids, and other drivers safety have been put at risk more than once. The most dangerous one was on XXX when I was merging on the highway with my kids in the car, pressed the gas to speed up and get over, and the car stalled. A semi truck almost hit us because even with my foot all the way down on the gas pedal the speed wouldn't get up and the semi had to jump over into another lane almost hitting another car. The service center at Molle Volkswagen in [XXX] said the computer showed the car was stalling but couldn't find the cause or reproduce it. First visit (VW Lee's Summit): told it could be bad fuel, but they…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11764505
“While accelerating, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas hesitates and drags before responding to throttle input. The vehicle was brought to Volkswagen Cypress (Houston, TX) on 08/25/2026 for a scheduled service appointment that included this concern as well as recall 24V480. As of 08/27/2026 - two days later - the vehicle has not been inspected or touched by a technician. The dealer has confirmed they are approximately 3 days behind and offered no resolution. The acceleration hesitation presents a safety concern, particularly when merging onto highways or crossing intersections. Recall 24V480 remains unaddressed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11760008
“The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, exhaust system malfunction, and master warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Engine Control Malfunction" and "Transmission Overheated" were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,227.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Power train, EngineODI 11756192
“The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas suddenly lost all power and acceleration while driving at approximately 45 mph with a child passenger. There were no warning lights, messages, or abnormal symptoms prior to the failure. Pressing the accelerator pedal, including flooring it, produced no response, and the vehicle continued to decelerate. I was able to coast into a nearby neighborhood and pull off the road safely. Had this occurred on a highway, it could have resulted in a serious accident. After stopping, the engine would not restart and only made a clicking sound. The check engine light illuminated at that point. The vehicle has been undrivable since. The dealership initially attributed the issue to the tires. After further diagnosis, they determined a complete engine replacement is required. The vehicle is still under warranty with roughly 44,000 miles. The engine component is at the dealership and available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by the authorized dealership. Volkswagen corporate and the dealership have been difficult to deal with regarding this warranty claim. No prior warnings or symptoms were present before the sudden failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2026EngineODI 11752042

Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.

EngineReported Feb 17, 2025NHTSA 25V100000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026

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