2021 VW Atlas Problems & Complaints

Common problems: Electrical system problems, forward collision avoidance system problems, brake problems, and airbag problems were most commonly reported for this vehicle.

Seventeen recalls have been issued for this vehicle, the majority of which are for airbags, tire problems, steering problems, and rearview camera problems.

Very reasonably, consumers who purchase new vehicles expect those new vehicles to work properly when driven.

The legal system supports this too, as lemon laws exist in all 50 states that protect consumers who purchase defective new vehicles.

In this article, we will be going over the most common problems reported by 2021 VW Atlas owners. Then, we will go over the lemon law and how it can be used to get you back on the road.

Common 2021 VW Atlas Problems

• Electrical System Problems: Infotainment system issues, auto start/stop system problems, windows retracting without input
• Forward Collision Avoidance System Problems: False sensor reports, automatic brake system randomly engages
• Brake Problems: Grinding and squealing sounds, brake service light illuminated
• Airbag Problems: Airbag sensors falsely on, airbags not deploying during accident

2021 VW Atlas Forward Collision Avoidance System Problems

Forward collision avoidance system problems involve problems with either exterior sensors or the automatic braking system.

These two systems work together: the sensors detect obstacles (or vehicles) in front of the vehicle, then the brakes are applied if need be.

When this system doesn’t work properly, the sensors may falsely report obstacles, or the brakes may suddenly engage without them needing to. These were the problems reported by consumers as well.

2021 VW Atlas Brake Problems

Brake problems are some of the most dangerous for a vehicle to have because of how important functioning brakes are.

For the 2021 VW Atlas, consumers reported their brakes grinding and squealing and their brake service lights being illuminated without any actual problem being present.

Grinding and squeaking are thankfully not necessarily dangerous, but they should still be taken seriously if they continue happening. They may be symptoms of larger but more hidden problems.

2021 VW Atlas Airbag Problems

Airbag problems are dangerous because they aren’t typically noticed until the airbags are needed but do not deploy.

Consumers who own the 2021 VW Atlas reported their airbag sensors being on falsely and their airbags not deploying during an accident.

The accident problem is difficult to address because proactive airbag inspection is unusual, but consumers who are concerned should take their vehicle into a mechanic.

Airbag sensors can be checked for faultiness and should be if they start reporting problems.

VW has issued four recalls for airbag-related problems. The earliest was issued in November 2021 and involved a water leak that could trigger the airbags.

The NHTSA Recall ID for this recall is 21V892. The next recall involved the airbags deploying late and was issued in March 2022.

The NHTSA Recall ID is 22V152. Finally, two recalls were issued for the front passenger airbag simply not deploying, one in March 2023 and one in June 2024. The NHTSA Recall IDs are 23V215 and 24V464 respectively.

Concerns from VW Atlas Drivers

NHTSA Complaint

“There is an airbag warning indicator on in my vehicle. I have reached out the manufacture of this car with no help. I am concerned that the safety of my vehicle is compromised. Who is to say that the airbag will fail during an accident or that the airbag would deploy on it’s own without accident.”

Cars.com Complaint

“Stiff suspension, you will really feel every bump and dip in the road. The buttons on everything are super tiny and touch screen is not responsive as quickly as it should. The way you sit is weird, even on my husband the door panel is so tall it makes you feel like a little kid. When you fill up gas the door gets in the way if you’re trying to get out. The windshield wipers don’t keep up with the rain and overall the design of the interior is boring and uninspired. Also the engine shifting into gears is super jerky and sometimes revs for no reason. Doors are super heavy.”

Kelley Blue Book Complaint

“Myself like many other new atlas owners are having catalytic converter, coolant system, and/or head gasket issues. Mine started at ~7k miles with a check engine light, had the cat replaced. 2 weeks later, I’m back in for low coolant light. Lived with the torque converter nose for a while and tried to live with it but after these Two major issues, (fixed under warranty) I’m getting rid of it for something more reliable.”

Legal Steps for Troubled Car Owners

If you own or lease a defective vehicle, you should know that the lemon law has your back and provides a way to get compensated for buying a lemon. Lemons are vehicles with defects that affect their use, value, or safety and are subject to repeat repairs during manufacturer’s original warranty.

Lemon laws exist pretty much across the entire United States and are extremely important for protecting consumers.

The lemon law process starts when you discover your vehicle has a defect. This usually happens when something malfunctions, like lights turning off or the engine not working properly.

Once you notice a defect, take the car to an authorized manufacturer dealer for inspection and repair. It’s important to document these repairs carefully, along with any relevant communications or information.

A vehicle is generally considered a lemon after two to four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same issue.

Once it’s clear your vehicle is a lemon, you should consider starting the lemon law process. Consumer can do this on their own or by hiring an experienced lemon law attorney.

Hiring a lawyer is recommended to improve your chances of success. In most states, if you win the lawsuit, your attorney’s fees and costs will be paid for by the auto manufacturer, reducing your financial burden and making the pursuit of a lemon law claim an easy and right financial decision.

Whether through negotiation or a lawsuit, the remedies typically are either a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.

Refunds include all monies spent on the vehicle inclusive of the monthly payments, down payment, taxes, interested and potentially other incidental expenses related to the lemon such as registration renewal fees or rental or tow car expenses.

A replacement vehicle will usually be a current-year model of the same make and model as the defective one and with this option the consumer is usually responsible for any difference in price. 

With both the refund and replacement options, the manufacturer is able to deduct a usage fee which is the value for when the vehicle was first driven without problems causing it to be a lemon.

Get Help Today with the Lemon Law Experts!

Getting back on the road is likely on the forefront of a consumer’s mind once they realize they may be in possession of a lemon.

Allow us, the Lemon Law Experts, to help make that a reality: our team of lemon law attorneys has worked with thousands of clients just like you to secure millions of total settlement dollars. If you are planning on bringing a lemon law claim, we are your premier choice.

Lemon law claims can be time sensitive based on warranty periods, so don’t hesitate! Reach out to our team today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a form on our website to get in touch with us.