no report yet
Steering
NewRisk. A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2019 Volkswagen AtlasProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 486 owner complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-671 the manufacturer reports only 50% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas has problems
486 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
142Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
76Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
75Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
73Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
61Engine
40Steering
34Power train
33Fuel/propulsion system
18Suspension
9016 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 142 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 76 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 75 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 73 | 1 |
| Engine | 61 | 0 |
| Steering | 40 | 0 |
| Power train | 34 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 33 | 0 |
| Suspension | 18 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 90 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2019 Volkswagen Atlas recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Side/window: curtain
Risk. The driver's side impact air bag could deploy improperly or detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk. An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2024 Q1
Air bags: side/window
Risk. A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Tires: sidewall
Risk. Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Air bags: side/window
Risk. In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Springs: coil springs
Risk. If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
30kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 28 air bags complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 29% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
12under 30k miles28under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2019 vs. every other Atlas year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Atlas median. How we score
'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2019 Volkswagen Atlas safety ratings
2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, and the recalls they led to.
- Inadvertent Automatic Emergency BrakingOpen
- Fuel Injector LeakNo recall
- Inadvertent Automatic Emergency BrakingNo recall
In owners' words
What Atlas owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
This recall was repaired by KEN GARFF [XXX] location - I need this taken off your site before car can be put back into service Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My air bag light came on and said I have code b121400. It indicates that the passenger occupant seat sensor is not communicating/working. I see this issue was identified as a recall for similar vehicles but did not include my car. NHTSA ID: 22v815000
The airbag error light in the vehicle came on. I took it to the dealership where the vehicle was purchased. They are charging $300.+ per hour to repair the issue. The vehicle has never been in an accident. The airbag has never been deployed.
Own a 2019 Atlas?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.