There are 20 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlasin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Driving on highway when engine shutdown suddenly and ended up on side of highway. Had a recall done a few months back for engine rods and dealership did not replace them and stated the test passed so not necessary.
I am submitting this urgent safety complaint regarding my 2022 Volkswagen Atlas VR6 , currently at approximately 85,000 miles, purchased through Carvana. Critical Safety Concerns: EPC warning light illumination Engine shutdown events while driving Pronounced bottom-end engine noise Vehicle is unreliable and poses a serious risk to my safety Timeline & Escalation Attempts: November 21: initial rattling noise reported, likely indicative of developing engine issues Multiple requests to Carvana for inspection and escalation were refused, including authorization for a Regional Technical Specialist/Field Engineer review at a certified Volkswagen dealership Vehicle was not properly shipped to my address, causing additional hardship Formal escalation letters submitted to Volkswagen corporate and Carvana without resolution Complaints filed with Louisiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection, Better Business Bureau Auto Line, and now NHTSA Personal Impact: I have a service-connected disability, and this vehicle failure has severely impacted my mobility and independence. The situation presents a real safety hazard both for myself and others on the road. Given the serious safety implications, I request that NHTSA investigate this vehicle as a potential safety defect and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken. Thank you for your attention and urgent consideration of this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On November 13, 2025, the vehicle, a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (EA888 Gen 3 engine), experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the freeway at 71,602 miles. What Happened A loud bang was heard, followed immediately by heavy smoke billowing from the engine bay and profuse oil expulsion onto the engine, exhaust, and roadway. The failure caused the vehicle to lose all motive power, requiring an immediate, dangerous emergency stop on the freeway, placing the occupants and other motorists at risk. Component Failure and Safety Risk The root cause of the incident is the premature failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve / Oil Separator. This component is defective and subject to Volkswagen's Service Campaign 10LP. The PCV failure created excessive crankcase pressure, which physically blew the dipstick tube clear out of the engine block, demonstrating the catastrophic nature of the pressure spike. This failure forced hot engine oil out of the system. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of engine oil created a high risk of engine seizure and fire due to hot oil spraying onto the exhaust system. This condition resulted in the vehicle being disabled on a high-speed freeway, posing an immediate danger. Confirmation: The vehicle is currently held at an authorized VW service center. The technician's notes confirm the physical result of the pressure failure: ruptured seals (Upper Timing Cover and Cambridge seals) that were forced to leak due to the internal over-pressurization. Manufacturer Awareness: The manufacturer (VWoA) is aware of this specific incident under Case #07146593.
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while checking fluid levels in the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the coolant reservoir was low. The contact stated that there was no sign of a coolant leak, but coolant needed to be added to the reservoir weekly. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a coolant leak that was draining into a protective shield underneath the engine compartment. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T (VIN: [XXX] ), current mileage: . Failure: The engine water pump / integrated thermostat housing failed due to a coolant leak. I first noticed coolant odor and dried pink/white residue around the pump area on //. Coolant level dropped between services and I observed active seepage. Dealer diagnosis on // confirmed failed water pump/thermostat module and recommended replacement. Frequency/Progression: Began as a slow weep that progressed to an active leak. Coolant requires top-offs; leak is visible after parking. Safety risk: Sudden coolant loss can cause engine overheating and potential stalling while driving, creating a crash hazard and risk of engine damage. Context: This appears to be the same EA888 2.0T water-pump/thermostat leak pattern documented across VW/Audi vehicles; VW previously extended coverage to 8 yrs/80k miles for many 2014–2021 models in a settlement, but 2022 Atlas is not listed—leaving similar failures unaddressed. (Request ODI review for potential broader coverage.) Attachments/Proof: Photos of residue and leak, dealer repair order/estimate for pump module, service history, and receipts (upload available). Ask: Please record this as a safety-related cooling-system defect and consider investigation given recurrence on EA888 vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On the week of 10/13/2025, I had an oil sensor alert appear after a recent oil change. I took the vehicle in on 10/30/2025 for a diagnostic check and was told the oil separator sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. After the service was completed, the total was $906.42 of which I paid $580.99 out of pocket post my extended warranty claim payment. I received a recall notice in November 2025 for Emissions Service Action 10LP - Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve / Oil Separator. The same issue I just paid for in October 2025.I had an unsuccessful attempt dealing with Jim Ellis Volkswagon in Kennesaw to try and retrieve a refund directly from them. I subsequently completed and emailed the reimbursement form to Volkswagon on 1/2/2026. I have not received any communication to them in regards to my reimbursement claim.
When the vehicle is at a stop or slowing maybe to park the engine shuts down. I get a start/stop error and it indicates I must restart the car manually. I then have to put the car in park and restart the vehicle. This has happened while the vehicle was in motion and in major city traffic. The vehicle displays a check engine light now. It is currently at the dealership being serviced.
Vehicle randomly sputters and stalls out coming to a stop. Dash displays Please Manually Restart Engine. Auto start stop is deactivated.No CEL. Freeze frame data shows multiple misfires and a P050700 freeze frame data code. Car was just serviced for 30k including a top end treatment.
Vehicle stalling at intersections and is very dangerous. Took vehicle to VW dealership and even though they know and told me the problem was the carbon canister they are unable to repair due to no check engine light or the ability to replicate during there 5 minute test drive. This vehicle need repaired before it causes my family to be involved in an accident and they are refusing even though they know the problem.
Vehicle stalls at Idle or close to Idle. It's very dangerous as this could happen in an intersection leading to a collision. When I contacted VW they are completely aware of the issue, Know the part to fix and have even given the part an extended warranty. However, this will still not help if it causes an accident or injury to my family! According to VW of America, and the Dealership it's the Carbon Canister that is causing this problem. If this has not been a factor in an accident yet it certainly will be . Please address this issue immediately.
The engine stalled and I was given the “please start engine manually”. The button for it to turn off at stopping was off. Completely stalled and I have to put in park and restart the vehicle. This has happened on 2 different occasions. Once at an intersection and once in a parking garage
Vehicle was left parked over the weekend and on Tuesday I went to start the car and got errors of a low coolant. Vehicle suffered a massive coolant leak just sitting on the weekend. Two year old vehicle with 27K miles.
I discovered my car was leaking a small amount of oil on 08/26/2024. I made a service appointment to get it looked at and found out that the crank case oil separator and the upper timing case were both leaking. These were both found at my local Volkswagen Dealership. I was told to continue driving it but to check my oil levels weekly. On 09/14/2024, I put oil in my car that morning and at 4:30pm my car was smoking, and my oil cap had exploded off from pressure. This caused my car to no longer be safe to drive. No warning lights came on until after the leaks were found then it caused an error with my start-stop which when brought in to be inspected was told this is all related to the issue with the oil leaks.
While driving the engine just stops running, no power at all and then it tells me to manually start the engine. This has happened at least 5 times in traffic!! Yesterday I was backing up and almost got hit because my engine died and I couldn't steer!
The vehicle had the low oil warning light come on while driving with less than 20k miles. Oil was added and the light came on again a day later. We took to the dealer who stated that there were several premature oil leaks. They offered no explanation for the reasoning and that the parts were on backorder and cannot tell us how long the vehicle will be out of service.
My car randomly turns off while I am driving. In order to turn my car back on and use it, I need to put my car in park and press the manual restart button. This has happened more than 4 times in the 7 months I've had the vehicle. After taking it to the dealership, they could not recreate the problem, therefore nothing was done to fix it. There is no warning or noticable correlation to the problem. The first few times occurred when my car was stopped, but has progressed to happening while my car is moving (going at least 5 mph)
Oil pressure relief valve failed causing a loss of engine oil. This resulted in a low oil warning while driving. Excessive oil deposits were found throughout the engine bay creating a risk of belt slippage which could result in engine failure while driving.
Charcoal fuel filter system - I purchased my vehicle brand new. This went out the first 10 months I had the vehicle. There are numerous owners having the same issue. It seems my vehicle is having the same issues again!!! VW tried telling me I’m over filling my car. This is an incorrect statement. I place nozzle in gas tank, set lever to fill, wait until it clicks. I would never intentionally damage my new car. Again, their are numerous owners having same issues with the charcoal fuel canister
The vehicles parking brake came on and the car shut off by itself in the middle of the road.
The oil light often comes on due to low oil inbetween oil changes. This has happened ever since the car was new. I always stop at a local auto parts store and add more oil, but there are no noticeable oil leaks. This is a dangerous issue as it could cause overheating especially if not near a auto parts store. I also always carry extra oil in the back of my vehicle.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.