With a moderate starting price in the $30,000 range, it’s no surprise that midsize Volkswagen Atlas SUVs are one of the German automaker’s most popular models. Unfortunately, numerous complaints have been reported by Atlas vehicle owners which resulted in Consumer Reports ranking it the 3rd least reliable model in 2021.
Here are some of the most common VW Atlas problems affecting 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 models.
BRAKING SYSTEM
Designed to detect obstacles and prevent collisions, the automated emergency brake system (AEB) is known to suddenly brake for no reason, increasing the risk of accident on the road. Another complaint is that the brakes squeal in cold weather.
TRANSMISSION
There have been reports of loud noises coming from the automatic transmission, usually when accelerating from a stop or low speed.
ELECTRICAL
- Volkswagen Atlas models equipped with a start stop system have been experiencing battery drainage, sometime within just 2 months. In some cases, the defective electrical system also caused transmission failure.
- A clockspring, which is an electrical rotary part of the steering system, has also been heard making noises when steering.
ENGINE & FUEL SYSTEM
- Many Atlas owners have also complained about the check engine light illuminating randomly.
- Other common problems include engine stalling caused by a fuel system leak which increases the chance of fire risk. The problem comes from faulty fuel injectors known to be cracking and leaking which you might notice if the engine misfires or if gas is dropping from the engine. A recent recall has been issued and you should bring your vehicle to your VW dealership to fix this problem.
- Another important related fuel problem is faulty fuel pumps causing engine stalling and power loss. This issue is usually covered by the warranty and can be fixed by simply replacing the fuel pump.
- A grinding noise can also be heard when the engine is shutting down which is linked to the springs. The manufacturer claims this is normal and not affecting the driving experience.
COOLANT
Another Volkswagen Atlas problem is coolant leaking which might result in the engine overheating. If this problem occurs, you should be alerted by the low coolant light on your dashboard. This is usually caused by faulty head gaskets, coolant tanks and water pumps.
If you are a Volkswagen Atlas owner and are experiencing any of these issues. Lemon Law Aid’s experienced lemon law attorneys can help you file a California lemon claim seeking a lemon law buyback or other cash settlement.
California’s lemon law is one of the strongest in the nation, designed to protect consumers by requiring car companies to repurchase or replace vehicles that suffer from warranty defects that cannot be fixed in a reasonable number of attempts. In other words, if you buy a car that is a lemon you are entitled to get your money back under the lemon law.
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