This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The gas consumption is below what Volkswagen claims and advertises. Our car averages 14 mpg instead of 19 mpg. On user forums, other Atlas owners have complained about averaging 14 mpg. When we put the car in reverse, it starts to roll forward. The transmission jolts while driving. Since we got the car, the check engine light has been on for an evap leak. The dealership "fixed" it. However, several hours later, the check engine light came back on.
This is a consistent issue and I'm worried powertrain damage is occurring. When accelerating from stopped or at low speed there is a very loud screening / grinding sound coming from the powertrain / transmission - possibly the torque converter. It happens frequently and is is very noticeable, usually when the vehicle starts to accelerate or increases acceleration at low speed then it usually goes away. I described the to two VW dealership service departments and both said "they hadn't heard of that one." I was in for other service and was told they could not replicate the sound, however it screeched when leaving the dealership! the VW Atlas forums have many posts on this issue. And lots of folks like myself are not getting any information and are concerned about safety. I did not get any meaningful help from VW or their dealer service departments. I am also worried this is causing issues or damage and is not being acknowledged or addressed by VW and their authorized service facilities.
Bought my Atlas on 3/24/19, a few days after I got the low coolant warning light while driving. Took it in to the dealer and they topped it off and said, "oh they come to the dealer sometimes a little low." Not sure why they don't check when prepping the car for delivery. On 4/3, light came on again while driving. Took it back to the dealer 4/4, no visible leak underneath or by the tank. A possible leak was found behind the engine near the firewall, I can see some pink pooling on something silver (engine or trans whatever it is). They determined that the coolant hose has failed and claim to have never seen that issue before. They ordered the wrong parts and couldn't fit. They are ordering more parts and it could be a few weeks before I get it back. I have also engaged VW of America. This should not happen on a new car yet alone the dealer take so long to fix it. The car has only 400 miles on it. Please investigate. Thanks.
- Renton, WA, USA
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- Steamboat Springs, CO, USA