2018 Volkswagen Atlas Recalls, Safety Defects & Free Remedies

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Recall Campaigns

Federal recall campaigns

Urgent Safety Directives

Do Not Drive / Park Outside

Affected Subsystems

Air Bags & Restraints, Other / Miscellaneous

Authorized Remedy

100% Free

Mandated dealer repair by law

Federal Safety Campaign Analysis

Executive Recall Findings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 16 official safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas in AutoUtility's current federal dataset. The primary affected vehicle systems include Air Bags & Restraints, Other / Miscellaneous, Brakes & Traction Control. NHTSA records include 1 campaign carrying an official Do Not Drive safety advisory.

VIN Specificity Notice: Safety recall campaigns apply to specific production date ranges and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Check your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov or with an authorized dealer to verify whether a safety repair is open.

Campaign Status & Legal Rights

• Federal Authority: Recalls administered under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301.
• Free Dealer Remedy: Under federal law, safety defect repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers.
• High-Priority Warnings: 1 campaign(s) include urgent Do Not Drive or Park Outside instructions.
• Latest Campaign Filing: Recorded on March 29, 2023.

Federal Directives

Official NHTSA Recall Campaigns (16)

Complete safety campaign filings including defect descriptions, safety hazards, and free dealer remedies

NHTSA Campaign #18V369000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Filed: June 1, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

NHTSA Campaign #23V215000 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Filed: March 29, 2023

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.

NHTSA Campaign #22V086000 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Filed: February 16, 2022

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Safety Risk / Consequence

Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.

NHTSA Campaign #21V321000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Filed: May 5, 2021

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.

NHTSA Campaign #21V142000 TIRES:SIDEWALL

Filed: March 5, 2021

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.

Safety Risk / Consequence

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. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R1.

NHTSA Campaign #20V561000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Filed: September 16, 2020

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Safety Risk / Consequence

Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.

NHTSA Campaign #20V057000 AIR BAGS

Filed: January 31, 2020

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrectly manufactured air bag sensor, which can delay or disable air bag deployment when necessary.

Safety Risk / Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating frontal air bag deployment, a delayed or disabled airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag crash sensor, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AL.

NHTSA Campaign #19V389000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Filed: May 22, 2019

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety Risk / Consequence

Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

NHTSA Campaign #18V904000 SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Filed: December 19, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

Safety Risk / Consequence

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.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J2/42J3.

NHTSA Campaign #18V824000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Filed: November 26, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

Safety Risk / Consequence

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.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.

NHTSA Campaign #18V537000 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Filed: August 20, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. During production, the air conditioning system drain tube may have been twisted, causing water to drain into the air bag control module.

Safety Risk / Consequence

The wet air bag control module may result in an unintentional deployment of the air bags, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain tube, and if it is twisted, the drain tube and air bag control module will be replaced, free of charge. Some of the affected vehicles have had their drain tube previously replaced but did not receive a new air bag control module; the airbag control module will be replaced in these vehicles. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87F9.

NHTSA Campaign #18V536000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Filed: August 15, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.

Safety Risk / Consequence

The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.

NHTSA Campaign #18V380000 SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Filed: June 7, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswaen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The owner's manuals provided with the affected vehicles do not inform the customers about the child restraint size limitation/restrictions for the second row center seating position. As a result, the center and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles on the second row can become damaged it a child seat base is installed that is wider than 12.6 inches.

Safety Risk / Consequence

A damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the center and left outboard seat belt buckles, and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Volkswagen will also provide an owner's manual supplement addressing child safety and child restraints. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X1.

NHTSA Campaign #18V375000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Filed: June 6, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan vehicles. In the event of a crash, the passenger frontal air bag may tear or not properly unfold during deployment.

Safety Risk / Consequence

If the air bag were to tear or unfold incorrectly during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69W8, and 69W9.

NHTSA Campaign #18V284000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Filed: May 2, 2018

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank on these vehicles may leak fuel due to a manufacturing error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Safety Risk / Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AW. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-766.

NHTSA Campaign #17V766000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Filed: November 29, 2017

What is defective?

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Atlas vehicles. The fuel tank may have been manufactured with insufficient wall thickness, potentially resulting in the tank leaking fuel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Safety Risk / Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AQ.

Subsystem Scope

Vehicle Systems Involved in Recalls for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Distribution of official safety recall campaigns across automotive subsystem domains

01 5 CAMPAIGNS

Air Bags & Restraints

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Air Bags & Restraints subsystem.

109 Consumer Complaints →

02 3 CAMPAIGNS

Other / Miscellaneous

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Other / Miscellaneous subsystem.

34 Consumer Complaints →

03 2 CAMPAIGNS

Brakes & Traction Control

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Brakes & Traction Control subsystem.

81 Consumer Complaints →

04 2 CAMPAIGNS

Fuel & Propulsion System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Fuel & Propulsion System subsystem.

35 Consumer Complaints →

05 1 CAMPAIGN

Electrical System

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Electrical System subsystem.

110 Consumer Complaints →

06 1 CAMPAIGN

Exterior Lighting

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Exterior Lighting subsystem.

14 Consumer Complaints →

07 1 CAMPAIGN

Suspension

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Suspension subsystem.

9 Consumer Complaints →

08 1 CAMPAIGN

Wheels & Tires

Safety campaign directives specifically targeting components within the Wheels & Tires subsystem.

4 Consumer Complaints →

Fleet History

Recall History for Volkswagen Atlas

Official safety recall campaign volume across sibling model years (2018–2026)

Model Year	NHTSA Recalls	NHTSA Complaints	Detailed Report
2018 Volkswagen Atlas Current Page	16	461	Current
2019 Volkswagen Atlas	11	471	View 2019 Recalls →
2020 Volkswagen Atlas	4	27	View 2020 Recalls →
2021 Volkswagen Atlas	17	458	View 2021 Recalls →
2022 Volkswagen Atlas	7	176	View 2022 Recalls →
2023 Volkswagen Atlas	5	126	View 2023 Recalls →
2024 Volkswagen Atlas	8	166	View 2024 Recalls →
2025 Volkswagen Atlas	5	42	View 2025 Recalls →
2026 Volkswagen Atlas	2	0	View 2026 Recalls →

Consumer Checklist

VIN-Specific Recall Verification

How to confirm whether an individual vehicle requires an authorized safety repair

Safety recall campaigns apply to specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and manufacturing date ranges. To verify if your individual vehicle has an uncompleted safety recall:

Locate your 17-character VIN on the driver's side door jamb or dashboard.
Enter the VIN into the official NHTSA recall lookup at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Contact any franchised Volkswagen dealership to schedule a free remedy appointment.

Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Safety Recalls & Federal Directives for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

How many safety recalls are on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is associated with 16 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns, affecting systems including Air Bags & Restraints, Other / Miscellaneous, Brakes & Traction Control.

A recall campaign listing indicates that a safety defect or noncompliance standard was determined for specific production runs of this vehicle model year.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

Are there urgent 'Do Not Drive' or 'Park Outside' warnings for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?

Yes. Federal recall records for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas include 1 campaign with high-priority safety directives including a Do Not Drive advisory.

Urgent directives are issued when an unreasonable risk of severe injury or fire exists prior to authorized dealer repair.

Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database

Are recall repairs free for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge.

Federal law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301) requires manufacturers and franchised dealers to provide authorized safety recall repairs at no cost to the vehicle owner. Because campaigns apply to specific production runs and option packages, vehicle owners must verify their 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm individual applicability.

Source: National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301)

Does a recall campaign apply to every 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?

Not necessarily. Model-year recall campaigns typically apply to specific vehicle production date ranges, assembly plants, or optional equipment packages.

AutoUtility's model-year records describe campaign scope; owners must check their individual 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or through an authorized dealership to confirm if an open recall applies to their specific vehicle.

Source: NHTSA VIN Lookup Service

Official US Government Data Provenance

Recall records published on this page are retrieved directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Recalls Database under 49 U.S.C. 30118.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.

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Executive Recall Findings

Official NHTSA Recall Campaigns (16)

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

What is defective?

Safety Risk / Consequence

Authorized Free Dealer Remedy

Vehicle Systems Involved in Recalls for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Air Bags & Restraints

Other / Miscellaneous

Brakes & Traction Control

Fuel & Propulsion System

Electrical System

Exterior Lighting

Suspension

Wheels & Tires

Recall History for Volkswagen Atlas

VIN-Specific Recall Verification

Related Official Reports for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

← 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Overview

2018 Volkswagen Atlas Owner Complaints (461) →

2018 Volkswagen Atlas Safety & Crash Ratings →

2018 Volkswagen Atlas MPG & Range →

Quick Answers: Safety Recalls & Federal Directives for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

How many safety recalls are on file for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?

Are there urgent 'Do Not Drive' or 'Park Outside' warnings for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?

Are recall repairs free for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?

Does a recall campaign apply to every 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?