Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport loss of power problems

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · GA

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle repeatedly experienced shaking, hesitation, warning lights, loss of power, and engine shutdowns. On approximately XXX, the engine shut off while the vehicle was idling in Drive at approximately 48,582 miles. On approximately XXX, multiple warning lights appeared and the vehicle stopped operating while being driven on the highway, creating a serious collision risk. An independent diagnostic scan recorded code P2402, EVAP leak-detection-pump control circuit high. Volkswagen personnel had previously been notified of a vacuum-related concern. [XXX] Volkswagen of [XXX] took possession of the vehicle on XXX, at approximately 49,900 miles. The authorized Volkswagen dealership then informed me in writing that the gas tank had “collapsed inward” and that it would replace the tank and other EVAP components. I am concerned that an EVAP or venting malfunction created excessive vacuum and caused the tank to collapse. Tank deformation could potentially damage the tank, seams, seals, fuel lines, fittings, fuel-pump assembly, or vapor connections. Any resulting fuel or vapor leak reaching an ignition source could create a fire hazard. No fire occurred, but the confirmed collapsed tank, repeated shutdowns, and warning lights presented serious safety concerns. The vehicle has undergone repeated repair visits and more than 36 reported days out of service. A torque converter was previously replaced, but the shaking and drivability problems continued. I request investigation of possible fuel-tank collapse, EVAP malfunction, excessive vacuum, stalling, and related fire risks in Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA

On August 31, 2026, while driving my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on the highway, multiple warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stopped operating while I was in traffic. The sudden loss of vehicle operation created a serious risk of a collision and placed me and other motorists in danger. This vehicle has experienced repeated problems including rough operation, hesitation/loss of acceleration, warning lights, engine/misfire-related faults, and powertrain concerns. The vehicle has previously been presented to Volkswagen dealerships for diagnosis and repair, but the problems have continued. On the date of this incident, the vehicle again displayed three warning lights and then became inoperable while being driven on the highway. I am now afraid to operate the vehicle because I do not know when it may lose power or stop again. Volkswagen had a service appointment scheduled for the vehicle that day, but the appointment was canceled because the dealership stated that no loaner vehicle was available. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this repeated loss-of-power/stalling condition because a vehicle that can suddenly stop operating in highway traffic presents a serious safety hazard.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · NY

While driving approximately 75 mph on an interstate highway, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. Power was lost while the vehicle was still moving at highway speed. When the engine shut off, I lost propulsion and had to coast across lanes to reach the shoulder while surrounded by fast-moving traffic. Steering and braking were reduced and required extra effort. This created an immediate and serious safety risk to myself and other drivers. After safely stopping, I was able to restart the vehicle. It drove again, but the cause of the shutdown was unknown. I brought the vehicle to a Volkswagen dealership for inspection. They stated they could not replicate the issue and no fault codes were found, so no repair was performed. The vehicle has not been repaired and remains in the same condition as when the failure occurred. The component that failed is unknown, but it appears to involve the engine, fuel, electrical, or computer control system that caused the engine to shut off while the vehicle was in motion. This event put my life and the lives of others at risk due to sudden loss of power at highway speed. I do not feel the vehicle is safe to drive because the failure occurred without warning and without explanation, and it could happen again.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Fuel system · TN

My fuel gauge was stating I had approx 300 miles to empty. I was traveling on the interstate when the vehicle lost power and different warning lights came on dash. I was able to safely get on to shoulder of highway. Vehicle stopped on its own. I was unable to get it to go into gear or even start. I had it towed to Volkswagen dealership. I was told my floating fuel sensor got lodged near fuel line which gave false fuel gauge readings. So basically it ran of gas but I never had any signs I was getting low on fuel since gauge still showed 300 miles. The battery also died from the attempts to start vehicle. They were able to reposition the sensor in fuel tank and battery was jumped off. The sensors on dash went away and car is operating normally.

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

Multiple occasions the start/stop malfunction has turned on. The brakes grind and screech horribly and I’ll get breaking malfunction warning. It has been checked by vw and they state that the brakes are fine and they’ve had several come in with same issue but there’s no recall that has been issued. They stated it is the material that was used to manufacture brake parts that cause this problem. It worries me one day they will give out. Also the error drive system has come on and it feels I lose power. I stop car and sometimes that helps as I restart. They tell me the antifreeze needs to be topped off. I’ve already had to refill in less than 3 months which I find crazy with antifreeze. No other car I’ve owned have I had to refill this so much. So several issues have occurred with this vehicle.

Filed Dec 2, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NC

Multiple error codes populated on my vehicle while driving to work. This occurred less than 3 months & less than 1500 miles since ownership. The car went into a reduced power/speed mode and advised for me to get service asap. I barely made it off the highway to my destination. Dealer said it was the fuel pump. If it was a faulty fuel pump - should I have been a part of the stop sale/recall? Engine/Transmission/PowerTrain- Error: Drive System. Please service vehicle. (Engine) Error: Start/Stop (Engine)

Filed Nov 20, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

on 11/18/24 Spark plug issues and misfire cylinder causing loss of power and acceleration with engine light check light on ,EPC and tire pressure. Other Issue with navigation system giving false of whereabout and wrong directions/turns. Occasional lost of power while driving on the street. Navigation system has been replaced twice but problem still continue. in 2021 and 2023.

Filed Aug 19, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Slowing down as I pulled into a turning lane. The vehicle lost power and cut off with a warning light saying please restart engine manually. I did start engine manually to begin with. I had to throw my car in park in the middle of the road. And restart it. The vehicle restarted and I got out of the way with my kids in the car. And after continuing to drive the vehicle feels like it has no power. This is not the first incident my car has 53k miles on it. Has had 2 gear shifters, 2 auto stop start relays and gone through several batteries

Filed Dec 4, 2023 · Fuel system · CT

The fuel tank collapsed, leading to the fuel indicator not presenting accurate fuel levels, which lead to the cars immediate shut down on the highway at high speeds. Resulting in us almost getting hit by other drivers at high speeds. As we were losing power the epc light and engine light came on, however nothing prior. After taking it to the VW service department, we were told this is a common issue and when they were first presented with it they contacted VW assistance and were given a test to perform to determine the integrity of the fuel tank.

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Electrical · MO

Bought this vehicle on9/9/23 with 20 miles on it. 45 minutes later while driving home from the dealership the vehicle lost power and slowed to a stop in the road. We barely made it off the bridge and were nearly rear ended as it was dark. The dealership diagnosed a bad ECM. The manufacturer also inspected. The vehicle jerked consistently and grew worse before it lost power. Multiple warnings flashed and the check engine remained on. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer has rectified and says it is under review.