2018 Volkswagen Atlas transmission problems

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Engine, Suspension · GA

This vehicle has too many issues. Electrical, enhine, suspension, seat release latches, EPC. Water pump was replaced a week after buying the vehicle.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

The water pump failed catastrophically at 63,100 miles, forcing a complete road-side breakdown and damaging the radiator. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting the 3.6L VR6 composite plastic pumps. Due to the failure of the pump, the radiator tank became hot causing a hole to form in the radiator and needing to be replaced. I still own this car and you may inspect it if needed. My safety was at risk as well as others safely was put at risk because this caused car to over heat leaving me broken down on the side of the road. My mechanic at specialized auto repair confirmed and reported this issue to me and they provided the repair. It was not inspected by police, or insurance because it was a break down, not an accident and that's not coved by insurance. I knew that the car was overheating because waring system showed it to be overheating. It was actually more than over heating because of the water pump failure, the radiator melted causing car to dump all the coolant/water creating an over heating emergency. The warning system first appeared at the same time as the pump failure and the car had already overheated due to radiator hole when the waring system alerted me to the car overheating.

Filed Mar 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · LA

The epc light will come on at anytime. Meaning while driving on a street highway or freeway. Which is a safety issue. The veichle will lose power and start to shake. The light will go off once turned off and turned back on. There most be some electrical issue. Not sure why there has not been a recall on the 2018. They have many complaints and issues. This has been an issue for months.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Transmission · FL

Both backing up and at slow speeds, the engine stalls out and requires you to put it in park and restart the engine. We brought it into the VW dealership who provided a "fix" for a evap canister and charcoal filter 3QF201797A but the issue continues to occur

Filed Jul 17, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · NV

My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has a defect that has impaired my ability to use the vehicle as intended. It is not only unsafe but I am in fear of driving freeways because I do not know when my car will cut off. Manufactures were fully aware of their defective products. I have read forums pertaining to the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas engine sputtering (Causes and Diagnosis). It states that the causes could be a bad fuel system, ignition system,MAF sensor, or bad converter. I have owned my vehicle for over a year and a half. During this time my vehicle has repeatedly started sputtering, deccelerated and turned off. It has happened 3 times and I do not feel safe. Have taken to dealership only to be told nothing was wrong with car. On October 18, 2022 Volkswagen Group of America recalled 74,067 SUV'S due to Engine Failure that could result in stall, increasing risks of crash. Troublesome connecting rod bearings that potentially lead to oil leaks and fire. Volkswagen has recalled 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.This is a Manufacturer's defect. The defect did not start in 2022-2023 models the problem occured in 2017 when the Volkswagen Atlas was launched as a one of the most innovative technical platforms in automotive industry. I understand that the Federal law requires safety recalls repairs to be provided up to 15 years because safety recalls do not expire. NHTS I am requesting that safety recalls be performed on 2018 Volkswagen Atlas because the same problems exit. I am requesting that Volkswagen Group of America stand behind their products, take ownership of the necessary repairs to keep consumers safe from harms way. I thought there was nothing more terrifying than being buried alive until I drove up and down the streets of San Francisco in a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The fear of not knowing when your car will start sputtering and decelerating causing you to plunge to your death is the most terrifying experience that I have just indured in my life.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MI

Car automatically brakes driving down road and all the dash lights come on.

Filed Apr 3, 2021 · Fuel system, Transmission · 80,000 miles · PA

The engine overheated, stalled out, unable to restart and smelled like gasoline and volkswagen dealer says need new engine.

Filed Dec 3, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · DC

Car randomly puts transmission into emergency mode

Filed Mar 4, 2020 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · CA

Error message: 'transmission in emergency mode. You can continue driving'. Car runs fine. If you stop the car. Place it in park. Turn it off. And restart, the message may go away. Usually it comes on when the car is started, and shifted into rear or drive. Feels like a false positive. Perhaps a small issue with the shifter. Transmission changes gears without problems. Took car into galpin ford in north hills, ca under warranty. They claimed to fix the problem. Problem returned shortly thereafter.

Filed Nov 11, 2019 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · MO

Error "transmission in emergency mode" when cold starting.