2019 Volkswagen Atlas: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Steering · 68,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally loud rumbling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking sound while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics on several occasions to be diagnosed, but the contact was informed that no failure was found. The failure became progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with steering rack and pinion failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Steering · GA

The car began to make a clacking or popping sound in the steering rack area. Mostly at slow speeds, when turning. The car began exhibiting a steering wobble at very slow speeds, but felt loose at higher speeds. Initially I believed it might be a worn tie rod, but upon inspection I found the entire steering rack to be loose from the subframe. There is a recall bulletin for a corroded bolt that may break loose from the rack/subframe, but currently it is not showing for my vin. I believe that this exact issue is effecting my vehicle and would like for the steering rack for my vin to be included and to be repaired under the recall.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Steering · KS

The electronic steering gear is malfunctioning and making a clicking sound when the steering wheel is turned at 90-degree angles in either direction. The dealership (Bud Brown VW, Olathe, KS) advised me that they have had 3 VW Atlas vehicles with the same problem over the past month. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that could cause loss of steering and potential injury or loss of life.

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 15,000 miles · NC

I bought my new vw atlas in december of 2019. When I bought it, I noticed a rubbing/squeaking noise when I turned the steering wheel but was told that was normal for a new vehicles. So, I let it go, then came to realize it continued to get worse and louder over time. So at my 10,000 mile check, they told me it was the steering rack that needed to be replaced asap but that it was on back order and could take a couple of weeks for the part to come in. I was told this was not a common issue. So I waited 3-4 weeks, and the part finally came in. It was replaced and I thought I was done with repairs early on. Then, a couple of days pass and I find that there is still somewhat of a noise when I turn my wheel and especially when I'm on the backroads going over bumps. I take it back the dealership and of course, they can't replicate the problem. A couple more weeks pass, I'm still hearing a creaky noise and then one night on my way home, all of the sensor and warning lights light up in my digital cockpit. I have it towed, vw determines it's a tire sensor of which they repair. Three weeks later, here I am again and all of my tire pressure sensors are on again on my way home from work. I have a new tire from where I got a flat two weeks ago, and that tire pressure sensor light is also on. So, now not only am I having an issue with my tires but the first steering wheel noise issue still isn't repaired on an atlas that I bought with 12 miles on it in december of 2019. Vw corporate has been called, the dealers corporate has been called and still I haven't gotten nowhere.

Filed Aug 2, 2020 · Steering · 4,000 miles · TX

While in motion and remaining still, as you turn the steering wheel left and right the steering gear makes a clunking, knocking noise throughout the steering gear.

Filed Dec 26, 2019 · Steering · FL

I bought my brand new atlas in october. We decided on atlas due to the great safety ratings. Within a few weeks, the atlas was in the shop for o2 sensor #1. The check engine came on while driving on a state road. A few weeks later it was in for replacement of steering rack. The extremely loud noises started while driving on a state road. A few weeks after that the second o2 sensor replaced. The check engine came on while driving on a state road. Now I have an appointment to bring it in on monday because the remote start that I use every morning stopped working tuesday. As of today, it hasn't even hit 3,000 miles.