2019 Volkswagen Atlas suspension problems

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Suspension · MA

During routine rear brake service, my mechanic discovered that both rear coil springs were broken on my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 111,000 miles. There had been no noticeable symptoms, unusual noises, or changes in handling to indicate a suspension problem. I have since learned that Volkswagen previously issued the federal safety agency Safety Recall 18V904000 (VW recall 42J3) for premature rear coil spring failures on certain 2018–2019 Atlas vehicles. However, my VIN ([XXX]) is not listed as having an open recall. The failure of both rear springs raises serious concerns about the durability and safety of these components, particularly given Volkswagen's history of similar failures. Broken coil springs can potentially shift out of position, damage tires, or compromise vehicle handling. In all my years of owning vehicles from numerous manufacturers, including several that accumulated significantly more mileage than this Atlas, I have never experienced a coil spring failure, let alone the failure of both rear springs. I am reporting this incident because I am concerned that the defect may extend beyond the vehicles included in the original recall. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether additional 2019 Atlas vehicles may be affected by premature rear coil spring failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · IL

May 2026 The entire steering rack assembly required replacement by the Volkswagen dealer. The vehicle was purchased from new in 2019. I’m the original owner of the vehicle, do mostly highway driving, and I have always serviced the vehicle appropriately. This was an expensive repair and seems rather unusual. I was notified that there are many complaints from owners for this type of problem.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Suspension · 83,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced under a recall, the dealer discovered that the front passenger's side stabilizer bar end links were missing. The contact associated the failure with Volkswagen Service Action Code: 40R1 (Front Stabilizer Coupling Rod); however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the service action. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that prior to the dealer's assessment, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound while driving and making sharp turns. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the front stabilizer bar was missing on the passenger's side and there were open holes. The manufacturer, Volkswagen, was notified of the failure by phone and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Suspension · 148,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the driver's side of the vehicle was leaning. The failure had occurred while the contact and minor children were on vacation and were traveling. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached coil spring. The contact was informed that the coil spring was fractured in half. Additionally, a piece of the detached coil spring was sitting next to the driver's rear tire. The contact was informed that all the coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Suspension · 70,800 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. While the contact's wife was driving, the contact entered the rear back seat of the vehicle, where the sound was more pronounced. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact inspected and hit the rear driver’s side coil spring, which made the same abnormal clicking sound. The contact verified that there was no abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side coil spring. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V904000 (Suspension), which the contact related to the failure. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,800.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Suspension · 89,000 miles · PA

The contact owns 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while his wife was driving 45 MPH, she heard a clunking noise coming from the rear vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired as the rear coil springs are being repaired as of today. The contact related to the failure the federal safety agency Campaign Number:18V904000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CT

Vehicle experiences intermittent front end vibration and shaking at highway speeds, sometimes during light braking. The vibration feels similar to driving over rumble strips and can become strong enough to affect steering feel and driver confidence. The issue occurs intermittently and is more noticeable at higher speeds. Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended replacement of the steering rack and tie rod components. During the inspection, I was informed the steering rack/tie rod related component was currently on backorder, raising concern that this may not be an isolated issue affecting only this vehicle. Front brake pads and rotors were replaced afterward through an independent repair facility in an attempt to correct the issue, however the vibration and shaking still continue while driving. Vehicle currently has approximately 87,000 miles. No warning lights were present at the time of the issue.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Suspension · NH

Both coil springs on vehicle failed under normal driving conditions. Less than 70k on the vehicle. We heard a weird noise while driving and saw one broken. When we brought in for repair, both were broken. VW has had recalls on similar aged vehicles but not ours. No warnings etc. Took picture of one but not the other because we didn’t even know it was broken. Dealership said cars are just not made like they are used to.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Suspension · OH

Both rear coils for my rear suspension broke at the same time. There was a recall for the 2019 VW Atlas back in January 2019 for rear suspension coils due to breakage. My vehicle was purchased in July of 2019. My VIN is not listed with the prior recall however I find it odd that after 56,000 miles both of my rear coils break at the same time. My car is used to travel to and from work on local roads (7.2 miles round trip). My vehicle is on its 3rd set of tires and I asked the VW dealership if there were any problems with my suspension because of the excessive wear. I was informed that everything looked fine and now both of my coils are broke. Luckily the breakage did not cause me to have a MVA, but with this known issue in the 2019 Atlas, I feel that my car should be covered under this recall.

Filed Mar 28, 2026 · Suspension · PA

I recently purchased this vehicle used on February 28. On March 20th, I hit a pothole not realizing that my driver's side and passenger side rear springs had broken. The driver's side is completely sideways with no support. I traveled with my [XXX] nieces and [XXX] nephew not realizing it was unsafe. When I took the car to the mechanic, he informed me that 2019 VW Atlas had a recall on the rear coil springs. My car was not included in that. It is currently unsafe to drive, and will require repairs. I have not made a car payment yet. There was a tire warning but when I checked the tires, they were fine so when I reset the warning, nothing came back as an issue. This put the lives of my young nieces and nephews at risk of serious harm. I would like VW to pay for the repairs but they won't because it's not part of recall 42J2/42J3, the federal safety agency recall 18V904000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)