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2019 Volkswagen Atlas transmission problems

34 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 1,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
34
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
1,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Atlas transmission problems in other years

201820192020202120222023202420252026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 12

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2019 Volkswagen Atlas owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · LA

Engine/Fuel injectors causing SUV to cut off at intersections or backing up in road causing a safety risk of getting hit and I know because it has happened to me.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · FL

Vehicle has been to VW at least 10 times for same issue since 2021. Stalls at low speeds like in traffic or driving around neighborhood, and while decelerating from higher speeds causing a dangerous safety issue. Several components replaced some like the fuel evap canister and purge valve numerous times. Symptoms clear up for days or weeks at a time and than return. VW has been unable to correct this or or find cause, has had an “engineer” from VW look at it and cannot correct cause, only symptoms which than return. Evap canister and purge valve replaced numerous times, fuel tank and pump replaced, computer system flashed, nothing fixes the problem completely. Transmission was just replaced at less than 63k miles and failed again within 6 months second replacement just completed for transmission, VW had my truck from 4/30/2026 until 6/10/2026 and was unable to correct the stalling sputtering issue, and transmission continues to shift gears extremely hard at lows speed. The stalling issue is absolutely ridiculous that no solution can be found and the extended warranty VW provided because they can’t fix this runs out on the 31st of this month. I was only able to fix load 10!images of my work orders I have several kore if I can provide them somehow please let me know

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

For powertrain: failure of right front CV axle before 100k miles on a certified pre-owned vehicle; associated failure of shocks and struts in right front axle. The problem was inspected by an ASE certified VW mechanic, attested to be true and shown to us, and repaired. There were no warning lamps/lights, and the finding was made on a full vehicle inspection when brought in for a brake pad change. The issue appeared at approx 79000 mi on the odometer, 3 months after purchasing the vehicle. Obviously failure of the CV joints and components provide a risk to drivers and other motorists with the potential for injury due to steering and suspension failure during operation. Engine: the water pump was discovered to have begun to fail at approx 89000mi during a routine oil change service in May 2026. The mechanic states the issue is not noticeable without removal of the brush guard from under the engine compartment, and therefore may be missed by owners. A warning for “low coolant” is only shown once the level has dropped sufficiently. There is not currently a recall open for this part, confirmed with VW service center at a dealership May 27, 2026. This is harmful physically and financially for owners, passengers, and motorists as it can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Filed May 2, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · CA

Bad steering rack for 2019 Atlas VW. No recall announced but multiple vehicles having similar issues nationwide. Car has always had a small vibration in the steering and over time it has steadily gotten worst. I recently added new tires and an alignment. the problem is mechanical in nature and presents an extreme safety risk to the vehicle. The vehicle has been looked at multiple times in the past few years by a VW dealership. Nothing until recently has a problem been identified. VW dealership even mentioned “this should not happen with a vehicle that is this new”

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine and the HVAC systems. Specifically, a persistent "ghost misfire"—where the engine vibrates and shudders without triggering a dashboard warning light—and a total heater failure. The vehicle is currently held at the dealership; all service records (RO# 367641, 367891, 367980, 368179) are available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The "ghost misfire" causes shaking and hesitation during acceleration, creating a risk of losing power or stalling in high-speed traffic. Because the vehicle's diagnostics do not trigger a warning light for this condition, the driver has no advance notice of a potential engine failure. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Dealership technicians confirmed the misfire on Feb 9 (RO# 367891) and found a defective spark plug gap (.024” vs. .036”). On Feb 25, the service consultant confirmed the "ghost misfire" remained active. The heater failure was confirmed via a 'Heater Support Pump Dry Run' fault code (RO# 367641). 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by dealership technicians. Formal complaints have also been filed with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair and the California Attorney General. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Symptoms began following a service on Jan 30. Feb 8: Exhaust malfunction light (MIL) appeared briefly with severe shaking. Feb 9–present: Exhaust malfunction warning lights appeared briefly and then disappeared, but the engine vibration and "ghost misfire" symptoms remain active and undetected by the vehicle's onboard diagnostics. Feb 17: Total loss of heat occurred during a highway drive without a dashboard warning lamp

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · TN

I’ve consistently had a coolant leak with my engine water pump. Constantly have to refill the coolant. The reason I’m making this complaint is because yesterday October 1, 2025 I filled up my coolant and I drove a few miles to the grocery store and my coolant was empty and I got a coolant, low warning light and the coolant pump was completely empty. This is becoming very expensive and should not happen on a certified preowned vehicle with only 75,000 miles.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Brakes, Fuel system · NY

Driving at constant speed on highway, vehicle either loses acceleration and / or applies brake for short moment. Tapping the accelerator appears allow the vehicle to resume to initial intended speed. Automatic braking, not intended by the driver is a safety risk for both this and adjacent drivers. The problem has been reproduced by a dealer service center. No other agencies have inspected the vehicle's problem. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms evident. Dealer has had the vehicle to two weeks and has not provided a viable resolution.

Filed Jan 6, 2024 · Airbags, Transmission · FL

The transmission at low speeds, while accelerating makes a grinding noise

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Transmission · NJ

MY Volkswagen atlas Transmission appears to be making a grinding, screeching or squealing noise when accelerating at low speeds. Sounds to me like a bad torque converter but its not a normal noise. It also seems to not accelerate when this noise happens and if it stops when I pull into traffic I'll get hit. I took it to a dealer in NJ, said he has had others complain and that there is nothing they can do. My car is till under warranty, but they refuse to fix it. Its not safe!!!

Filed Aug 6, 2023 · Transmission · PA

Grinding and squealing noise when accelerating from stop to go as it last for up to 5 seconds each time.

Questions about the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas transmission

Does the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the transmission of the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2019 Volkswagen Atlas transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 1,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas transmission?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Volkswagen Atlas have bad transmission?

The Volkswagen Atlas model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (34 complaints), 2024 (22 complaints) and 2018 (16 complaints).

Other 2019 Volkswagen Atlas problems

Airbags 142Driver assistance 84Brakes 79Electrical 76Engine 61Steering 40Fuel system 36Suspension 18Acceleration 14Wheels 11Visibility 10Seat belts 9Seats 8Body 7Tires 4Lights 2Locks 1

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