Something NHSTA should look into is an ongoing problem with the SOS system in the Volkswagen ATALS. In my case, the module was first replaced in 02/21/2025 with 46,973 miles on my 2021 Atlas SEL AWD V6. My vehicle was out of warranty so that repair cost just under $1,200.00. The module went out again and was replaced on 10/20/2025, with 56,437 miles. This repair was covered since the part was still under warranty. The module most recently went out again and was replaced on 10/15/2026, with 68,992 miles on my Atlas. The dealer covered the repair as I was approximately 500 over the warranty period. They called it a "Onetime goodwill for customer satisfaction". I never received any explanation on the root cause for these failures or if there was a recall on this module/SOS System. I have reported this issue to the VW Customer Care Program, and was informed that I need to work with my dealer for this issue. I explained the problem goes beyond the dealer at this point and was looking for an explanation or if VW USA was working on this problem as it is well documented online in VW Forums. They said they could not do that and I must work with the dealer. Hence, my reaching out to NHSTA today. This SOS System, besides being an emergency call button, when this system goes out, it shuts down numerous systems. Including; cruise control , lane assist, lane departure and remote start using VW APP. Many members on forums have reported other problems. This is clearly a frustrating problem for VW Atlas owners and what is even more frustrating, is the lack of response from VW of identifying any root cause of the problem or being forthcoming with a technical bulletin to their dealer network. This safety issue should be investigated by NHSTA so VW is held accountable to their customers and rectifies the problem. Thank you-
2021 Volkswagen Atlas driver assistance problems
73 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 11,300. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 73
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- typical mileage
- 11,300
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Automatic emergency braking52
- Adaptive cruise control16
- Warnings12
- Warning5
- Assist4
- Rearview system braking1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Volkswagen Atlas driver assistance problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas driver assistance
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
Recall number 20V716000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23017) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Front Assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.The reports alleged that activation of the AEB system occurred while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Volkswagen indicated that it is aware of a total of 292 reports that may relate to the alleged defect in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.Volkswagen stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of Front Assist and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints alleged that Volkswagen dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or Volkswagen dealerships informed the consumers that this braking is considered normal Front Assist operation. ODI's analysis shows that MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have the highest rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation when compared to their Volkswagen peers.The rate of unique incident reports alleging AEB inadvertent activation in MY 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles was comparable to their Volkswagen peers. To date, ODI has received a total of 69 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of Front Assist in MY 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. In total, ODI reviewed 264 unique (i.e., non-duplicative Vehicle Identification Numbers) reports that may relate to the alleged defect, which include eight reports of incidents involving an alleged injury and two reports involving a crash. PE23017 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24004) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations in MY 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE23017
What 2021 Volkswagen Atlas owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 61,000 miles. After a software update prompted by the vehicle, saying it will be done in 3 parts.the infotainment screen began malfunctioning the following day. Initially, the screen would repeatedly go black, restart, work for a short period of time, and then go black again. This issue continued for almost three weeks. The screen is now completely black and no longer turns on. I contacted a Volkswagen dealership about the issue and was informed that I would be charged approximately $220 for diagnostic work before determining the cause of the problem.i haven't brought it in yet as I'm waiting to be paid as I'm sure they would need payment The problem began shortly after the vehicle's software update, and I am concerned that the update may have caused or contributed to the infotainment system failure. I am reporting this issue because I believe other 2021 Volkswagen Atlas owners may be experiencing similar infotainment system failures. I would like the federal safety agency to investigate whether this is a widespread defect and whether a safety-related recall or other corrective action is necessary. As it's safely concern I cannot see back up camera or any safety features.
The electric board goes black frequently. Also, my backup camera and assistive device for backup doesn’t work. It starts and stops after a second. Posing a big problem with backing up because I have neck injury and can’t adequately see.
The right driver side daylight light is out, the SOS response system warning light is on, tire pressure loss detected light is but tires are fine and no loss in pressure, cruise control doesn’t always work and deactivates.
When I went to start my vehicle on 6/26/25, I noticed that the instrument cluster was stating an error: "COMPASS IS NOT AVAILABLE". The vehicle continues to go through an entire list of items not available. including the radio and infotainment system, navigation. I should also mention that the dash also was showing that the outside camera was not available to me. I live in a small town and shopping is very limited and I drive 32 miles for decent groceries and clothes for my family, and I rely on that radio for company, sometimes, and for weather and traffic so if I don't have these items I could get stranded in the middle of the desert. No one has looked at the car yet for this problem. I have no clue how this happened.
Upon starting car All ADAS functions did not work. Warning lights came on. Did not work for several days. Took to dealership and they found a sensor in tire to be faulty
Upon starting the car All of the above warning lights came on the dashboard and did not function. Power steering,l and all adas did not function. Took to dealer and sensor was replaced.
For steering: There is a grinding noise that happens each time I turn my wheel when turning into a parking spot or making a non wide turn. It happens every single time that I do it. For Automatic Emergency Braking: It turns on while I am in the middle of driving constantly.
after heavy rain, the forward looking radar will start stop working with no warning, cause AEB and forward warning not functioning, greatly increase risk of collision. the problem is consistent with heavy rain, but dealer refuse to do any repair because it didn't happen normally. the problem appeared on 03/31/2024, 06/30/2024, 08/18/2024 every time there is a heavy rain, with picture as proof.
On [XXX] my 2021 Volkswagen Atlas cut off on [XXX] at the red light and I was almost rear ended multiple times until a kind gentleman moved my car out of the intersection. It has been parked in my driveway since because the battery won't hold a charge. I had the battery tested but the machine read that something is draining the battery even without keys being in the car ignition switch. The windows goes up and down by themselves without the power being engaged. The car is surging and all of these things are included on a recall list for Volkswagen which I will include in this complaint but Volkswagen specifically Kurt O from VW Social Media said that won't do anything to help. I truly believe they are picking and choosing whose VIN number to repair and the rest are left to their own vices. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Questions about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas driver assistance
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have driver assistance problems?
Owners have filed 73 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, 15% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Volkswagen Atlas driver assistance problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 11,300 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas driver assistance?
Yes, 1 recall: 20V716000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Atlas have the most driver assistance problems?
The Volkswagen Atlas model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2019 (84 complaints), 2021 (73 complaints) and 2018 (45 complaints).
Other 2021 Volkswagen Atlas problems
Electrical 149Brakes 98Engine 89Lights 70Airbags 66Fuel system 42Body 22Transmission 15Acceleration 14Steering 11Seats 9Visibility 6Wheels 5Seat belts 4Tires 3Locks 2Suspension 1
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