The forward collision warning activated out of the blue and the automatic emergency braking was applied for no reason. Was driving to go pick up daughter from school on March 11, 2024 at approximately 11:50 AM. Driving on neighborhood road with speed limit of 40 mph. Driving at 40 mph with no other vehicles anywhere near me in front, behind, or in opposing lane. All of a sudden the front collision warning light on dash popped up and the emergency brakes applied for no reason! This caused the vehicle to seize up and come to a screeching halt. Luckily there were no vehicles behind me that could have rear-ended me, and there were no other vehicles coming from opposing direction that I would might have slid into. There was NO reason why this should have happened. There were NO vehicles anywhere in the vicinity. No leaves falling, no debris in the roadway, nothing. No inclement weather, it was sunny and dry but cold approximatley 40 F. Inspected front of vehicle afterwards and there was nothing obstructing the sensors or cameras on front end.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas: false forward collision warnings
5 of the 483 complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas describe false forward collision warnings.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
False forward collision warnings by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to suddenly stop in the middle of the road. The contact indicated that during the failure, no other vehicles or objects were nearby to cause the system to be activated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure occurred a second time. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,300. The dealer installed a new door ajar switch and safety harness service but not replaced.
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the message "Apply Brakes" displayed and the vehicle abruptly stopped. During the failure, there were no other vehicles or objects were nearby to cause the Forward Collision Avoidance safety feature to be activated. In addition, the contact indicated that while driving the vehicle, safety messages would be displayed that included the cruise control and parking sensors unavailable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags); which included a wiring harness repair however, the parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 31,000.
My 2021.5 Atlas had experienced issues with window rolling down and parking break initiated as I was coming to a stop on Jan 3 2022. Dealership told me the harness needed to be replaced and they think I was ok to drive and would contact me when the part was in. Fast forward a month later I could barely drive as it kept breaking, I was driving and accelerating on to an expressway going almost 50 mph and the break initiated jolting my car (it felt like I had been hit). And I almost was as my collision alert went off when someone almost rear ended me! I drove straight to enterprise and had my atlas towed to the dealership-were it is still sitting. I have heard there is a recall yet when I enter my vin my vehicle is not listed on the recall so not sure how accurate they are able to find out which vehicles have this issue. My car literally had 9000 miles and is not drivable and not safe.
Starting in November, a series of alarms would go off on the dashboard on the engine, lane assist, collision warnings, etc. As the problem progressed, the windows would go down automatically, and in the most severe instances, the car would engage the emergency park brake while coming to a stop!!! This happened more and more frequently to the point the car became undrivable as you awaited the car engaging the emergency parking brake while coming to a stop!!!! The car has been at the dealership since 11/22/21 as the door control wiring harness is on backorder. Someone will get hurt if this goes unrepaired.
Service bulletins that may apply
- These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the...
- Customer reports that the vehicle performed an unwarranted Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
- Inspecting sensors for damage
- This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program to correct the A5 Front Camera...
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Update Available for Infotainment System
- ACC Calibration Process
- Instruction for set-up of SD creator to obtain Software updates
- Unwanted Autonomous Braking instruction
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
Questions about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas collision warning
Is false forward collision warnings a common problem on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?
5 of 483 owner complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas (1%) mention false forward collision warnings. The model year with the most reports is 2019.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?
There is 1 recall and 13 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Stalling 44Headlights 42Check engine light 39Grinding brakes 22Start-stop 18Adaptive cruise 17Airbag light 15Door locks 10Fuel pump 9Lane assist 8Warning lights 8Won't start 8Jerking 7No deployment 6Battery drain 5Engine failure 5Fuel leak 5Overheating 5Sunroof shattered 5
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