2021 Volkswagen Atlas: lane keeping assist jerks the wheel

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Driver assistance · MN

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-

Filed Nov 28, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NJ

While driving in a city, the emergency parking brake would switch on everytime i slowed down or came to a stop. Multiple other warnings happened such as lane assistance unavailable. And one of my windows would roll down part way.

Filed May 4, 2022 · Airbags, Engine · 15,150 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V152000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical issues. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the warning messages "Automatic Start/Stop Is Not Available", " Lane Assist Is Not Currently Available”, “Faulty Electronic parking Brake" "Door Is Ajar Fault" and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the front driver's side window was inoperative and the rear driver's side window would continuously roll up and down independently while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while coming to a stop, between 1-2 MPH, the parking brake would engage independently, causing the vehicle to jolt. The contact had to disengage the parking brake each time. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side door lock chime reminder would engage while driving with the door locked. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to not drive the vehicle. However, the manufacturer provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,150. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 20, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · IL

The driver door contact switch and door harness is faulty, which triggers several errors while driving. The lane keep assist and departure warning does not work when this is happening. Additionally, when braking, the car has several alarms that chime repeatedly, including low coolant, driver door contact switch, electronic parking brake failure, hill start assist, and dynamic cornering lights. The car beeps nonstop while the brakes are applied and the car is at a complete stop. The parking brake also engages when the brakes are applied, making it very unsafe to drive. When I called the dealership to schedule an inspection, they reported that they don’t need to inspect the car because they know exactly which part is causing the problem, and ordered me the part. However the part is on back order, so I’ve had to drive the car in this condition, as they will not put me in a rental. The dealership has Informed me there is nothing else they can do, and Volkswagen customer care will not respond to my requests to discuss.

Filed Feb 16, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · OH

At random times during driving the fault electronic parking brake with turn on and abruptly stop the vehicle making it jerk forward. It will trigger the windows to roll down, and errors will pop up stating lane assist is unavailable with beeping noise. This puts my family at risk because I was completely scared when the parking brake automatically came on while exiting the highway and an 18-wheeler truck was behind me with my daughter in the car. I had to completely turn my vehicle off and back on to keep going. When I took my car in on February 1,2022 the Service Manager said that there were multiple vehicles in their possession with the issue. He said it would take a month to get it fixed. After speaker to a regional supervisor for Volkswagen they did not have a ETA for getting the parts needed to perform the repair, yet I am still paying a mthly payment and insurance on a vehicle I own that's not in my possession. I have screenshots from my CarNet app with the warning issues that I shared with the manufacturer. There seems to be no sense of urgency to get this repaired or provide a vehicle that is comparable to fit my family size while waiting on the parts for repair.

Filed Feb 15, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · RI

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.

Filed Feb 2, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

Driver door wiring harness is faulty and needs replaced. At random times during driving all alerts will go off in car triggering the windows to roll down, the parking brake to engage while the vehicle is moving, turning off adaptive cruise, lane keep assist and many other safety features while using them. I fear for the safety of the passengers in my car and those around me as I am unable to know when the brake will engage. The dealer has confirmed the need for replacement but does not have the parts to replace. They will not provide a loaner and have no estimate of when parts will be available for repair. The issue is ongoing and random.

Filed Oct 27, 2021 · Driver assistance · MD

Lane Assist erratic performance. 1)On October 21st, 2021, while leaving a parking slot (cars parked on both sides of the affected vehicle) the “Lane Assist” warning and the Instrument Panel “Lane Assist” light came up (i.e., LANE with a CAR on the lower side of the Instrument Panel). This occurred while moving less than 5 mph. The parking brake activated stopping the car and the lane assist was disabled (i.e., turned off). 2)On October 25th, 2021, while turning on the vehicle, a “Malfunction” was briefly displayed on the Instrument Panel. There were no cars or objects on either side of the vehicle. Immediately after, a warning symbol and a yellow Lane with a Car symbol was displayed. The Lane Assist was disabled. The warning signs were cleared after the car was turned off and back on, but the Lane Assist remained disabled (i.e., turned off).