2024 Volkswagen Atlas: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Transmission · IL

While driving at 5 mph, the vehicle suddenly revved up and shifted into neutral. The vehicle then stopped abruptly and would not shift. The gear shifter showed neutral but the vehicle could not be moved as it was in park. The tow truck driver had to manually override the transmission to get it onto the flatbed tow truck. The dealer diagnosed a problem with the selector shifter and replaced it. When picking up the vehicle at the dealer, the same issue occurred as I was pulling it out of the parking spot. The dealer brought the car back in for further inspection. I am waiting to hear from them. I believe this is a serious safety issue due to the sudden stopping of the vehicle.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WI

All of the lights keep coming on for all of our systems. Collision avoidance, cruise control, automatic braking, blind spot. Radio screen goes black and cannot work anything on car including heat. Car will just randomly go into limp mode. Very unsafe for this to happen while driving on highway.

Filed Jan 5, 2025 · Transmission · ID

Error: Transmission displayed on monitor and vehicle will not go into drive. Stranded with 3 little kids and need to call tow truck to take vehicle into dealership. It says you can continue driving but can’t get vehicle out of park. After researching this online it sounds like it is a common problem and could be related to the gear selector switch. I hear no electrical motors or any noise when trying to put it into gear like there is no power going to gear selector motor. Dead in the water and absolutely irritated especially with a car full of toddlers.

Filed Oct 8, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · SC

I was driving about 75 mph when my car alerted me that the engine had stopped and I needed to pull over immediately. The wheels continued to turn and the car was stuck in neutral. I pulled over and tried to push the SOS button which did not connect. I then tried to restart my car and it started but would not shift out of neutral. I called the police for help and my brand new car had to be towed. The tires then froze up after being put on the tow truck and would not release- even though the car was in neutral. When the car finally did start and shift after getting to the dealer ship, the car told me it was in emergency transmission mode. My safety was most definitely put at risk because my car turned off on the interstate for no apparent reason - i luckily was able to get to the emergency lane. I have taken it to the shop and of course they could no replicate this issue- there were no lights prior to this

Filed Sep 4, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CO

The Atlas has been in the dealer on several occasions due to shifting and acceleration. On a couple occasions when starting the Atlas the RPM's will redline with nothing touching the pedal and wont stop until we shut off the car. On several occasions the throttle has little to no response when pushing the pedal (Not safe when trying to merge or change lanes.) Almost once or twice a week the Atlas won't shift or will shift too soon. The infotainment screen has been replaced twice and needs another screen due to it not coming on or lines going through it. It has been to the dealer five times and nothing has been done to this Atlas about the throttle issue. The dealer is focused on the "infotainment screen" because it controls every part of the Atlas.