Volkswagen Atlas coil spring problems

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Suspension · MA

During routine rear brake service, my mechanic discovered that both rear coil springs were broken on my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 111,000 miles. There had been no noticeable symptoms, unusual noises, or changes in handling to indicate a suspension problem. I have since learned that Volkswagen previously issued the federal safety agency Safety Recall 18V904000 (VW recall 42J3) for premature rear coil spring failures on certain 2018–2019 Atlas vehicles. However, my VIN ([XXX]) is not listed as having an open recall. The failure of both rear springs raises serious concerns about the durability and safety of these components, particularly given Volkswagen's history of similar failures. Broken coil springs can potentially shift out of position, damage tires, or compromise vehicle handling. In all my years of owning vehicles from numerous manufacturers, including several that accumulated significantly more mileage than this Atlas, I have never experienced a coil spring failure, let alone the failure of both rear springs. I am reporting this incident because I am concerned that the defect may extend beyond the vehicles included in the original recall. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether additional 2019 Atlas vehicles may be affected by premature rear coil spring failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Suspension · 148,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the driver's side of the vehicle was leaning. The failure had occurred while the contact and minor children were on vacation and were traveling. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached coil spring. The contact was informed that the coil spring was fractured in half. Additionally, a piece of the detached coil spring was sitting next to the driver's rear tire. The contact was informed that all the coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Suspension · 70,800 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. While the contact's wife was driving, the contact entered the rear back seat of the vehicle, where the sound was more pronounced. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact inspected and hit the rear driver’s side coil spring, which made the same abnormal clicking sound. The contact verified that there was no abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side coil spring. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V904000 (Suspension), which the contact related to the failure. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,800.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Suspension · 89,000 miles · PA

The contact owns 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while his wife was driving 45 MPH, she heard a clunking noise coming from the rear vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired as the rear coil springs are being repaired as of today. The contact related to the failure the federal safety agency Campaign Number:18V904000 (SUSPENSION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Suspension · NH

Both coil springs on vehicle failed under normal driving conditions. Less than 70k on the vehicle. We heard a weird noise while driving and saw one broken. When we brought in for repair, both were broken. VW has had recalls on similar aged vehicles but not ours. No warnings etc. Took picture of one but not the other because we didn’t even know it was broken. Dealership said cars are just not made like they are used to.

Filed Mar 28, 2026 · Suspension · PA

I recently purchased this vehicle used on February 28. On March 20th, I hit a pothole not realizing that my driver's side and passenger side rear springs had broken. The driver's side is completely sideways with no support. I traveled with my [XXX] nieces and [XXX] nephew not realizing it was unsafe. When I took the car to the mechanic, he informed me that 2019 VW Atlas had a recall on the rear coil springs. My car was not included in that. It is currently unsafe to drive, and will require repairs. I have not made a car payment yet. There was a tire warning but when I checked the tires, they were fine so when I reset the warning, nothing came back as an issue. This put the lives of my young nieces and nephews at risk of serious harm. I would like VW to pay for the repairs but they won't because it's not part of recall 42J2/42J3, the federal safety agency recall 18V904000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · Suspension · PA

Rear coil spring broke under normal driving conditions. This vin # was not part of the original recall. And dealer refuses to help. This is an obvious issue that is the same as the original recall and this vin should be added and covered.

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Suspension · IL

Rear coil spring failed under normal driving conditions. Previous recall on select 2019 Atlas models however my car was not included in the recall.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Suspension · 74,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the rear of the vehicle jumped. The contact exited the vehicle and became aware that the rear coil spring had fractured. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V904000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2020 · Suspension · 13,000 miles · NY

The rear of the vehicle dropped 5" to 6" after driving approx. 400miles. The driver side wheel well is 1.5" from the tire & the passenger side is 2" away. The wheel well has a "warped" wheel well. The springs seems to be locked or dropped. Looking at the atlas in profile the rear is lower than the front. Before the trip I was able to walk under the tailgate when open without hitting my head & now the rear of the vehicle is low, I have to bend over to prevent hitting my head. Please note, I am not a trained service tech. I am an owner; I am doing a process of elimination for why the rear is lower. I searched google & found that in february volkswagen recalls 6,322 vehicles to repair faulty rear springs. But my vehicle was not listed on the recall. I am out of state from my purchased dealer & the local dealer does not have a recall listed as "faulty rear springs" for my VIN. We have 20' black rims / wheels on the vehicle. The photo shows the factory installed trailer hitch receiver at 13" & according to vw website it should 19". (feb. 18, 2019 - volkswagen has recalled 6,000 vehicles to repair possible faulty rear springs. According to the automaker, it is possible that a rear coil spring might shatter causing handling problems and the possibility for an accident.)