2019 VW Atlas

2019 VW Atlas

2019 Volkswagen Atlas Complaints – Brake, Engine and Electrical Problems

The 2019 VW Atlas ranks as one of the best midsize SUVs. Initially introduced in 2018 by Volkswagen, the VW Atlas is a popular choice for families with its 3rd row of seats. According to VW, “a lot goes in before you do” with the Atlas. Based on the number of complaints online related to the 2019 VW Atlas, it appears that “a lot goes in” refers to the Atlas being brought in for many repairs.  Learn about the 2019 VW Atlas Brake, Engine and Electrical problems as well VW Atlas Recalls.

See more problems for other VW Atlas model years: 2020, 2021 and 2022

2019 VW Atlas Brake Problems

The 2019 VW Atlas is equipped with Forward Collision Avoidance Emergency Braking System. Sensors onboard the Atlas can detect an imminent accident. If the driver does not respond to an emergency situation, the emergency braking system will automatically stop the vehicle.  Atlas drivers, however, have reported problems with the emergency braking system, requiring frequent trips to VW dealers.

Numerous VW Atlas brake problems have been reported to the NHTSA, including this brake complaint by a 2019 VW Atlas New Jersey owner

“I was driving the car about 30 mph when it [VW Atlas] abruptly came to a screeching halt. All warning lights on the dashboard lit up. There was no other cars in front of me or behind me. This could have caused a rear end collision had there been a car behind me. The engine did not die but the brake came off and I was able to start driving again. This threw me forward and I almost hit my chest against the steering wheel”

Another 2019 VW Atlas owner from Florida states on NHTSA

“Purchased a [2019 VW Atlas] from VW….Noticed an issue the car breaking on its own at low speeds less than 5mph and then completely shutting off, about a month into owning it. 08/19/21 car was taken in for service to fix the automatic breaking issue/shutting off. Car was returned to me about a week later stating the “problem” was fixed. In December 2021, I started noticing the problem again, as this point I assume since the “problem” was fixed maybe this was just how the car was. Finally in March of 2022 while driving at a speed of about 30MPH the car started breaking on its own and completed shut off in the middle of driving! ….Myself and my children could have been seriously injured from this incident!!”

More brake problems have been reported on a VW Atlas Forum..  Just read this dangerous brake defect by an owner of 2019 VW Atlas while driving in New York

“Yesterday I was driving with my family in our 2019 Atlas SEL Premium R-Line when the emergency brake system engaged out of nowhere. I have been having issues for a while with the perimeter sensors alerting when there are no reason to but this is a first, an extremely dangerous first!! I was traveling straight approximately 30 mph with no other vehicles or obstacles around when an alarm sounded and the dash lit up red as the vehicle braked to a screeching halt which lasted a few seconds. I was shocked at what happened and if a vehicle was behind me we were sure to get hit. Additionally if we were on a highway or just traveling at a higher speed on a congested NYC roadway things would have been tragic. I am concerned with my wife driving this vehicle. As I mentioned earlier I have had issues with the perimeter sensors alerting for no reason in the past. In the winter the sensors freeze easily while driving and it causes alert and I have to shut off the lane stay alert. But these issues happen during normal conditions also. Now I am extremely concerned with this braking issue.”

In light of the 2019 VW Atlas brake problems, many owners have questioned the safety of the cars since the emergency braking system does not work properly.

2019 VW Atlas Brake Recall

As we reported in our prior VW Atlas lemon law blog, Volkswagen has recalled the 2019 Atlas and 2019 Atlas Cross Sport SUVs due to a wiring issue that could lead to brake problems.

According to the VW Atlas Brake Recall, if the wiring of the Atlas cars is damaged, it may cause the electronic parking brake to engage inadvertently at low speeds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Volkswagen has not yet developed a fix for the problem, according to the report. Volkswagen will, however, provide reimbursements for recalled vehicles.

In addition to the 2019 Atlas Brake Recall, Volkswagen is recalling the Atlas and Cross Sport models for model years 2019-2023.

VW Atlas Electrical Problems

Many VW Atlas owners are reporting electrical problems with their Atlas cars ranging from dangerous wire harness problems to infotainment problems

2019 VW Atlas Wire Harness Recall

The wire harness on the VW Atlas has been routinely failing.  Volkswagen is recalling over 246,000 VW Atlas SUVs due to faulty wiring harnesses that could cause them to unexpectedly brake, posing a significant safety risk. It is also possible that the faulty wiring could trigger side airbag deployment even when the vehicle hasn’t been hit.  In addition, CNBC reported a wiring issue might also cause the cars’ windows to roll down by themselves and the electronic parking brake to engage inadvertently at low speeds.

VW Atlas vehicles from the 2019-2022 model years as well as Atlas Cross Sport vehicles from 2020-2022 could be affected. According to Volkswagen, electrical contacts in either of the affected cars’ front doors can corrode, interfering with the vehicle’s electrical system.

According to the Atlas recall, dealers will inspect the wiring harnesses. As long as there is no corrosion found, they will secure the harnesses in a manner that should prevent corrosion from occurring in the future. A new harness will be installed if the existing one is damaged, and the replacement will be fully secured.

Just read this VW Atlas wire harness problems which was reported on the NHTSA

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and then stalled. The contact stated that the START/STOP, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the passenger’s and driver’s side rear windows would roll down independently. The door locks would also lock and unlock without driver input. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with door wiring harness failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.”

VW Atlas Engine Problems

In addition to brake and electrical problems, 2019 VW Atlas owners are also experiencing engine problems. Here is a report on the NHTSA regarding an Atlas engine defect

“Vehicle is completely shutting down while in drive. Occurring during acceleration and deceleration. No warning given before car shuts down. Just immediately stops in road. I had to restart car and avoid traffic. Dealership has been notified. Service department has stated there is a solution but no availability of parts.”

 VW Atlas owners have also reported a strange noise from the engine while accelerating, and the car sometimes loses power while accelerating as well.  Here is a VW Atlas engine report on Edmunds
“The VW Atlas has a major design flaw in the torque converter. When downshifting or stuck in 3rd gear it creates a screeching/ grinding noise. Buyer beware. It is apparently normal per VW. Sounds like an issue they haven’t figured out how to resolve yet and are just making up excuses. It is annoying and embarassing. I don’t know how they can justify this with a $50k loaded car.

Common VW Atlas Problems

The 5 Most Common Volkswagen Atlas Problems are listed below:

  1. Emergency Brake Problems
  2. Engine noise on shutdown
  3. Unexpected coolant loss
  4. Infotainment defects

Does your 2019 VW Atlas have Brake, Electrical or Engine Problems?

Emergency Brake System problems, Engine and Electrical problems with your 2019 VW Atlas may qualify for relief under the lemon law.  Allow our Lemon Law Attorneys to work on your lemon case at no cost to you. The law requires VW to pay the legal fees for your claim.

We are familiar with the 2019 VW Atlas Brake, Electrical and Engine problems and can inform you of your lemon law rights. As one of the country’s largest and most successful lemon law firms, our attorneys can provide you with PA Lemon LawNJ Lemon Law , NY Lemon Law, and Hawaii Lemon Law help at no cost to you.

Contact us today to discuss your case at 1-800-MY-LEMON (1-800-695-3666).