2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS Steering Problems

The electronic steering gear is malfunctioning and making a clicking sound when the steering wheel is turned at 90-degree angles in either direction. The dealership (Bud Brown VW, Olathe, KS) advised me that they have had 3 VW Atlas vehicles with the same problem over the past month. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that could cause loss of steering and potential injury or loss of life.

Driving at highway speeds when the vehicle hit certain bumps the front end would wobble and cause significant vibration and loss of control steering (death wobble). This was reproduced by both and independent shop as well as mechanics at West End Volkswagen in Henrico Virginia. They replaced the entire steering rack to resolve the problem. They stated while I was there that this was the second steering rack on an Atlas this week they had replaced. The problem started around [XXX] and was fixed on 7/9/25. I don't currently have the original part and I don't know whether the Volkswagen dealership kept it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

●Vehicle tries to pull me into a completely different lanes I have no intentions of trying to go into while on the highway ●Vehicle completely shut off WHILE DRIVING. Electrical panel flashed with all the lights then said to start Vehicle manually. ●Vehicle's gas saving feature when stopped, works intermittently and RANDOMLY, even with same applied brake pressure.

My steering wheel and front wheels shake uncontrollably make it dangerous to drive . A complete rack and pinion needed to be replace . The atlas only has 85000 miles . This happened at as slow as 10 miles an hour. Making the vehicle very unstable

I am filing this complaint due to a serious and unresolved safety issue with the steering system of my 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SEL 4Motion R-Line. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed steering rack, which presents a significant safety hazard due to impaired steering response and potential loss of control. The part needed for the repair has been on national backorder for over a month, with no estimated time of availability. This delay has left me without a safe, operable vehicle and has created a major hardship for my family. I contacted Volkswagen Customer CARE to request assistance and escalation. Unfortunately, they were unable or unwilling to escalate the issue to a Regional Case Manager, and offered no support, solutions, or alternatives to address the safety or mobility concerns caused by this prolonged delay. In contrast, the dealership—Volkswagen of South Mississippi—has been extremely helpful and professional throughout the process. They confirmed the diagnosis and are ready to perform the repair, but are completely dependent on Volkswagen to supply the required part. Through online research and owner forums, I’ve learned that steering rack failures and backorder delays are common with the 2019 Atlas, which indicates this could be part of a larger systemic issue affecting many owners. I am concerned that this situation poses an ongoing public safety risk, particularly if drivers experience steering loss unexpectedly. I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate this matter and determine whether it warrants a broader safety recall or regulatory action. The current lack of support from Volkswagen, combined with the unavailability of critical steering components, is unacceptable and may leave affected drivers at serious risk.

-Service inspection on my vehicle found my steering rack is failing (video at dealership and service report notes this) -Due to no part availability from the manufacturer, we were unable to repair the vehicle at this time -I inquired about a loaner vehicle when picking up the vehicle at the dealership and was instructed to call customer service -Customer service stated they did not have control over a loaner and instructed me to call dealer again (Case number [XXX]) -Due to safety concerns as well as risk for further damaging the vehicle, I am unable to continue to drive my car in its current condition -When discussing the issue with the dealership they stated they did not have enough loaners to offer a vehicle and instructed me to again call customer service Upon investigation it appears VW Atlas vehicles 2019 has not issued a recall on the steering rack. Forums from customers have stated things like “you are 400th on the list to receive this part” I have been told another customer attempted to drive their vehicle in the 7 months they have been waiting on a steering rack and the vehicle is now no longer drivable but was also instructed by the technician that “the vehicle is safe to drive” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My wife and children are currently stranded 800 miles from home after our Volkswagen began shaking severely on the freeway. She brought the vehicle to Douglas VW in NJ, where the service team confirmed the steering rack is failing and verified the symptoms she experienced. Despite this, they told her it could take up to a year to fully fail and that it was “safe” to drive—an unacceptable and dangerous recommendation. We were then told the part is back-ordered for up to a year. Volkswagen has refused to provide a loaner vehicle during this wait, leaving my family without transportation. Meanwhile, we’ve been offered only a $1,500 credit toward a new vehicle, which does nothing to address the immediate issue. This is not an isolated case. It’s well documented online that this is a recurring issue with this year, make, and model. We’ve also been told the shortage is due to the part being reengineered, and that VW is prioritizing new vehicle production over existing customers dealing with critical failures. This is not just inconvenient—it’s unsafe. Volkswagen’s refusal to provide adequate support leaves my family in an impossible position through no fault of our own. We are asking for immediate action. Our case number with VW customer is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the steering rack parts were on backorder and the vehicle was not able to be repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

My car started shaking while driving at high rates of speed. Also while hitting bumps at high speed or the brakes. I took it to the VW dealer and they told me the steering rack was going out. When trying to get it fixed I was told the part is on back order for months. They told me there was 400 people ahead of me. This seems like it should be a recall with so many people reporting the problem. And a safety issue with not being able to get the part. VW is bad about doing an extended warranty to avoid a recall also. It NEEDS to be recalled before someone gets hurt or killed. And if they can’t get the parts they need to offer another way out of it. Please help!

Steering rack and pinion (steering gear) is failing. There is a violent intermittent vibration in the steering wheel when driving. I have had an import repair shop check out the car - I did have some suspension work done on the rear as well as replaced the sway bars in the front (still had the vibration and it continues to worsen). After more review of the issue and numerous test drives it was determined that the steering rack and pinion was the issue and needed to be replaced. I authorized the shop to order the parts back in January, however they have been unable to get the part as it has been on back order. I have contacted other shops as well as dealerships and getting the part will require a substantial wait. This is a significant safety issue and even Volkswagen parts department here in High Point NC acknowledged that the part has been "upgraded" a few times so clearly its a known issue. I do not know how this sort of a safety issue cannot be a recall. As the car's warranty is expired and this is not a recall, we are stuck navigating between driving a car that may be unsafe, renting a car or trying to get by on one car when we require 2. We have no option here but to wait, hope and pray that nothing significant happens.

With the past year, have had 2 dangerous safety issues pop up. 1. April 2024, seat belt malfunctioned causing an error message. From what the VW dealer told me, the seat belt would not lock, therefore requiring a replacement of the entire assembly Had to drive home several hours with this error message. Should a 5 year old car have such issues? 2. January 2025, steering began to feel very sloppy. Was informed Steering rack assembly had excessive play inside the steering gear. Presume losing steering at highway speeds would be quite dangerous. Replacing seat belt assembly cost $1261.25, the steering rack assembly replacement will cost $1988.75. Both should be recall items and covered by VW.

Since we purchased our vehicle in 2019 the steering wheel will shake when turning the steering wheel. The VW Service Center claimed it was the clockspring and did the repair in early 2020 and the vehicle issue seemed improved with that repair. However, shortly after the same issue began and it has gotten much worse. I am concerned that if it is the clockspring then there can be a sudden serious issue depending on what is happening to the wiring with the clockspring. We have attempted several more times to get this issue fixed, but the VW Service Center claims to not detect the issue and on the last attempt refused to service the vehicle after having it for a week.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel began to vibrate intensely. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the struts. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

The vehicle would start from the remote and upon getting into the vehicle the push start won’t engage with the steering wheel locking and the vehicle being inoperable. The steering will will make locking mechanism sounds and the vehicle won’t start. The vehicle will then not turn on and I am unable to drive. It has sputtered for weeks now yet it turns on and I am able to drive. When first purchasing the vehicle the engine had to be replaced as it backfired and went out the same start stop issue was present then.

Vehicle steering wheel shakes when turning hard to the left or right. Sounds like tires are getting stuck on vehicle, but dealership has confirmed that it is an issue with the steering rack. Issue started in April 2023 and after first steering rack replacement, issue persists. Now steering rack software is being updated and possibly parts replaced again. Car is not operating safely.

The steering rack continues to fail in the VW Atlas.

Steering assist failure at low and highway speed. Lurching and speed fluctuating at low and highway speed. Adaptive cruise control failure at low and highest speed. Yes, it is reproducible.

Steering Wheel column fully locked while parked. Was not able to turn the car on as the steering wheel had issues. Had to call a tow company to take it to the dealership for repairs. They had to replace the steering wheel column module.

Military Combat Retired Veteran, purchased CPO 2019 Atlas from VW dealer. Claim filed with VW Customer care. Numerous issues with Steering Rack, and excessive vibrations at normal speeds. Vehicle has never sounded or handled like would be expected. First alignment and 4 wheel balance 1 month after purchase - 2 months later, steering rack replaced. 5 months and 5500 miles after rack replaced, brakes and tires worn 50% post-steering rack replacement. Dealer state 'steering rack retorqued', and ware on tires and brakes due to 'underinflation'. When asked what psi was on the tires, dealer did not take a readings. Tire ware does not indicate 'underinflation', or misalignment. Indicates issues with toe or camber - presumably from when steering rack was replaced. Dealer resolution was to replaced tires, brakes, and rotors at a cost of over $2000 - all of this without knowing exactly what is causing the excessive ware... each time, dealer indicates that "underinflation" or "alignment" issue - of which tire tread ware does not align with cause. Dealer still 'unsure' of what has caused issues, but 'is confident that it is good now'. At this point, without knowing the 'why' something is happening, and with dealer unable to determine root cause of problems, do not feel safe with my family in this vehicle.

Vehicle is on its 3rd steering rack in 6 months. The vehicle steering gets sloppy and pops when when going bad. Volkswagen refuses to issue a recall or take the vehicle.

VEHICLE HAS 11K MILES. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO REPAIR A TIRE WITH A NAIL. MY ALIGNMENT WAS OFF (I THOUGHT I WAS FEELING A SHAKE ANYWAY). HAD THE ALIGNMENT FIXED BUT A WEEK LATER (FIRST TIME ON THE HIGHWAY) MY VEHICLE IS SHAKING FAR TOO MUCH TO BE THE ROAD. ALL TIRES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AS THEY WERE CHECKED DURING THE ALIGNMENT. SHAKING DOES NOT OCCUR WHILE DRIVING UNDER 45 MPH.

Mileage: 11,000

I BOUGHT MY NEW VW ATLAS IN DECEMBER OF 2019. WHEN I BOUGHT IT, I NOTICED A RUBBING/SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL BUT WAS TOLD THAT WAS NORMAL FOR A NEW VEHICLES. SO, I LET IT GO, THEN CAME TO REALIZE IT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AND LOUDER OVER TIME. SO AT MY 10,000 MILE CHECK, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE STEERING RACK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ASAP BUT THAT IT WAS ON BACK ORDER AND COULD TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR THE PART TO COME IN. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A COMMON ISSUE. SO I WAITED 3-4 WEEKS, AND THE PART FINALLY CAME IN. IT WAS REPLACED AND I THOUGHT I WAS DONE WITH REPAIRS EARLY ON. THEN, A COUPLE OF DAYS PASS AND I FIND THAT THERE IS STILL SOMEWHAT OF A NOISE WHEN I TURN MY WHEEL AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M ON THE BACKROADS GOING OVER BUMPS. I TAKE IT BACK THE DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE, THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. A COUPLE MORE WEEKS PASS, I'M STILL HEARING A CREAKY NOISE AND THEN ONE NIGHT ON MY WAY HOME, ALL OF THE SENSOR AND WARNING LIGHTS LIGHT UP IN MY DIGITAL COCKPIT. I HAVE IT TOWED, VW DETERMINES IT'S A TIRE SENSOR OF WHICH THEY REPAIR. THREE WEEKS LATER, HERE I AM AGAIN AND ALL OF MY TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS ARE ON AGAIN ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. I HAVE A NEW TIRE FROM WHERE I GOT A FLAT TWO WEEKS AGO, AND THAT TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT IS ALSO ON. SO, NOW NOT ONLY AM I HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY TIRES BUT THE FIRST STEERING WHEEL NOISE ISSUE STILL ISN'T REPAIRED ON AN ATLAS THAT I BOUGHT WITH 12 MILES ON IT IN DECEMBER OF 2019. VW CORPORATE HAS BEEN CALLED, THE DEALERS CORPORATE HAS BEEN CALLED AND STILL I HAVEN'T GOTTEN NOWHERE.

Mileage: 15,000

WHILE IN MOTION AND REMAINING STILL, AS YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT THE STEERING GEAR MAKES A CLUNKING, KNOCKING NOISE THROUGHOUT THE STEERING GEAR.

Mileage: 4,000

I HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH MY RECENT PURCHASE THAT I AM HAVING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME RESOLVING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN SOME WEEKS AGO BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE ISSUE WAS DISMISSED AS A NORMAL "BREAKING IN" AND SHOULD GO AWAY AS I APPROACH 12,000 MILES. THIS WAS VERY TROUBLING AS I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A NEW VEHICLE WITH THIS ISSUE. ON JULY 9, 2020, I RETURNED THE CAR WITH THE SAME STEERING ISSUE AND TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED. AFTER NOT HEARING ANYTHING BACK FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, I WENT BACK TO LOYALTY TO CHECK THE STATUS. AT THIS TIME, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ISSUE WAS A FAULTY RACK AND PINION BUT THE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS UNSURE ON A TIMELINE AND WOULD NOT KNOW ANYTHING UNTIL MONDAY. AFTER NOT HEARING BACK FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, I RETURNED TO LOYALTY MONDAY EVENING TO LEARN THAT THE PART IS ON BACKORDER AND IT WILL BE SOME MONTHS BEFORE IT IS AVAILABLE. I AM ALSO TOLD AT THIS TIME BY TWO OF YOUR SERVICES ADVISORS THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE WITH A FAULTY RACK AND PINION, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WAS TOLD BY ONE OF YOUR SERVICE TECHNICIANS THAT HE ABSOLUTELY ADVISES AGAINST DRIVING IT WITH A FAULTY RACK AND PINION UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. ALSO, THE SAME SERVICE ADVISOR THAT TOLD ME THE ISSUE WAS A NORMAL "BREAKING IN" ON SATURDAY EXPLAINS, REPEATEDLY, THAT HE HAS AN ATLAS THAT HAS BEEN THERE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WAITING ON THE SAME PART. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY A LOYALTY SALES ASSOCIATE ON THURSDAY (7/23) THAT A LOYALTY EMPLOYEE HAS A SIMILAR VEHICLE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS MAKES THE FACT THAT I WAS DISMISSED A FEW WEEKS AGO EVEN MORE TROUBLING, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE MILITARY IS MOVING US NEARLY 900 MILES IN A FEW DAYS.

Mileage: 7,000

THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE ANYTIME YOU TURN STEERING WHEEL. IT HAPPENS AT LOWER SPEED AND WHEN STOPPED. JUST TURN WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT, BY COUPLE OF DEGREES AND YOU WILL HEAR IT.

Mileage: 6,000

PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/18/2020. SUV WAS SHAKING AND TOLD THE SELLER. THEY STATED THEY WOULD FIX WHEN THEY DID THE STICKER AND REGISTRATION. ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE SHAKING BY ROAD FORCE BALANCE. WAS TOLD WAS A FLAT SPOT SO THEY REPLACED RIMS AND TIRES WITH A SET OFF ANOTHER TRUCK. STILL SHOOK AND WAS PULLING TO RIGHT. THEY ATTEMPTED FIXING THE TIRES AND DID ROAD TEST BALANCING ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE TRUCK STILL SHAKES EXCESSIVELY AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I CONTACTED CORPORATE AND THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID WHAT THEY COULD AND NO LONGER WISH TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS MY WIFE AND TWIN 16 MONTH OLD GIRLS WILL BE IN THE SUV. WE PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN SHAKING SINCE THEN. IT SHAKES AT 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. SO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO BE DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS AT THOSE SPEEDS. *TR

Mileage: 118

WE PARKED THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE AND THE NEXT DAY WE GOT IN IT AND IT WOULD NOT START. THE CAR GAVE A WARNING OF STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. THIS CAR IS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD AND UNDER 3,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO ORDER AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN.

Mileage: 3,000

VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. ORIGINALLY HAPPENED WHEN GOING IN REVERSE UP A HILL, VEHICLE WARNING TO PUT INTO PARK AND MANUALLY RESTART. HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES AND WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CONTACTED VW AND RECOMMENDED THE FUEL PUMP BE REPLACED. THEY COMPLETED THE REPAIRS. THEN A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AT APPROX. 75 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN SLOWING DOWN, I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE, I WAS ABLE TO START TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER AS THE VEHICLE STARTED DECLINING SPEED, I WAS UNABLE TO USE THE GAS, SO I WAS ALMOST COASTING TO THE SHOULDER. THEN IT STATED PUT IN PARK AND START VEHICLE MANUALLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND AT A SPEED OF 45. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING LOCKED UP. THERE WAS AN EPC LIGHT ON, A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.

Mileage: 4,900

I BOUGHT MY BRAND NEW ATLAS IN OCTOBER. WE DECIDED ON ATLAS DUE TO THE GREAT SAFETY RATINGS. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, THE ATLAS WAS IN THE SHOP FOR O2 SENSOR #1. THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT WAS IN FOR REPLACEMENT OF STEERING RACK. THE EXTREMELY LOUD NOISES STARTED WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT THE SECOND O2 SENSOR REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD. NOW I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING IT IN ON MONDAY BECAUSE THE REMOTE START THAT I USE EVERY MORNING STOPPED WORKING TUESDAY. AS OF TODAY, IT HASN'T EVEN HIT 3,000 MILES.

AT DELIVERY (4400 MILES) AS THIS WAS A PROGRAM CAR, THE STEERING COLUMN CREEKS, POPS, AND CRACKLES WITH AT TIMES PRODUCES A LOW PITCH HIGH FREQUENCY MOAN/GROWN. THIS IS MOST NOTABLE AT LOW SPEEDS FOR THE CRACKLING NOISE, THE MOANING SOUND IS EVIDENT AT 60 MPH OR SO. I SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE AND TOWED IT TO DEALERSHIP. STEERING FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR, BUT THE NOISES CREATED SAFETY CONCERN. THE SALESMAN CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS A OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE

Mileage: 4,800