2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Safety Recalls & Notices
We found 31 safety recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. Recalls are sourced from both NHTSA (US) and Transport Canada databases. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer to schedule free repairs.
Summary
Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction. This could cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even when a passenger is seated. Note: This problem would cause an error message to display on the instrument panel and a warning chime to sound. The airbag indicator light would also display "passenger airbag off". Safety Risk: An airbag that is turned off could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the PODS sensor mat and seat harness. Volkswagen advises that you shouldn't use the front passenger seat until the recall repairs are completed.
Summary
Issue: Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure. Note: This recall only affects certain Continental tires, with specific date codes and mold numbers. Safety Risk: A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify the owners by mail and instruct them to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the tires, if necessary.
Summary
Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. A label that is not provided in both official languages could create confusion. Safety Risk: User confusion could increase the risk of injury when trying to use the block heater. Corrective Actions: The company will mail each owner a new label for the block heater cable. If you would like help installing the label, you can contact a dealer for assistance.
Summary
Issue: Certain vehicles were built with headlights that may allow horizontal adjustment. This is not allowed under Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: Headlights that are not properly adjusted could cause reduced visibility or glare for oncoming drivers, and could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the headlights. A blocking cap will be installed on the horizontal adjusters as necessary.
Summary
On certain vehicles, the rear suspension coil springs may not have been properly manufactured and could break over time. This could result in damage to a rear tire, resulting in rapid air loss and/or tire failure, which could affect vehicle control. Additionally, a broken coil spring could create a road hazard for other motorists. Both of these conditions may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace both of the rear axle coil springs. If a broken coil spring is found, the rear tires should be inspected for damage and replaced as required.
Summary
Certain vehicles do not to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. Due to incorrect programming, the vehicle may fail to provide an audible warning when a driver opens their door after turning off the ignition, and the key is left in the ignition switch. This could increase the risk of vehicle theft. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster.
Summary
On certain vehicles, a drain tube for the air conditioner may be twisted and could drain water inside the passenger compartment onto the airbag control module. This could cause the airbag control module to malfunction, potentially causing a sudden airbag deployment without a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants and potentially leading to a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the HVAC drain tube and, if found twisted, the hose and airbag control module will be replaced.
Summary
On certain vehicles, the brake caliper bracket bolts may not be properly tightened and could loosen, allowing the caliper to move. This could cause increased stopping distances, result in wheel damage and/or cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and, if a loose bolt is found, the bolt will be replaced and tightened to the correct specification. Note: On Atlas models, only the front brake caliper bracket bolts are affected, and on Passat models, only the rear brake caliper bracket bolts are affected.
Summary
On certain vehicles, if a child restraint with a larger than recommended base is installed in the centre position of the second row bench seat, it may damage both the centre and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles. In the event of a crash, a damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the centre and left (outboard) second row seat belt buckles, and replace as necessary. Additionally Volkswagen will provide an owner's manual supplement addressing child safety and child restraints.
Summary
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag may not unfold properly or could tear during deployment, which would increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag.
31 Active Recalls
Requires attention
2018 Volkswagen Atlas Recall FAQs
Common questions about recalls for this vehicle
Related Recall Checks
Compare recall history with competitors and alternatives to the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.