36 complaints reported

2019 Volkswagen Atlas FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
36
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

Emergency brakes activated while driving normally with no obstructions in front of me. This could've caused an accident if there were other vehicles behind me.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025 Crash

I was driving on the SB 55fwy in light stop and go traffic and had my ACC w/ traffic aware system engaged. My car was doing as it normally does, keeping a safe distance to the vehicle in front of me, automatically slowing, stopping and accelerating at a safe speed for the conditions. This feature I had been using on my car since I originally purchased it and paid for these safety features. When traffic was not stopped it was traveling between 15-20mph. All of the sudden my dashboard lit up with error messages, audible warnings, and check engine light, all flashing and beeping at me and before I quickly glanced at the dash to the alarming warnings, I had rear ended the car in front of me. This took me by complete shock as my car had always been overly cautious about applying emergency braking in close situations. This time it did nothing. The error message said Adaptive Cruise Control sensor had failed and along with that it had disabled all of the safety features I had become accustomed to and paid extra for, including, the emergency braking and front end collision warning. This caused almost $14k in damage to my vehicle and more so potentially could have put my entire family in danger. The sensor failure caused the accident, the damage to the other car that I was traveling behind and any potential injuries from the driver of that car. I have given this same statement to my insurance company, however no one has reached out to investigate the cause of the failure, not even the dealership service center, where I had originally had my damaged car towed to so they could check and verify with their scan tools that I had a faulty sensor. Also my vehicle had just been serviced the month prior and all software was updated at Norm Reeves Volkswagen, Irvine, CA.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2025
Aug 2025

The sensors will cause the car to automatic brake when nothing is in front of it. It highly dangerous and could potential lead to a accident. this has happend multiple times since I purchased the car sind MArch 2021. I would say it happen at least once a month.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
May 2025

My adaptive cruise control constantly gives an error, and as a result the cruise control does not work. VW is not fixing it, even under warranty as they state its a calibration issue. Upon further research, this appears to be a known issue. A quick search of "VW Atlas ACC" pull up all the forums. Here are two such links: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the automatic braking system independently activated. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed two vehicles crashing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred twice. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,192.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2025
Jan 2025

On January 20th 2025, we were driving on an open street with moving traffic. The automatic braking system kicked in for no apparent reason and the car slammed on the brakes on its own resulting in us almost being rear ended. Our safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to the car braking with no warning and for no reason, causing the person behind us to almost hit us. In the past, the car has randomly loudly beeped at me and given me the forward collision warning for no reason, but it has never auto braked like that for no reason. It was scary and makes me concerned about the safety of the vehicle for my family.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Aug 2024

I informed the VW service center approximately a year or more ago that it felt like the vehicle's brakes were stopping on their own. The service center claimed that they could not reproduce/detect the issue. Now there is a class action lawsuit regarding the matter yet no recall or safety issue regarding this matter attached to my VIN. There are people who likely do not know about this apparent issue and it is very dangerous to have a vehicle that will suddenly stop on its own. So far, my local service center refused to fix this issue along with two other safety issues. I am concerned that VW knows it is producing unsafe cars yet still puts them out in the market for consumers.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2023
Apr 2024

Overcast day. No rain, dry roads. 60 degree weather. Dash displayed forward collision warning (in red) and emergency brakes applied. Nothing in the road, no vehicles around. Thankfully I was driving slowly in the city and no vehicles behind me.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2024
Dec 2023

The car sensors pick up objects that are not there which then causes the emergency brake system to engage on its own. Anytime in the vehicle there is no stop beeping from the sensors detecting objects that are not a threat. When entering an intersection is when the car seems to engage the emergency break the most. When this occurs I am stuck not moving when oncoming traffic heading towards me. I have almost been tboned in collisions several times by this error in the system. I have taken it to the Volkswagen service department several time over 2 months and they said the car does not read an error code so they can not help. They acknowledged there was a problem and they believe it is the sensors but said they can not do anything with it due to Volkswagen policies. We have presented video evidence of the issue to the dealership and they even saw it happen in their parking lot.The car is under warranty from the manufacture for 7 years and 84,000 miles. I reached out to Volkswagen directly and they said if the car doesn’t read an error code they won’t do anything. The car is unsafe to drive in at this time.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Sep 2023

When exiting a driveway that is sloped down towards the street, after stopping to look for traffic, and then proceeding, the collision avoidance system will automatically apply the brakes just as acceleration is needed to get ahead of oncoming traffic. This requires application of the brake then to make the vehicle move. According to the dealer that I've spoken with, the collision sensors are placed too low on the front bumper causing them to sense the road, but there is no fix other than to turn off the collision avoidance system every time the car is started, which requires navigating several menus and is not something easy accomplished.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Aug 2023

The forward collision warning randomly went off while crossing a bridge. Nothing was around. The car abruptly stopped itself and was unresponsive to the gas pedal and steering until it was fully stopped. No problems were detected at the dealer. We are afraid to drive our children in this car due to the risk of being rear-ended on a highway with a child in a rear-facing car seat. If this ever happens in a tunnel, it would undoubtedly cause a mass casualty incident.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2023
Jun 2023

I was driving between 35 and 40 mph on a 252/Providence Road at Wallingford Ave in Nether Providence Twp, PA 19086 last night at approximately 8:30p. It was dark, about 65 degrees and not raining. Road conditions were dry. The pavement is under repair with a temporarily patched utility trench for new water or gas lines in the drive lane. Just before the stated intersection, there are 2 large temporary steel plates on the road, which are somewhat raised (not flush). I was lightly applying the brakes to reduce speed. As my front tires made contact with plates, the collision warning flashed on the dash screen, no audible warning, and the brakes automatically and suddenly applied. The vehicle wheels locked and there was tire screeching heard. The vehicle came to a complete stop. There were no other vehicles in-front, behind, or on-coming. The vehicle stayed straight and there was no collision or damage. I am guessing the vehicle collision system sensed a shadow, 'saw' the light reflecting off the plates, or indicated a slippery surface due to the steel plate. The Anti-Lock brake system apparently didn't work as the wheels locked. The vehicle just STOPPED! I was the only occupant and for the record, in no way impaired. I'm pretty attuned to how my vehicle drives and reacts. Occasionally I'll get a false audible and visual alarm indicating a forward vehicle detection when there is nothing there. I've noticed this on dark, winding roads where I figure the glare from my headlights caused a false indication. This is the first time I experienced automatic, emergency braking.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
May 2023

This vehicle has a major design issue nearly resulting in several accidents. The front safety impact system is very flawed design and needs to be removed and reinstalled. Multiple times I exited steep, not obnornallt steep, parking lot and the emergency brakes engage and enable my ability to accelerate when on coming traffic and Causing repeated dangerous situations for the driver and passengers. The “safety” system is a very bad design and needs to be quickly address before accidents and injuries occur.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Mar 2023

We have been having the same issue with the vehicle with the steering wheel shaking when making a close turn (ex. in a parking lot). The dealer made a repair on the clockspring and said that this would solve the issue and it did not. We have taken the vehicle several times to fix this issue and they have not been able to, it is getting worse. We now have been experiencing an issue where the car, usually after braking, will also brake on its own. This is especially concerning in icy conditions which could cause lose of control of the car. We took the vehicle in for this issue and they made a repair to the driver's door sensor and said that this would fix it, but it did not. Please let us know what further information you need.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Jan 2023

On two occasions, I started to back up and the emergency brake system engaged, slamming the car to a stop, as if someone were behind me but there clearly was not. I had a car full of 10 year old girls and they all screamed. Two days ago, I was traveling a city street at 35-40 mph and the emergency braking system engaged and slammed the car almost to a full stop, while in busy traffic. The cruise control isn't currently working either, it throws an error when you try to set your speed. I travel approximately 40 miles round trip to work 5+ days a week at highway speeds. If the emergency brake were to engage while I'm doing 65-70 mph in rush hour traffic and lock the brakes, it will cause an accident. What if it is raining? There is no way someone traveling a few car lengths behind me will be able to stop suddenly. I will injure myself or others and I'm honestly scared to drive my Atlas right now so it is at the local VW dealer for further inspection. I told them my worries and this needs to be recalled quickly. It is a known issue, they asked me if my windows were rolling down when this happens, which is reported in the VM forums.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Dec 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 17 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently made a sudden stop. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance brake assist, the cruise control symbol, and stability control system waring lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while driving. The dealer was contacted and stated that the contact would receive a callback. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 59,600.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022
Nov 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle abruptly slowed and jolted the driver forward. The Forward Collision Avoidance assist sensor light illuminated and there was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The dealer experienced the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Nov 2022

On September 29th, my wife was driving approx 40 mph and her 2019 VW Atlas came to a screeching halt for no reason. The automatic emergency braking system engaged and caused the car to slam on the brakes and stop. Luckily there wasn't another vehicle directly behind her as this could have caused a very serious accident. We took the vehicle to local VW for service to diagnose and they could not make any repairs or determine anything at fault. There are numerous comments online from other VW Atlas drivers that are having these issues and for some year models, a faulty door wiring harness or electrical shorts in wiring could cause the issue. VW has even issued recalls for some year models but not 2019. Please investigate immediately and contact me with a resolution.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Nov 2022

The issue does not occur while I am driving at speed. It begins to happen when I am coming to a stop. The warning on the info center in the dash starts to beep and shows an image of the car with blinking lines saying I am about to hit something. This is while I am sitting at either a stop sign with nothing again NOTHING in front of me. A couple of times it has slammed the brakes on it. I have taken videos of this going on showing the image in the info and than showing that nothing is in front of me. I have had the vehicle to two dealers and their statement is that the car is not throwing a code. This past week The latest dealer got VW to replace the sensors. When I picked up the car as soon as I put it into gear it started again. I was frustrated and tired. My wife was already on her way home so I just left the dealer with the car. I bought the car new. No accidents. The only work has always been done at a dealer. This is a safety hazard as like I said it has slammed the brakes on it a couple of times. This only seems to happen when the temps are above 85 or so.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2022
Oct 2022

I have had the emergency brake suddenly deploy about a dozen times since purchasing this car. All have been at relatively low speeds, as in parking lots or when making a turn on street. There has been nothing in my path to cause the emergency brake system to deploy. I took it to the dealership and they said that the computer only registered one deployment and there was nothing that could be done.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2022
Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance Emergency Automatic Braking engaged and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the mechanic mentioned an unknown wiring harness that might be the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2021
Aug 2022

The driver door wiring harness started lowering windows randomly..it was replaced 3/1/22 and now it is bringing up two info driver door contact switch and electronic parking brake..online it is saying this is a safety issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2022
Jun 2022

When driving the forward collision warning comes on, beeps loudly and applies the vehicle brakes when nothing is in front of the vehicle. This caused someone to almost run into the rear of my vehicle. Also, if I use the automatic start feature of my vehicle, the cruise control feature is not available once the car is in motion and will not work until the car has been shut off and restart via the start button inside the car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Mar 2022

There have been two incidents where my wife was driving our Atlas and the automatic braking engaged for no reason as if it were trying to avoid a collision. I am upset that my VIN number was not included the the latest recall as this has happened twice to us, luckily with no cars behind to rear end us!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2021
Mar 2022

Vehicle applies emergency braking without warning when no objects are in front of it. This has happened on the highway and at lower speeds. Car will stop in the middle of the road and i have had a number of close calls with people nearly hitting me. I have taken it to my dealer that i leased it from and a dealer in South Carolina while on vacation and spoken to VW customer service directly but they tell me there is no issue. To stop the warnings going off i have to put the car in custom off-road which disables the front sensors and turns off the front assist manually. But i worked this out myself and VW insist there is no problem. I should not be searching for a work around to ensure the safety of my family in my car. This has happened on numerous occasions when may wife was pregnant in 2021 with the belt buckle pulling tightly around her waist upon emergency braking but VW did not express any concern. While driving from NJ to SC in 2021 with my children and wife in the car we had to stop numerous times on the side of the highway, turn the car off and turn it on again as the sensors were warning of an impact with nothing in front of us. We contacted a lawyer on the side of the highway but at that point we did not file a claim as we were trying to get to our destination. Upon telling VW i would not drive it home they told us to go to the local VW garage in SC but they found nothing wrong with the car. The problem still persists today.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2021

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Quick Summary

The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas has 36 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.