2021 Volkswagen Atlas Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 482 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, 2% of the 482 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle lost total control on the freeway I lost control crashed off the freeway into a ditch no airbags deployed the whole frame was total loss the entire atlas lost control No airbags as I went into a ditch hit a freeway sign and I’m still suffering nerve damage and chronic back pain”
NHTSA complaint #11762777, filed 2026-09“Steering wheel vibrates when going 55mph and over. Tired have been balanced and aligned I bought new tires and rims and got them balanced and aligned as well spent a lot of money and it’s still an issue. Vehicle pulls to the left, even with an alignment done. Taken to multiple shops they “can’t find the issue” .. my brakes grind, squeak, but again they said they are perfectly fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11594115, filed 2024-06“For steering: There is a grinding noise that happens each time I turn my wheel when turning into a parking spot or making a non wide turn. It happens every single time that I do it. For Automatic Emergency Braking: It turns on while I am in the middle of driving constantly.”
NHTSA complaint #11640792, filed 2025-02“After starting vehicle the steering wheel locked up. It would allow you to drive forward and reverse but would not allow the steering wheel to turn. Prior to failure my wife and I noticed sometimes while driving down the interstate or highway it was difficult to turn steering wheel. Although random it was concerning checked power steering fluid and belts all looked good. Yesterday had to have vehicle towed due to faulty steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11652929, filed 2025-04“The EPC light came on and caused the vehicle to stop working, steering, brakes, sped, were affected immediately as I was on the interstate.car was basically limping. I dropped car off at dealer and they said it was misfiring due to bags gas. Car has 8000 miles and was only 9 months old. Repairs cost over $2000 and they said it was not covered under warranty as the fuel injector was damaged after what they said is bad gas. It is a know issue the fuel injectors are bad with the VW atlas. …”
NHTSA complaint #11453750, filed 2022-02Related recalls
- 20V712000Nov 17, 2020DO NOT DRIVEVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may…Covers: Volkswagen Atlas 2021, Atlas Cross Sport 2020–2021
- 21V026000Jan 27, 2021Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may…Covers: Volkswagen Atlas 2021, Atlas Cross Sport 2020–2021
Related service bulletins
- 11028492Jan 20, 2026Assessment of Damage to steering wheel leather
- 11018934May 22, 2025Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
149 complaintsBrakes
98 complaintsEngine
86 complaintsOther or unknown
79 complaintsExterior lighting
70 complaintsForward collision avoidance
69 complaintsAir bags
66 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSeats
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology