picked the car up after the strut replacement. Everything fixed now, and now it runs like new... well actually better than new!
(all covered under warranty).

 

+1 on the front suspension issue. had both front sway bar links replaced at around 25k. I wish that was my only issue. I, like Dodi1979 really liked this car for the first 8 months of ownership, now I cant wait to get rid of it. Even at the expense of massive value loss.

@dodi , how many times did the dealer tell you all of your issues are " normal" and/ or "common in the atlas" completely downplaying the lack of quality control in this model. I wonder what these will be like when they actually get some miles on them, say 100k +. I wont know because mine will be gone but I cant imagine they will stand the test of time based on the issues so early on.

 

2019 rline same problem again its feels like a boat ride and a Rollercoaster its in the repair shop again

 

Got my atlas into the dealer today from my previous post. They said it was sway bar end links and that they’ve seen several ’21s with this problem. Took it in at 10:30 and left at 1:30. On the drive home didn’t notice it anymore, but will see.

 

Our 2021 SEL began making a serious noise at less than 5k miles. I told the dealer it sounded more like a loose strut tower or ball joint instead of a bad sway bar link. The car is brand new and should not have any front suspension issues. How likely is it that VW is installing suspension parts that are so poorly made that they fail after 5k miles? The dealer replaced both sway bar links under warranty. The noise stopped for about a week and then returned worse than before. Back the dealer for the first appointment a week away.

 

Wow I can't believe you have such serious problems on such a new vehicle. Im assuming this issue is being fixed under warranty at least? Hopefully the dealer is able to find a solution for the issue..and if they aren't then what are your next steps?

 

The car is still in the dealership,they are trying to fix the problem but I don’t know if I want this car anymore,so far they disamble and assembled twice the mount strut. The noise is still there. Should I ask for buy out from the dealer? I think is cheep materials and parts used for the Atlas. It will be a lots of problems,,I miss my Touareg

 

We're your strut problems fixed as has it proven to be an unsolvable problem? Is it just a noise that you've been having to deal with or has it impacted the suspensions performance as well? I don't know if this is a big enough problem to consider a buy out. There are other owners on here with much more severe issues.

 

I have 1200 miles on mine and took it into the dealership today for the same issues. Sure enough, front strut assembly replacement. Hopefully I get it back tomorrow afternoon. Are you still experiencing this issue?

 

I had noise coming from the front of my new Atlas as well. Dealer diagnosed the problem to the protective covers on the left and right struts. New covers and one time use bolts were ordered and installed, and now I don't hear that noise anymore. Perhaps the same issue you are facing, so this may be worth exploring.

 

Front strut problem

Had the same problem on SEL Premium, front passenger side strut. It's been replaced once, at the dealer being looked at again. Seems there are a few others having the same issue.

 

2018 SEL premium with 700 miles, went in for front strut problems as well. Car was making sound (almost like something was stuck in the wheels/flat tire thump). They supposedly fixed the problem. 3 weeks later and the car is back with them for the same exact issue. I am regretting getting this car. I already have had calls with corporate to try and void this lease. Very unhappy with this car.

 

I'm looking to buy an Atlas soon and just curious on the build dates of your vehicles with all the issues? Thanks

 

2019 Atlas


Is there going to be a 2019 Atlas & if so when will they be available?

 

I purchased my Atlas last week (04/22/18). The car was manufactured in Nov 17'. So far no major issues outside some easy plastic swap outs (missing recliner handle in second row).

 

Same problem here...Bought SEL Premium end of March. They said they needed to order a part but did not say but it is the suspension. I'll update later with the repair info. I live in Chattanooga and know they did close the VW Atlas production lines in Feb or March to retool machines or something maybe these were the first to come off the line?
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports the Chattanooga plant will have a non-production period in March, dedicated to training hourly employees and retooling the plant to boost production of the Atlas SUV, followed by another period in April that will see a mandatory shutdown.

 

Got a new Atlas beginning of April 2018. About 500 Miles and I started hearing this noise. Brought it back to the dealer. They told me that they don't know but have been having complaints about this and few customers came in with this same problem. They told me that they replaced struts for them but dont really think that is the problem. I was told that they will start with replacing the ball bearings... did that and about 3 weeks later, having the same issue. It was find after whatever they did but I am back to square 1. I was told that they will replace the struts this time.. its covered under the warranty and all and I get a loaner every time I go in for this but its a big hassle!

 

Great information regarding the plant. I will be sure to use that as a way to have my struts "looked" at by the dealership next time I'm in.

 

+1 on the Strut replacement.
Dropped the Atlas because of an airbag issue, and i mentioned them the noise coming from the suspension, and they are replacing the struts as we speak.

 

I purchased my 2018 Atlas SEL Premium about 3 weeks ago and took it in today for "squirrel cage" noise from left front. Service Manager drove it with me riding along and heard the noise. The noise seems to be more audible when the strut is moving over bumps or ramps at the dealership and moving at parking lot speeds. The noise was noticeable at about 240 miles and the vehicle turned 300 miles this morning on the way to the dealer. Will post outcome.

 

Update on squirrel cage noise



Update--The dealer has ordered left front shock, spring and shock mount. They think it is bad strut from the factory. Will be in Monday so have loaner over the weekend.

 

Bought my 2018 Atlas SE Tech back in March of 2018 and put about 1,300 miles on it before we started to hear a pop sound when we were going less than 10 mph (pulling into parking lot or driveway)
Service dept at dealer tried to order new struts but they said they are on back order. They said that the technical department at VW told them there was a memo in the works in regard to the issue...
He claims that it will not do any damage to continue to drive it in the interim, Thoughts?

 

My understanding is this is related to the strut boots, nothing else w/r to the strut itself.

 

never trade in your Touareg, my 2012 is still running like a champ, i'm here to look for replace my wife's bimmer to a 7 seater Atlas, but so far not so impressed.

 

Hey, don't fret. What you're seeing right now are people who have complaints. The happy folks won't feel the need to find a forum to gripe. Only the car nuts will be on a forum just to talk shop... like me, lol.

My family LOVES our Atlas. It's smooth, powerful, capable and fun for all of our family adventures. We currently have zero issues from ours with a near 7000 miles on it, 2000 of which was added during a 2 week road trip! If we had a single gripe, it would be that we wish we had gotten factory nav. Android auto/google maps SUCKS! But...that's not veedub's fault. ?

 

Hello all just to chime in on this thread. I just had some issues with my 2018 SE AWD w/tech where they had to initially replace the wheel bearings at 900+ miles and strut mounts at 1500+ miles due to loud grinding/squeaking noise. It was a hassle to bring the truck twice, my dealer fixed the problem and all was resolved. It’s minor but recently at 2500+ my check engine light came on, third time had to bring my Atlas and it was deemed that it required a software update to clear the Evap Emission (P0456) error. Well I bought the SUV and will deal with it as I go just kind of doubting the quality of these SUV’s as I ran into these issues with less than three (3) month into ownership.

 

Front struts plus more

Had front struts replaced twice. Second time with boot etc. also gas tank, took it in an they had no parts to fix it after taking my Atlas apart! Seat buckle and several other recalls after 14000 miles and 11 months. Car has been great when it’s working although the lane assist is not right on drivers side and emergency braking function isn’t predictable as to when it works or not. VW has serious problems with the manufacturing . Car play interface problematic also. It’s been great for long distance driving but it’s been in 6-7 times already. :frown2:

 

Had front struts replaced twice. Second time with boot etc. also gas tank, took it in an they had no parts to fix it after taking my Atlas apart! Seat buckle and several other recalls after 14000 miles and 11 months. Car has been great when it’s working although the lane assist is not right on drivers side and emergency braking function isn’t predictable as to when it works or not. VW has serious problems with the manufacturing . Car play interface problematic also. It’s been great for long distance driving but it’s been in 6-7 times already. :frown2:

That's a ridiculous amount of times for it to be in for service considering the low mileage. What's even worse is that it doesn't look like those visits have even addressed some of your issues. Have you considered taking it into a different dealer for a second opinion?

 

Knocking sound

I'm wondering if I might have this same issue... There is a quiet knocking/rattling sound coming from the front driver side wheel well area.
I've got an SEL Premium with 4 Motion.
I can really only hear it when I'm going 10-20 mph - usually in a parking lot, etc. I can hear it when I go over a speed bump or on uneven pavement.
I just bought the car two weeks ago and it's only got 750 miles on it.
I guess this is a known/repeating issue since there's numerous posts on the topic? I made a service appointment for Friday - anything specific I should tell them when I take it in?

 

Hi all! Same issue here. Atlas SEL 4motion that is 2 months old, but from the day I drove the Atlas off the lot, I felt the driver side front wheel area made a knocking noise after hitting significant potholes, etc. Almost like a kickback rattle. Then, my wife tells me she hears a squeaking noise coming from the same driver side front when driving slow (0-25 MPH) on some bad streets in NJ and NYC. Sure enough, I hear it now too driving on some sandy/dirt roads on the Cape. I still think there is knock/rattle there in addition to the squeak. Best heard when radio is off. Also, park in a quiet area (garage is best), and push down on the front bumper and you will hear the squeak clearly even with the hood closed. Dealer said they didn't hear it on the street; however in the garage they said the 'left is significantly louder than the right' and they would order a new left strut. That was 2 weeks ago and haven't heard from them. My guess is they can't get the part due to demand.

I generally like the car other than this problem and the fact that the rain sensing wipers seem to never come on but I will post that problem separately.

 

Visited dealer this morning with the same issue:

1. Creaking noise coming from front-left suspension when going over speed bumps at lower speed
2. Also some "knocking" sound, or louder & hollow(?) sound as well, when going over bumps.

Turned out to be dust cover issue. They repositioned it & lubed it again, and now the noise is gone! All done within 1 hr or so after my service guy came back & told me they reproduced the issue & were going to get to work.

Apparently there was an issue with earlier builds of Atlas that showed similar symptoms,, and that was an issue with suspension itself, but VW identified & fixed it going forward.

I'm glad my issue was a simple fix & nothing where they have to dive into the suspension.

Hopefully this helpful for some of you guys.