I recently started receiving this error for no reason, just within 15 seconds within starting the vehicle while being parked at my driveway or even being stopped at a red light. After getting this error message and the constant beeping, the emergency brake turns on and the window from behind driver's door lowers like 5 inches from top. At this point, I cannot lower window and I cannot turn off emergency brake. So in order to reset, I have to turn off the engine then open behind driver door(where the window is lowered) and when closing it back I turn on engine. This makes the error go away, everything goes back to normal. So ODD but so annoying too. This has happened 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Don't know what triggers this. Anyone with similar issue?

I am having the exact same problem with my 2020 Atlas SE that has only 5k on the odometer. You are not alone with this issue as the service department at my dealership informs me that they have several other vehicles currently waiting for a replacement part and have repaired several others with the same problem. They inform me that the cause is a faulty wiring harness from engine compartment to the driver’s door. Unfortunately, I fear that your issue will get worse before it gets better. Mine started out as an intermittent problem then became more frequent until it was happening all the time. I took a video of the alerts popping up on the dash to show the service department. My Atlas has now been at the dealership since Feb 23rd with no end in sight due to a nationwide lack of the specific part. I spoke with the service manager and she suggested I call VW Customer Care to try to light a fire into the situation. They are assigning me an advocate. I have been given a new Tiguan to drive but that is not the car that I leased and am currently paying for. I am hoping that VW will make this right and if I don’t have my car back repaired in the near future, that they swap out my leased Atlas for a new one. I am also going to make an official report complaint on the NHTSA website.

 

ohhhh nooooo - I hope that doesn't happen but will hope for the best. I will call VW Customer Care and do the same. Thank you for this information.

 

Just an update: my VW service department received the new driver door wiring harness with help from VW Customer Care and it has been installed. The car no longer displays the various alarms, rear passenger driver side window going down and random engagement of parking brake. My Atlas was in for repair from 2/23 to 4/6 due to part unavailability. So I’m pleased about that but now my AC is not blowing cold enough for Florida heat. I have an appt to bring it back to the service dept but won’t be until 4/23. Ugh

 

I have the same issue. Rear driver's side window opening, beeping as if door is open, and emergency brake activating when I stop at a light. They said it could take several weeks before the parts come in.

 

Same issue for my 2021 Cross Sport as well. I had the exact same issues with the parking break turning on when stopping and the windows going down on their own. I dropped off my car last Monday and they said it would take three weeks to receive the part. I'm in Canada but I'd expect this is around the same timeline as people in the US could expect. In the meantime, they put me in a Passat through Enterprise.

 

Did your Atlas get fixed within the timeframe the dealership indicated?

 

I just had my 2021 Atlas with 8k miles in the shop today for it. I was in and out in 30 min. I was told the parts are ordered but will take a few weeks. They will let me know when they're in. If I have this issue again I am demanding a loner car. I don't need my emergency brake coming on when driving with my kids in the car! I can deal with the other issues it causes.

 

I had the same problems. Had my 2020 Volkswagen Atlas crossover sport 1 year to the day practically, had no problems then boom, my car was what I called “possessed”. Started with the alarm going off when I went to open the door, to a bunch of crazy warning on the dash, to the next day not being able to open my drivers side door. Then my emergency brake would come on while stopped, drivers side windows rolled down on their own, and today my car beeped at me every time I came to a stop (real fun while sitting in commute traffic!). Brought it in and was told it was a door panel something and harness part (on back order 4-6 weeks). Harassed the dealership and finally got a loaner car. Very upsetting to have problems only 1 year and 9,000 miles on this car. Disappointed ☹

 

I had the same problems. Had my 2020 Volkswagen Atlas crossover sport 1 year to the day practically, had no problems then boom, my car was what I called “possessed”. Started with the alarm going off when I went to open the door, to a bunch of crazy warning on the dash, to the next day not being able to open my drivers side door. Then my emergency brake would come on while stopped, drivers side windows rolled down on their own, and today my car beeped at me every time I came to a stop (real fun while sitting in commute traffic!). Brought it in and was told it was a door panel something and harness part (on back order 4-6 weeks). Harassed the dealership and finally got a loaner car. Very upsetting to have problems only 1 year and 9,000 miles on this car. Disappointed ☹

Mine happened almost 1 yr to the day also. Just got a call back from VW corporate saying the ETA for the part is December 8th.

 

Oh please, someone tell me I didn’t make a mistake buying my new 22Atlas SEL R line. Traveled 4 hours to get it bc my wife was super pleased with the room and looks. Drove it home, 250 miles on the odometer and now we’re getting an alarm saying the rear lift gate is open. An attempt was made by the out of town dealership to troubleshoot but nothing. Now we have an appointment next Friday, one week from now, at our local dealer to try and fix. Meanwhile we can either drive it with the annoying alarm or park it until they can get it in.

 

Article Out Today:

Sudden braking in 2 VW SUV models draws regulatory scrutiny

DETROIT (AP) — First came the beeping alarms and the dashboard lights warning that something had gone haywire. Then the driver’s side windows suddenly and mysteriously rolled down. Kendall Heiman’s Volkswagen SUV then pulled the scariest stunt of all: It abruptly braked for no reason.

apnews.com

 

I have the same model as you in white. I was told weeks! December 8th sounds good!! Best of luck!

 

Any new news? We are still driving a rental from Enterprise as our brand new Atlas sits on the parking lot at the dealership waiting for the part. Btw, I asked the representative at Enterprise if they are having a lot of customer come over from the dealership for the same issue…..she said “yes, hundreds!” So frustrating! We will never buy another VW.

 

Just chiming in to say this happened with our 2021 Atlas. Wife was driving around 40 mph when the dashboard went crazy, car slammed on the breaks, and windows rolled down.

I'm not feeling too safe in this car.

 

Having the same issue. Alerts of door being open, back windows then go down and parking break engages out of nowhere. VW has had my Atlas for 4 weeks now with no ETA on the replacement part for a door harness / contact switch. Customer Care is now involved as no dates for repair have been given or even suggested. To be clear - my dealership has been as helpful as possible, but I needed more communication that simply seemed outside of their standard process. So thankful I was able to get a loaner, but concerned that there is no end in sight while my vehicle sits in a dealer lot not being driven. I want to avoid additional maintenance problems or giving up my Atlas yet again as this is the 3rd time I have been required to do so in the last year.

Good luck to all out there working through the same situation.

 

I dont know what the lemon law in your state is but you should look into it. VW needs to held liable for these things.

 

Sorry I’m just now seeing all your posts regarding this problem. Happy to say that VW offered me a very generous lease buyout of my 2020 Atlas or a switch out of the leased vehicle to a 2021. I went with the 2021 and haven’t had a single problem since. I really do like the vehicle other than the lemon problem I had with the 2020. Your only resolution if it keeps happening and parts are back ordered is to start a case number with VW Customer Care. They were fantastic to work with and the switch out with absolutely no cost to me was seamless at the dealership. Been driving my 2021 since April and it’s been great. The driver door wiring harness was the problem but VW really made it right. Don’t count on the dealership to make it right. Let VW make a happy returning customer. Call VW Customer Care!

 

Thank you! Your post was encouraging!!

 

I'm having the exact same issue on my 2021 Cross Sport. We had it in to the dealer about 2 weeks ago and they have ordered the parts but there is no ETA. The issue seems to occur mainly when it's raining or wet out, cold/dry conditions it seems to be OK, though it comes back on occasion. This is my wife's vehicle that is only 4 month's old with 5500km on it and we have since switched vehicles as she needs the more reliable vehicle to drive. I'm continuing to drive it and the parking brake issue is the biggest issue, however it only sets when I am stopped. I've also noticed that sometimes the driver's door goes completely dead, no window controls, no door lock and the door won't even lock when I exit the vehicle. I can deal with all of the other issues. Thanks everyone for sharing.

 

Good luck ! A call to VW customer care may help move things along more quickly. Be sure to mention SAFETY!

 

Same problem started with owning it for only 2 years and 11000 miles. Brought it to the dealer today and they obviously know about it and most dealers are getting a mass delivery of the door wiring harness. Was told there will be a recall in January.

 

Extremely frustrating. I was given a ETA by VW customer advocate and of course they lied. Dealer has no clue on when its coming. I find that insane. Your saying dealerships are getting big shipments I guess is good news. But when?

 

I have a 19 and they actually had my door harness in stock and is being fixed today.
20-21’s are a bit harder to get. He said the recall should be in January with the part being available.

 

Just an update...called VW Customer Care few weeks ago. They were useless and didn't find me the part or get me in a rental. I called the dealer I bought my Atlas at which is kinda far away, but they had the part and got me right in to fix it!!! Hate to say it, but you may need to call around to all dealers in your area. We drove 1 hour and 30 min, but it is fixed and so far so good!! Shout out to Douglas VW in Summit, NJ for their quick turnaround!!!

 

Article Out today:

Sudden braking in 2 VW SUV models draws regulatory scrutiny

DETROIT (AP) — First came the beeping alarms and the dashboard lights warning that something had gone haywire. Then the driver’s side windows suddenly and mysteriously rolled down. Kendall Heiman’s Volkswagen SUV then pulled the scariest stunt of all: It abruptly braked for no reason.

apnews.com

 

I recently started receiving this error for no reason, just within 15 seconds within starting the vehicle while being parked at my driveway or even being stopped at a red light. After getting this error message and the constant beeping, the emergency brake turns on and the window from behind driver's door lowers like 5 inches from top. At this point, I cannot lower window and I cannot turn off emergency brake. So in order to reset, I have to turn off the engine then open behind driver door(where the window is lowered) and when closing it back I turn on engine. This makes the error go away, everything goes back to normal. So ODD but so annoying too. This has happened 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Don't know what triggers this. Anyone with similar issue?

I have the same problem with mine 2021 Atlas. It turns on every time I stop the vehicle completely (stop sign, traffic light, just been it traffic) I see that other folks here have the similar issue on earlier models, like Atlas 2020, 2019. I would think that VW should take care of the problem if it is been knowing for a couple of years. Not cool. I hope VW fixes mine asap. Also bunch of other crap started to pop up on my screen - low beam lights error (even though the light are seem to work ok,) start/stop engine error, wireless carplay stopped working. My car has only 9500 miles on it. One more even minor problem and I will trade it for Toyota or Honda which don't give me problems for at least first 5 years.

 

I recently started receiving this error for no reason, just within 15 seconds within starting the vehicle while being parked at my driveway or even being stopped at a red light. After getting this error message and the constant beeping, the emergency brake turns on and the window from behind driver's door lowers like 5 inches from top. At this point, I cannot lower window and I cannot turn off emergency brake. So in order to reset, I have to turn off the engine then open behind driver door(where the window is lowered) and when closing it back I turn on engine. This makes the error go away, everything goes back to normal. So ODD but so annoying too. This has happened 3 times in the last 2 weeks. Don't know what triggers this. Anyone with similar issue?

Yes happening now I was driving at 10 mph in parking lot car went into brake and slammed stop. Also the loud annoying beeping when stopped and no electric will work on drivers door. Did u find out what this was?

 

Yes apparently it’s a driver door wiring harness fault. The part has been on back order but may now be available. Mine was replaced on my 2020 Atlas but I then opted to exchange my 2020 Atlas lease for a 2021 Atlas. The replacement of the door wiring harness seemed to fix the problem on my 2020 but the deal on the 2021 was too good to turn down. If you don’t get anywhere with the dealership, try calling VW Customer Care.

 

This is ridiculous Same issue for my 2021 Cross Sport sel I’ve had chevys and Hyundai‘s before they have never given me any issues and there costumer service is great compared to vw. I treated myself to what I thought was a upgrade vehicle and has been a headache ever since from the ac going out in the middle of the summer forcing me and my family to cancel our road trips to now this issue with the door harness how can a company get away with this? Everyone has the same issues but how can we get out of this nightmare and this rip off. this is the most expensive car I’ve ever leased and it’s being serviced more then any other car I’ve leased. To ad insult to injury the service is horrible from them as a company you would think they would compensate you for the trouble they have caused you and they offer a 50$ gift card they never have a loaner car and the car sits in the service department for weeks. someone please help on steps we can take as a community to get some action and get out of this nightmare.

 

We have this issue as well. Escalated to a regional rep but not resolution. Seems like this should be a recall? Also thinking this could fall under lemon laws? We purchased new on 5/31/21. Car is now inoperable because the parking brake now comes on with a hard brake (in addition to the other annoying this y’all have already mentioned)

 

same! I leased a brand new atlas cross sport sel in March 2021 with only about 2,500 miles headaches began..
• a.c stoped blowing cold air in the middle of a heat wave my family had to cancel our road trip.
•on weekends they only do oil changes (I think this is the only company I’ve heard of doing that)
•they don’t have loaner cars available so you are carless there is a waiting list to get a loaner car.
•After being directed to a regional rep by the name of Kelly the only thing she could due was make an appointment for me at a service center. no remorse for the fact that we had no car because of a.c issue in a heat wave no remorse for my 5 year daughter with ashma who’s weekend was ruined and no compensation or discount on monthly payment though out of the month I had the car for only 20days •squicky brakes in a brand new car yup!
•Check engine light coming on periodically yup! •Change oil Alert withonly 6,500 miles on the car!
• door harness issue causing the emergency brake to come on while on the road,driver door not opening form the outside, windows lowering while In Drive.
•radio and speakers that even when at max volume I can have a normal conversation with anybody in the car.

 

My case was escalated to executive specialist and he still can’t do anything. He says VW is having issues with this part across America. No time table. Was approved for buyback today.

 

how did you go about the buy back process?

 

We just took our 2021 Atlas into the dealership and were told this is a problem across the board. We traded our 2020 Atlas in on a 2021 December of last year. Our dealership has a line of Atlas's awaiting the parts to fix the issue. They cannot give an estimate even of when the parts will be in. All loaners are out due to this and they are getting us a rental. Why have they not issued a recall? Parking brakes engaging while driving is a major concern. Ours did it 3 times. All dash lights were on, back drivers side window rolling down, alarm going off...so many issues. Unsafe and unacceptable. My husband was lucky enough to be at the dealership while a VW rep was there and he is being reassured that they are handling it. The rep told my husband that this is a huge issue and that they just had meetings about it this week and it is top priority. I am not feeling so assured but I guess we shall see. I am opening a case immediately with VW care as we have 17,000 miles and are over a year out from purchase.

 

2021 Atlas have had just over a year and having the same problem. Just out of the blue it started yesterday. I have an appointment next week but this sounds like a much bigger problem VW needs to address.

 

Good luck- the problem definitely gets worse over time and as far as I’m being told the parts to fix this problem are not available. I think we may start the buyback process but there’s no gaurentee that they will buy it back and it’s a ton of paperwork to deal with. I can’t believe there is no better way to hold them accountable. I am telling everyone I know to steer clear but the company should have to deal with this issue and not leave it on the consumer to figure out. Horrible business practices. This is definitely my first and last VW!

 

Just wanted to update everyone on my nightmare with Volkswagen. Dropped off my 2021 atlas sport January 10th, after calling dealership numerous times asking for information with no direct answers on when the piece will arrive or no loaner car available, opened a case with a case manger only to thank me for my patience that I don’t have

Heather B.
Region Case Manager
Volkswagen Customer CARE

and writing emails to Daniel executive specialist for Volkswagen the only information that I have is that the door harness will be available in 3 WEEKS from the 19th and maybe after 2 weeks of no loaner car I might get a call from the dealership gee thanks! Still paying for a car I dont Have

 

Well, after more than 2 months my new Door Harness has finally arrived at my dealership. Ever since mid November VW has been telling me 'just two more weeks and it should be here.' While it was frustrating it did eventually arrive. Something that ended up helping me was asking the dealership to call their distribution center and find out where in the queue I was for deliveries on that part. I was able to find out which bulk delivery mine was part of and was able to check in on that for the last few weeks. I'm just really hoping I don't run into issues with the new one....

 

Throwing our situation in the ring.

Same errors as described above. 2020 Atlas Cross Spot, 9000 KM. Dropped car off at South Centre VW in Calgary on November 16. Thought they would get the part mid December, and now still no ETA. VW Canada customer care is absolutely no help. They've simply indicated they are in 'daily contact with the dealer'...I could do that.

I'm considering escalating as per this website: Recourse for vehicle defects - Office of Consumer Affairs

I feel so darn sad. This was the first brand new car we ever bought. We have been VW brand loyalists for a decade. Will never buy another one again if this is how they handle their customers.