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Volkswagen tire recalls involving sidewall failures and pressure monitoring
Volkswagen's tire recalls center on Continental tire defects affecting Atlas models and a separate tire pressure monitoring software problem. The November 2020 notice covers certain 2020–2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The March 2021 notice covers certain 2018–2019 Atlas vehicles with Continental tires. Both describe overcuring that can lead to sidewall breaks and air loss or separation. The October 2022 notice concerns delayed detection when four tires deflate simultaneously, covering specified Atlas variants alongside Jetta, Golf variants, Tiguan LWB, and certain Audi vehicles.
Warning signs to watch for
- Sudden air pressure loss or tread separation: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Continental Tire Failure Risk recall.
- Sudden air loss or tread/belt loss: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Tires May Have Sidewall Defect recall.
- A timely pressure warning may be absent when all four tires deflate simultaneously: 2022 Volkswagen and Audi Tire Pressure Monitor Software Issue recall.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of the three listed tire notices tells owners to stop driving or park outside. The November 2020 Continental tire notice describes sudden air pressure loss or tread separation, while the March 2021 Atlas tire notice describes sudden air loss or tread/belt loss that can affect vehicle control. The October 2022 TPMS notice describes a risk from pressure loss in all four tires without timely detection. These notices do not provide a stop-driving instruction for their respective affected vehicles.
What the free repair involves
For the November 2020 recall, dealers inspect tire DOT date codes and mold numbers, replacing affected tires as necessary. For the March 2021 Atlas recall, dealers inspect tires and replace them as necessary. The October 2022 recall requires dealers to update TPMS software. Each listed remedy is free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 2 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 2022 | Volkswagen and Audi Tire Pressure Monitor Software Issue | medium |
| Mar 5, 2021 | Volkswagen Atlas Tires May Have Sidewall Defect | high |
| Nov 13, 2020 | Volkswagen Atlas Continental Tire Failure Risk | high |
Common questions
Which Continental tires are specified in the 2020 Atlas recall?
The November 2020 notice specifies Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T, on certain 2020–2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles. Dealers check DOT date codes and mold numbers to identify affected tires.
Does the Volkswagen TPMS recall require replacement tires?
The October 2022 notice specifies a free dealer update to TPMS software. Its problem is inadequate detection time when all four tires deflate simultaneously. Tire inspection and replacement belong to the separate Continental tire notices.
Will the pressure monitor always warn about simultaneous tire deflation?
The October 2022 notice says the affected TPMS may not detect pressure loss adequately when all four tires deflate simultaneously. It identifies crash risk from undetected pressure loss and specifies a free software update by dealers.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.