Volkswagen Atlas, Tiguan, Jetta missing key-in-ignition warning chime

NHTSA campaign 18V824000 · Reported Nov 26, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

The notice says that without the audible warning, the risk of vehicle theft or a crash can increase. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	18V824000
Reported to NHTSA	Nov 26, 2018
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Vehicles covered	5 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2019
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

These Volkswagens do not have keyless entry, so they rely on the instrument cluster to sound an audible warning when the driver opens the door with the key still in the ignition. On some vehicles, that warning tone may not sound. Without it, the driver may not realize the key was left in the ignition. Volkswagen dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster at no charge. The recall began December 13, 2018.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is included.
2. Contact your Volkswagen dealer or VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298 (recalls 90L3 and 90L4).
3. The instrument cluster reprogramming is free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 18V824000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (5)

2018 Volkswagen Atlas
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Volkswagen Electrical Recalls Involve Battery Fires and Drive Power Loss · all 18 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Other Volkswagen Atlas recalls

Sep 11, 2026Volkswagen Atlas And Tiguan Steering Bolt May Breakhigh
Jul 22, 2026VW Atlas rearview camera image may not displaymedium
Dec 4, 2025Volkswagen Atlas May Have Incorrect Wheel Bolts Installedcritical
Jun 30, 2025VW Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, ID.4 Loose Boltshigh
May 21, 2025Volkswagen Atlas Rearview Camera Image Distortionmedium
Feb 17, 2025Volkswagen Atlas Engine Cover May Cause Firecritical

All 48 Atlas recalls

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Safety risk: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.