VW Atlas Front Steering Knuckle May Fracture

NHTSA campaign 21V026000 · Reported Jan 27, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V026000
Reported to NHTSA	Jan 27, 2021
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Steering
Vehicles covered	3 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On certain Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles, the front steering knuckle may fracture in the area where it mounts to the strut.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Contact a Volkswagen dealer (1-800-893-5298) for an inspection.
3. Any needed steering knuckle replacement is free.

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 21V026000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (3)

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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 Steering Recalls Involving Knuckles, Mounting Bolts and Control · all 6 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: STEERING
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
Safety risk: A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.

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