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Volkswagen Atlas tires may break at the sidewall

NHTSA campaign 21V142000 · Reported 2021-03-05 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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A tire can fail suddenly at speed and cause a crash, so have the tires checked quickly even though the notice does not tell you to stop driving.

What's wrong, in plain English

Some 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs left the factory with Continental tires that were heated too long while being made. Tires cooked too long can crack or split in the sidewall, the part you see from the side. That can cause a sudden loss of air or let the tread peel off the tire. Either one can make the vehicle hard to control. A dealer inspects the tires and replaces any bad ones.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Atlas is included.
2. Contact your Volkswagen dealer, or VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298, and mention recall 44R1.
3. Have the tires inspected and replaced if needed — free of charge.

Affected vehicles (2)

2018 Volkswagen Atlas
2019 Volkswagen Atlas

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 tire recalls: overcured Continental tires and delayed pressure warnings · all 3 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: TIRES:SIDEWALL
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Safety risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R1.

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