VW Atlas Relay Defect May Cause Fire

NHTSA campaign 21V616000 · Reported Aug 6, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

If a relay stays stuck on, the horn or starter can overheat, which increases the risk of a fire. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V616000
Reported to NHTSA	Aug 6, 2021
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Electrical System:wiring:relays/solenoids
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Some Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles may have damaged relays installed in the fuse box in the engine compartment. These damaged relays could unexpectedly turn on the horn or the engine starter.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Contact a Volkswagen dealer at 1-800-893-5298 for an inspection.
3. Damaged relays will be replaced free of charge, if needed.

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 21V616000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

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 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:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
Safety risk: A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.

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