VW Atlas engine bearings may fail, risking fire

NHTSA campaign 23V593000 · Reported 2023-08-23 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

This is serious: the engine can quit without warning in traffic, and a resulting oil leak can start a fire, so have it inspected right away even though the notice does not tell owners to stop driving or park outside.

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles may have damaged connecting rod bearings inside the engine. These bearings let the moving parts of the engine spin smoothly, and if they wear out the engine can break down completely. That can make the engine quit while you are driving, and a broken engine can also leak oil, which can catch fire. Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if needed, free of charge.

What you should do

1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is part of recall 23V593000.
2. Call your Volkswagen dealer, or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 (recall number 13i6), to schedule an inspection.
3. Let the dealer inspect and, if needed, replace the engine — there is no charge to you.

Affected vehicles (2)

2024 Volkswagen Atlas
2024 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 engine and cooling recalls: bearing failures, coolant leaks, stalling · all 5 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Safety risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, engine failure may cause an oil leak which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 13i6.

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