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Volkswagen Atlas Subject to Recalls

Mar 16, 2018

In an effort to make a comeback from the costly diesel emissions rigging scandal, Volkswagen introduced the Atlas in 2017.

This sports utility vehicle contains plenty of passenger room with three rows, and the 2018 models offer a variety of features. The Atlas, designed to compete with the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, has already been the subject of recalls by Volkswagen, however. If you own a Volkswagen that has experienced repeated problems while under the manufacturer’s you may have a lemon on your hands.

Volkswagen Atlas Models

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas comes in the following models:

  • Atlas TSI S, powered by a four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0 liter engine with 235 hp
  • Atlas S, available in front-wheel or four wheel drive
  • Atlas SE, either 2.0 liter four cylinder engine or 3.6 liter V6, with front-wheel drive
  • Atlas SE, with technology package, available with the 3.6-liter V6 engine
  • Atlas SEL, includes memory seats and a factory-installed tow hitch
  • Atlas SEL Premium, available exclusively with the V6 engine and all-wheel drive

The Volkswagen Atlas is currently manufactured at the VW plant in Chattanooga, TN. The Atlas has received rave reviews from consumers and even earned Good Housekeeping magazine’s 2018 Best New Car Award in the midsize SUV category in categories such as value, safety, reliability and handling among others. Of course when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, and the VW Atlas has not been problem free. Numerous complaints have been lodged by consumers, and the automaker has also issued recalls.

VW Atlas Fuel Tank Recall

Soon after being introduced in 2017, the crossover Atlas was subjected to its first recall campaign. The problem was attributed to fuel tanks that were designed with walls which may not have been manufactured thickly enough, potentially leading to a fuel leak. Because fuel leaks posed a serious danger, VW and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall notice.

Although the recall campaign only affected about 58 vehicles in the U.S. at the time, that represented nearly 50 percent of the vehicles that had been manufactured over a four-week period in 2017. The issue was narrowed down to an extruding machine at the parts manufacturer located in Michigan.

The Takeaway

If you own or lease a VW Atlas, or any other Volkswagen model that has been subject to a recall, or has been in for numerous repairs while under a manufacturers warranty, it is important to know your rights. The Law Office of Timothy Abeel & Associates routinely represents consumers in Volkswagen Lemon Law claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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