The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·21V132000·Announced 2021-03-03

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Wheels May Separate Due to Machining Defect

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles due to improperly machined wheel lug bolt holes that may prevent wheels from attaching properly, risking wheel separation and crashes.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: This is a structural defect (incorrectly machined wheel attachment) that creates risk of harm (wheel separation and crashes). However, no actual injuries, incidents, or property damage are reported in the source material, and the consequence is stated as potential risk rather than documented harm. Therefore, it qualifies as High, not Severe.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles due to a manufacturing defect affecting the wheels.

The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub. An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle during operation, increasing the risk of a crash.

Approximately 128 vehicles are affected by this recall. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels and replace the wheels, lug bolts, and wheel bearings free of charge. The recall began on March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS, ATLAS CROSS SPORT
Brand
VOLKSWAGEN
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
128

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • ATLAS
  • ATLAS CROSS SPORT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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