Volkswagen Atlas Engine Bearing Defect Recall 2022 through 2023
Volkswagen is recalling 2022 and 2023 Atlas and Cross Sport vehicles because engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, causing engine failure and stalling. This increases crash and fire risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: This is a structural defect affecting critical engine components. Damaged connecting rod bearings cause engine failure, stalling, and crash risk. Potential oil leaks pose a fire risk. This meets the Severe classification for structural vehicle defects with documented safety consequences.
Plain-English summary
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling certain 2022 and 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles, as well as 2021–2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback models. The engine connecting rod bearings in these vehicles may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
A damaged engine can cause the vehicle to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure is accompanied by an oil leak, it increases the risk of a fire. Affected owners are being notified by mail, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine free of charge.
Owners who have questions should contact Volkswagen customer service at 1–800–893–5298 or Audi customer service at 1–800–253–2834. Additional information is available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1–888–327–4236 (TTY 1–800–424–9153) or www.nhtsa.gov.
The recalled product
- Product
- AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN Q5 SPORTBACK, Q5, ATLAS CROSS SPORT, ATLAS
- Brand
- AUDI
- Manufacturer
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Engine and Powertrain
- Affected units
- 76,515
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 (4)
- Q5 SPORTBACK
- Q5
- ATLAS CROSS SPORT
- ATLAS
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · AUDI
- SevereAudi Q5 front seat belts may fail to restrain occupants
NHTSA · 2026-04-24
- SevereAudi e-tron brake pedal may detach from the brake booster
NHTSA · 2026-04-15
- HighAudi Q3 recalled over remote sunroof closing from out of sight
NHTSA · 2026-04-01
- HighAudi Recalls 2019 A6, A7, and Q8 for Lane Departure Software Error
NHTSA · 2026-03-04
- SevereAudi automatic locking retractor may not engage for child seats
NHTSA · 2025-12-19
Same manufacturer · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
See all →- SevereVolkswagen Recalls ID.4 Vehicles Due to High Voltage Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-09-30
- SevereVolkswagen Recalls 2018-2021 Models for Steering Rack Bolt Corrosion
NHTSA · 2026-09-11
- SevereVolkswagen Recalls 2025 Tiguan for Software Error Causing Engine Stalls
NHTSA · 2026-09-10
- High
- HighVolkswagen Tiguan rearview camera may fail to display after repair
NHTSA · 2026-05-20
Same hazard · engine failure
See all →- Severe
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Explorers Due to Engine Bearing Seizure Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-13
- SevereFord Explorer, Ranger and Bronco engines may fail during driving
NHTSA · 2026-05-27
- Severe2026 Ford Explorer and Mustang Engine Piston Circlip Defect Recall
NHTSA · 2026-03-31
- SevereNissan Rogue turbo engine bearings may seize causing engine failure
NHTSA · 2026-02-11
Similar recalls
- HighVolkswagen Recalls 2024 Atlas Cross Sport for Engine Bearing Defect
NHTSA · 2023-08-23
- High2021 Volkswagen Atlas Relays Pose Fire Risk, Recall Issued
NHTSA · 2021-08-06
- High2023 Volkswagen Atlas Models Recalled for Brake Line Leaks
NHTSA · 2022-09-26
- High2021-2022 Volkswagen Atlas Fuel Injector Fire Risk Recall
NHTSA · 2022-04-13
- HighVolkswagen Atlas and Cross Sport trailing arm bolt defect recall
NHTSA · 2022-10-26
- HighVolkswagen Atlas Vehicles Recalled for Steering Knuckle Damage
NHTSA · 2020-11-17