Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
moderate Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Atlas | 24 |
| 2019 Atlas | 35 |
| 2020 Atlas | 5 |
| 2021 Atlas (this page) | 9 |
| 2022 Atlas | 6 |
| 2024 Atlas | 3 |
Among the 6 model years of Volkswagen Atlas in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
All 2 active steering recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Assessment of Damage to steering wheel leather
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Creak noise when turning, update to VIN range and Warranty time units per SAGA updates.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Noise resulting from tension between the servo motor unit and the steering gear housing. Update to parts table.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Creaking Noise when turning.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The breaks are very loud- squeaky and grinding. Have had them checked several times and break pads are in good condition. Additionally after the car is idle for several hours, it’ll be a loud gurgle when breaks are applied the first few “stops”. Additionally, when driving in cold weather the rear the stability assist light on the dash will engage. It will flash on and off so to be uncertain if…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.