German automaker Volkswagen recently issued a recall for over 177,000 SUVs from its Atlas product line. According to the recall, the affected vehicles may have faulty engine covers that could detach and catch fire. Below is everything we know so far, as well as a few thoughts on why it's so important to keep safety recalls like this one in the public eye.
Which Volkswagen Vehicles are Affected by the Recall?
Volkswagen submitted information to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggesting the recall was for 177,493 units of its 2024 and 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. No other models were mentioned.
What's Wrong with the Recalled Volkswagens?
The potentially defective part in the recalled SUVs seems to be their decorative plastic engine cover, which VW suggests may not be reattached correctly after service. If the engine cover detaches while the VW is traveling, the cover may contact hot engine surfaces and melt or catch fire beneath the hood. Obviously there's never a good time for a vehicle fire, but the greatest potential for property damage or injury is when the vehicle is on the move.
Has Anyone Been Hurt by the Defect?
Volkswagen issued the recall after seven reported "thermal cases" where at least some related heat or fire damage occurred, but didn't specify whether any of those incidents caused injuries.
What Can People with Affected VW Vehicles Do?
Since the issue seems to revolve around the loose engine cover, VW plans to contact owners about the recall and then remove the cover at a dealership free of charge. It's unclear whether people can request a replacement cover instead of doing without one entirely, but if the item is mostly cosmetic then VW may not plan to offer replacements.
How Can I Tell if I Have a Recalled Unit?
The recall reportedly affects only 2024 and 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. If you have a vehicle of that year and model, you can pop the hood to double-check whether your Atlas has a plastic engine cover; if so, we'd encourage you to call your local VW dealer for a maintenance appointment—or at least look up your VIN online to see if action is recommended.
Why Should Consumers Care about This Recall?
We've done this more than long enough to know that people sometimes shrug off a recall unless their car is literally about to explode. Something like a melting engine cover may not be enough to move the needle for many people, but it definitely should.
Even if nobody seems to be hurt by the defect yet, it should rub VW Atlas owners the wrong way that they spent money on an SUV from a company who, despite being in business for almost 90 years, still lets inferior materials and parts get into their vehicles. When nobody's hurt by these "thermal events," probably the best way to express disappointment in underhanded practices is by not buying the defective products. If those engine fires do ultimately harm people, though, then the conflict may need to be escalated from the dealership to the courtroom.