The defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
The risk
A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Atlas | 2021 |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | 2021 |
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:RELAYS/SOLENOIDS | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Atlas | 2021 | 480 | 17 |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | 2021 | 165 | 14 |
Other electrical system recalls in 2021
92 of the 988 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2021 concerned the electrical system; Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. filed 321 campaigns in all.
| 21V00N000 29 Dec 2021 | PACCAR Incorporated |
| 21V00K000 28 Dec 2021 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 21V997000 20 Dec 2021 | Jayco, Inc. |
| 21V972000 15 Dec 2021 | Daimler Vans USA, LLC |
| 21V966000 13 Dec 2021 | Autocar, LLC |
| 21V949000 9 Dec 2021 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| 21V944000 7 Dec 2021 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 21V941000 6 Dec 2021 | Dennis Eagle Inc. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2021