Volkswagen Atlas Engine Fires May Be Caused by Melting Vehicle Covers: NHTSA

Manufacturer has received multiple reports of fires due to engine covers not being properly installed after maintenance.

Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall impacting 177,493 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles, due to a problems that may occur if engine covers come in contact with hot surfaces, causing them to melt and increase the risk of a fire.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Volkswagen Atlas recall (PDF) on March 6, warning that improperly installed engine covers may become loose, contact hot engine surfaces, and melt.

The manufacturer received the first report of an engine fire related to the issue on October 3, 2023. However, the cause was not determined. 

Five additional cases were reported between July 2024 and August 2024, with two attributed to improperly installed engine covers after vehicle maintenance. Another case was reported in late 2024, prompting an analysis of the engine covers.

However, the Volkswagen recall report (PDF) the manufacturer has not become aware of any injuries related to the recall.

Between December 2024 and February 2025, further investigation was conducted, resulting in a manufacturer’s recall on February 17.

The recall impacts certain model year 2024 and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

Customers are being warned that if the engine cover has come loose, they may notice a burning smell coming from the engine compartment or that the cover has shifted out of position.

Notification letters will be mailed by April 18, 2025, with instructions on how to schedule a free removal of the engine cover.

Any vehicle owners who have already had this repair performed at their own expense prior to receiving the Volkswagen recall notice may be eligible for reimbursement.

Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 10X5. Customers may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298, or the company’s contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, via email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov.

Owners with any additional questions may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.