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What: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
Who: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Why: The Volkswagen vehicles are recalled due to potentially damaged connecting rods that may lead to an oil leak, resulting in a vehicle fire.
When: The recall was issued on August 25, 2023.
Where: The recall currently affects the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport in the United States. and Canada.
How customers can identify the recalled products: Drivers who own the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and/or Atlas Cross Sport can contact their local authorized Volkswagen dealership to determine if their vehicle is affected by the recall. Drivers can also enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA's website to see if their car has been affected.
Volkswagen customers who have recently purchased a new Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport will need to rethink taking the vehicle on the road as the German vehicle company, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has issued a recall due to potential issues with the engine. This recall affects over 2,000 examples of the company's popular vehicles that have the EA888 engine installed. The issue with the EA888 was first noticed in the first week of July when abnormal engine noise allegations at the Chattanooga plant resulted in an in-depth analysis of the Atlas-specific engine.
The issue, as described in the recall notice, states, "Contamination during the bearing production process may have caused an increased particle occurrence in the engine oil circuit, which may lead to extensive wear and play and result in damage to the connecting rod bearings. A connecting rod bearing with continuously rising bearing play leads to excessive engine noise. If the excessive engine noise and engine warning light are ignored, and the vehicle continues to be driven, this condition may result in engine failure, potentially causing a loss of motive power while driving and, in rare cases, a loss of engine oil, which may pose a risk of a vehicle fire."
So, what does all of this mean? Broken down, the issue currently within the engine of the vehicle mainly takes place with the connecting rod bearing failure, which could cause catastrophic engine failure. If the issue is ignored, it could lead to further catastrophic damage to the engine and can cause a fire. If the problem is present, drivers of the affected Volkswagen vehicles may notice “excessive engine noises” and the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminated in their vehicle's instrument panel.
Affected Volkswagen Drivers Can Expect Further Instructions
As it stands, Volkswagen Group of America Inc. is aware of 12 claims of either oil leaks or fires caused by damaged connecting rod bearings. The potentially affected vehicles were manufactured between June 16 and July 25, and Volkswagen is currently developing a test procedure to identify engines that need replacing. On August 25, the German vehicle company informed its dealers of the recall, instructing they provide those affected vehicles with an inspection to determine if the issue is present. After the inspection, if the technician deems it necessary, the affected vehicle will receive a new engine.
The 2,018 affected U.S. VW Atlas owners should start to receive mailed notice by October 20, 2023, with instructions to bring their sport utility vehicles in for inspection. Until then, drivers who suspect their vehicles may have the EA888 engine issues can contact their local authorized Volkswagen dealership to determine if their vehicle is affected by the recall. Drivers can also enter their car's VIN into the NHTSA's website to see if their vehicle has been affected. For more information about the VW recall, drivers can reference the NHTSA recall number 23V-593.
If You've Been Affected, Contact a Morgan & Morgan Attorney
At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys will always fight to help get you the justice you and your loved ones deserve after you've sustained an injury or damages due to a recalled vehicle. With over 800 trial-ready attorneys, you can count on us to provide the support you need. For more information behind the most recent Volkswagen recall, or if you've suffered an injury due to the 2024 Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport, drivers can contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney by completing a free, no-obligation case evaluation form today. Once completed, a member of our legal team will review your case and contact you.