Volkswagen Recalls Over 177,000 Vehicles Due to Engine Cover Fire Risk

Volkswagen Group of America has issued a recall for 177,493 vehicles due to a potential fire risk associated with an improperly installed engine cover. The recall affects 2024-2025 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models, produced between June 16, 2023, and December 12, 2024, for the Atlas, and until December 9, 2024, for the Atlas Cross Sport. The issue involves the engine cover potentially coming loose and contacting hot surfaces in the engine compartment, which could lead to melting of the cover material and potentially cause a fire.

The problem arises when the engine cover is not properly reinstalled following vehicle service. If the cover becomes dislodged, it may contact extremely hot surfaces such as the exhaust turbocharger, increasing the risk of a fire. Warning signs include a burning smell emanating from the engine compartment or noticeable displacement of the engine cover.

Volkswagen became aware of the issue on October 3, 2023, when it received the first report of an engine compartment thermal incident. Additional cases were reported between July and November 2024, prompting an internal investigation. After analysis and discussions within the Volkswagen Product Safety Committee, the company decided on February 10, 2025, to initiate a recall as the risk of the engine cover coming loose after service could not be fully eliminated.

As a remedy, Volkswagen will remove the affected engine covers from the impacted vehicles. A new engine cover was implemented in production on December 4, 2024, and vehicles produced after this date are not affected by the recall. Volkswagen will notify dealers by February 19, 2025, and vehicle owners by April 18, 2025. The company will also offer a reimbursement plan under this recall. Owners can contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for more information.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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