Recall 25V081 affects 19 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles for transmission defects. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 19 2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas SUVs because a transmission defect can cause a sudden loss of drive power. That loss of power can increase the risk of a crash, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The AQ451 8-speed automatic gearbox in the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas is the transmission that routes engine power to the wheels. Inside it, hydraulic fluid pressure moves components that select and hold each gear, so the SUV accelerates smoothly when the driver presses the accelerator.
On included SUVs, a steel ball inside the gearbox was not pressed deep enough into a hydraulic fluid passageway. That ball is supposed to seal the passage. Because it sits too shallow, the gearbox does not meet Volkswagen's design and can lose the hydraulic control needed to keep drive power going to the wheels. Volkswagen traced the condition to a supplier press maintenance intervention on November 05, 2024.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver can experience a sudden loss of drive power, which means the engine runs but the SUV no longer responds normally when power is requested.
Who's affected?
Covers both Atlas body styles using the same AQ451 8-speed automatic gearbox.
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 19 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching 2025 Volkswagen Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden loss of drive power can leave the vehicle unable to maintain speed in traffic and increases the risk of a crash. If that happens, move out of traffic as safely as you can and call the dealer. Schedule the transmission replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport or Atlas is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free transmission replacement that fixes the incorrectly manufactured transmission and loss of drive power.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V081 and Volkswagen recall 38CX when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the transmission replacement is complete.
- Pull over safely if the vehicle loses drive power, then contact the dealer before driving again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the transmission covered by recall 25V081. The replacement transmission, related parts, and labor are free under the recall. Because the repair is available, affected Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport owners can schedule service with a Volkswagen dealer after confirming their VIN is included. Volkswagen says it will offer a reimbursement program under this recall, so owners who already paid for a transmission repair should contact Volkswagen customer service and ask how to submit a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 12, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 14, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| February 14, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 12, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 11, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V081?
Recall 25V081 covers 19 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas SUVs with transmissions that were manufactured incorrectly. The defect can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. Volkswagen dealers will replace the transmission for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 25V081. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the transmission replacement. Reference recall 25V081 or Volkswagen recall number 38CX when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen says dealers will replace the transmission free of charge. Use a franchised Volkswagen dealer for the recall repair.
Is it safe to drive my Volkswagen Atlas before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is a sudden loss of drive power, which can increase crash risk. If your SUV loses power or feels unsafe, stop driving and ask the Volkswagen dealer about the safest way to move it for repair.
When were owners notified about recall 25V081?
Volkswagen mailed owner notification letters on March 12, 2025. You still need a VIN check if you bought the SUV used, moved, or never received a letter. The year and model are not enough. The VIN decides whether this recall applies.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V081000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V081 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V081000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →