Understanding California Lemon Law and the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Transmission Issues
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, touted as a spacious and family-friendly SUV, has been making headlines—and not for the reasons Volkswagen hoped. Owners have reported significant issues, particularly with the vehicle’s inability to shift out of gear. Such transmission problems can be more than just inconvenient; they may pose safety risks and can severely impact the vehicle’s usability. Let’s explore what these issues mean and how lemon laws might provide recourse for affected owners.
Transmission Issues in the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Owner Reports: Several owners have taken to forums and social media to voice their frustrations. Common complaints include:
Failure to Shift Out of Gear: Many owners report being unable to move their Atlas out of park or other gears, leaving the vehicle immobilized.
Error Messages: Issues are often accompanied by error messages such as “gearbox malfunction” or “stability control error.”
Early Onset: These problems are surfacing in brand-new vehicles, sometimes with just a few hundred miles on the odometer.
Several owners have described repeated visits to the dealership, only to be told that no definitive fix is available. Others echo similar sentiments, noting that even after parts replacements, the problem persists. These experiences suggest a potential systemic issue with the 2024 Atlas’ transmission system.
What Is Lemon Law?
Lemon laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase defective vehicles. If a manufacturer cannot repair a substantial defect within a reasonable number of attempts or a set time frame, the vehicle may qualify as a "lemon."
Key Criteria for Lemon Law Claims:
Substantial Defect: The problem must impair the vehicle’s use, safety, or value—a recurring transmission issue fits this criterion.
Repair Attempts: Manufacturers typically get several chances to fix the issue, often three to four visits.
Time Frame or Mileage: Issues must arise within a specific time or mileage, usually during the warranty period.
Is Volkswagen Addressing the Issue?
While Volkswagen has not issued a recall specific to the transmission problems in the 2024 Atlas, the growing number of complaints suggests the issue may warrant further scrutiny. Owners experiencing these problems should report them to both Volkswagen and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Such reports can lead to investigations and, if necessary, recalls.
Steps to Take if Your 2024 Atlas Is a Lemon
If your Volkswagen Atlas is still experiencing problems with the transmission, selector linkage, harsh shifting or unable to shift out of park and if you’re in California we can help you…. AT NO COST TO YOU! Valero Law, APC is a California consumer protection firm dedicated to protecting the lemon law rights of California consumers and ALL cases are taken on a contingency basis, meaning if there is no recovery, there is absolutely no fee to you! To see if you are eligible, contact us on the form below so we can review the details of your case and determine what you may be entitled to under California Lemon Law, including cash compensation or a vehicle buy back / refund!