2020 Volkswagen Atlas: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, airbags, and steering. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 116
- Recalls
- 11
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 1 injury
One recall on this model year told owners to stop driving until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2020 Volkswagen Atlas: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/4
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Atlas is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–22 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19 mpg |
- The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Atlas that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical39No crashes
Unexpected braking is the most serious pattern. A failing driver door wiring harness can make the electronic parking brake engage at low speed, roll windows down on their own, and fill the dash with warnings. The most common fault is the Car-Net module. When it fails, the SOS emergency call light turns red and phone or navigation features can stop working. Replacement modules are often back-ordered, and one out-of-warranty quote ran over $1200. Other reports describe GPS losing its position even through CarPlay, heater cores failing more than once, and the engine shutting off at 10-15 mph.
Airbags191 crash
An airbag warning light, usually tied to the front passenger seat, is the main complaint. Some owners say the passenger airbag stays off with someone in the seat, and dealers confirm the airbag may not deploy. Many of these owners find their VIN is not covered by the recall even though the symptoms match. Owners who are covered report recall 22V152000 stalled because parts were unavailable. A second, smaller pattern involves side and seat airbags firing after low-speed curb strikes, some under 10 mph, including one crash-related report.
Steering12No crashes
The electric power steering rack fails, and it often fails again after replacement. One vehicle has had the rack replaced 3 times. Typical symptoms are clicking or clunking when turning left, creaking that is loudest while stopped, a loose feel, and wheel vibration at highway speed. In the worst cases the steering stiffens or seizes, with one failure at about 78,000 miles. A sway bar link service bulletin did not fix the noise for at least one owner. One out-of-warranty steering gear quote was $3000.
Engine61 crash
Stalling at idle or low speed is the main complaint, sometimes while crossing traffic, followed by a message telling the driver to restart manually. Owners say this happens even with start/stop disabled, often without a check engine light, which makes it hard for dealers to diagnose. Replacing the charcoal canister fixed it for only about a year in one case. The heater core fails repeatedly, with one owner on a fourth replacement by 108,000 miles. One crash report describes an engine compartment fire after a collision, with one person injured.
Acceleration and cruise control51 crash
Driver-assist systems misbehave. Adaptive cruise control fails or shuts off after a remote start, and Front Assist can drop out with it. Some owners report the car braking hard on an empty road, and one says lane assist steered toward construction barrels. One crash report describes sudden acceleration after shifting from park, ending in a rollover. Other complaints cover a misfire that cut power and a speedometer that reads up to 4 mph high, which the dealer said was within tolerance.
Automatic emergency braking4No crashes
Emergency braking activates with no car or object ahead, sometimes at expressway speed. Owners say they nearly got rear-ended. Dealers often cannot reproduce it unless a scan tool is connected when it happens. A separate pattern traces to a faulty driver door harness. It sets the emergency parking brake just before a stop, rolls rear windows down, and disables the door and window switches. One vehicle sat at the dealer for three months awaiting repair.
Body and structure3No crashes
The hood release fails. The cable breaks where its two pieces join under the hood, and the hood cannot be opened to check oil, coolant, washer fluid, or fuses. Owners report the failure coming back after a dealer repair and landing just outside the warranty period. They describe it as a known, widely reported defect with no recall.
Fuel system3No crashes
The fuel tank can collapse after a seal failure. That throws off the fuel gauge, damages the fuel pump, and in one report shut the engine off at highway speed with EPC and engine lights coming on. A separate pattern is a repeat check engine light with code P0456 for an evaporative leak. Dealers replace the N80 valve and carbon canister again and again, and the code keeps returning.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Atlas owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Drivers door wiring harness and control module malfunction. When this happens multiple MIL on dash display, windows roll down and emergency braking system applies the brakes by itself under 15 mph resulting in drastic unexpected deceleration. Luckily the car behind me was able to stop in time. Dealership indicates vehicle is safe to drive, no loaners available and parts are at least 3 month out.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
Navigation system (GPS) does not show correct location and 'reroutes' off the correct path. This could lead to dangerous conditions if using in an unfamiliar location (which is the point of having a navigation system). Navigation system has suggested turning wrong direction onto one-way street, turning into rivers and lakes, making U-turn on expressway, and driving through private property.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2024
My vehicle is experiencing the door wiring harness issue that is leading to an airbag warning light coming on. As of now, my VIN is not included in the recently announced VW recall, however I am experiencing the exact issue that is being recalled. This was diagnosed by my local dealer a few months ago and I am still waiting on the part. After reading the recall, I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
Airbag front passenger side has defect will not deploy. The dashboard light alert is on, as per dealership review stated airbag defect will not deploy and needs to be replaced. Car has never used airbag. Other same vehicles have been recalled but this batch of atlas cross sport suvs were not included.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
For the second time since purchase 6/2020 we are taking the car in for suspected steering rack issues. We have already had the steering rack replaced, we have clunking/clicking when turning when we turn the wheel to the left. VW to address the issue next week
Filed with NHTSA, August 2021
Steering rack issue for second time full replacement of steering rack for the second time Also front links recall, replaced Strange popping coming from top of vehicle, sounds like rocks are being dropped on the top of the car Road Noise at speeds over 75 mph
Filed with NHTSA, October 2021
At a stop or slow speed the vehicle stalls. Acted like the start stop feature was engaging. Stalling out crossing lanes of traffic you have to out it in park and restart. Start stop feature is disabled but dangerous to stall in traffic this way
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
How the 2020 compares with other Atlas years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 8 Atlas years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical3968
- Airbags1949
- Steering129
- Engine625
- Acceleration and cruise control51
- Automatic emergency braking412
Where the 2020 fits in the Atlas's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the third model year of the Atlas's first generation (2018–2024).
Volkswagen updated the Atlas for 2021, so a 2020 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2021 (not on a 2020)
- New front end
- Redesigned wheels
- New rear lights
- New steering wheel
Recalls to confirm (11)
Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
20V712000SteeringDo not driveNov 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.
Risk: A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q6. Note: Owners are advised to DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the vehicle has been inspected and repaired if necessary.
24V464000AirbagsJun 2024
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
23V215000AirbagsMar 2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
22V815000Wheels and tiresOct 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.".
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
22V152000AirbagsMar 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Risk: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
22V086000EquipmentFeb 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
21V892000Wipers and visibilityNov 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
Risk: A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.
21V026000SteeringJan 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
Risk: A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.
20V702000Wheels and tiresNov 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have been over cured.
Risk: Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.
20V504000Exterior lightsAug 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: A headlight aimed incorrectly aimed reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the driver's side headlight, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94N7.
20V505000SeatsAug 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Also looking at these instead of a Atlas?
Cars shoppers compare with the Volkswagen Atlas, with their own 2020 checklists.
2020 owner complaints, side by side
- 2020 Volkswagen Atlas116
- Chevrolet Traverse188
- Toyota Highlander269
- Honda Pilot431
- Hyundai Palisade521
- Kia Telluride667
- Ford Explorer1,066
