2020 Volkswagen Atlas problems
The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen since 2017. Developed mainly for the North American and Chinese market, the vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. Outside the US, Canadian, and Chilean markets, the vehicle is marketed as the Volkswagen Teramont. It is positioned above the long-wheelbase Tiguan and below the smaller but more upmarket Touareg.
Overview
Marketed as the Atlas in North America, Chile, and Israel, the vehicle is known as the Teramont elsewhere, including the rest of the Middle East Africa, as well as in Mexico, Russia, Colombia and China, where production in Ningbo began in 2017. For markets outside China, the Atlas/Teramont is produced in the Chattanooga plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States.
The vehicle features a transverse mounted four-cylinder or Volkswagen's VR6 engine. Up to the introduction of the China-only Viloran, the Atlas was the largest vehicle produced on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform.
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Common 2020 Volkswagen Atlas problems
The Volkswagen Atlas, a midsize SUV introduced in 2018, has faced several common problems affecting its engine, braking system, transmission, electrical system, and coolant. These issues have been reported by owners of 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 models.
Engine Problems: The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has the most overall complaints, with the worst category being engine problems. The most-reported problem is a dead battery, with an average cost to fix of $800 and an average mileage of 26,000 miles.
Braking System Problems: Model years 2019 and 2020 often experience brake booster faults and issues with the braking system in general.
Transmission Problems: Loud noises coming from the automatic transmission, usually when accelerating from a stop or low speed, have been reported.
Electrical System Problems: Volkswagen Atlas models equipped with a start-stop system have been experiencing battery drainage, sometimes within just 2 months. In some cases, the defective electrical system also caused transmission failure. A clockspring, which is an electrical rotary part of the steering system, has also been heard making noises when steering.
Coolant Problems: Coolant leaking, which might result in the engine overheating, is another problem. This is usually caused by faulty head gaskets, coolant tanks, and water pumps.
Fuel System Problems: Many Atlas owners have complained about the check engine light illuminating randomly. Other common problems include engine stalling caused by a fuel system leak, which increases the chance of fire risk. The problem comes from faulty fuel injectors known to be cracking and leaking, which you might notice if the engine misfires. A recent recall has been issued for this problem, and you should bring your vehicle to your VW dealership to fix this problem.
Fuel Pump Problems: Another important related fuel problem is faulty fuel pumps causing engine stalling and power loss. This issue is usually covered by the warranty and can be fixed by simply replacing the fuel pump.
Coolant Leaks: Coolant leaking, which might result in the engine overheating, is another problem. This is usually caused by faulty head gaskets, coolant tanks, and water pumps.
Brake Recall: The 2020 VW Atlas has a brake defect which affects the VW Altas Forward Collision Emergency Braking System. Volkswagen recalled 246,000 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs in the earlier this month because of a wiring problem that could cause the electronic parking brake to engage inadvertently at low speeds.
What is the common problem in the Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2021 Atlas has gained notoriety for one particular issue: a faulty electrical system. Since the electrical system controls many interior tech and safety features, a flawed system can spell a frustrating or even dangerous driving experience.
What is the electrical problem with the VW Atlas?
ELECTRICAL
- Volkswagen Atlas models equipped with a start stop system have been experiencing battery drainage, sometime within just 2 months. ...
- A clockspring, which is an electrical rotary part of the steering system, has also been heard making noises when steering.
How many miles will a VW Atlas last?
200,000 miles
With proper maintenance, a Volkswagen Atlas can last well over 200,000 miles. Its longevity speaks to Volkswagen's commitment to durability and quality, making it a smart investment for the long haul.
What is the error on the VW Atlas?
The issue in the recalled Atlas SUVs has caused the passenger occupant detection system to sense a malfunction and turn off the airbag when it shouldn't, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Volkswagen is not aware of any injuries related to this problem, spokesperson Mark Gillies said.
What is the common problem in the Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2021 Atlas has gained notoriety for one particular issue: a faulty electrical system. Since the electrical system controls many interior tech and safety features, a flawed system can spell a frustrating or even dangerous driving experience.
What is the error on the VW Atlas?
The issue in the recalled Atlas SUVs has caused the passenger occupant detection system to sense a malfunction and turn off the airbag when it shouldn't, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Volkswagen is not aware of any injuries related to this problem, spokesperson Mark Gillies said.
Which engine is better in Atlas?
The other significant change for the 2024 Atlas is a revised turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that's now the only engine choice. The old 3.6-liter VR6 is gone, and this new engine is more powerful than the outgoing base turbo four thanks to a larger turbocharger and revised tuning.
What is the engine problem with the Atlas Cross Sport?
Volkswagen's 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Recalled Due to Potential Engine Issues. 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.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Atlas problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Steering problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-02
- VIN: 1V2AP2CA2LC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I was driving today and an Airbag Error Message popped up with the Airbag Warning Lamp and will not turn off. I called the dealership I purchased it from and was told it is a faulty Airbag Sensor but my car is not part of the open recall Volkswagen has open. They set up an appointment for 8/20 to replace the sensor. I was told by the dealership that this issue could cause my airbag not to deploy if I were to get in a wreck. This information makes me very nervous to drive my vehicle but since this is my only vehicle I have no other choice.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
- VIN: 1V2LR2CA7LC
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag sensor warning light illuminated and the seat warming function failed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring in the seat was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: 1V2ER2CA9LC
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When turning my vehicle to the left or right at slow speeds, the steering wheel rattles and wants to auto correct to a straight position. This has caused my wife and I to almost collide with other parked vehicles. The GPS in my vehicle has recently started to go haywire and fail to give any correct guidance. I plugged in my iPhone to use my CarPlay Map and the issue transfers over to the gps on my phone as well. The moment I unplug the phone, the issue resolves on my phone but resumes on my vehicles gps. My heater won’t take affect until I reached approx 80 degrees. I begin to raise the temp and the rear vents begin to blow hot air at the high 70’s while the front of the vehicle remains at AC. Once i hit 80 degrees the heater turns on at the front of the vehicle. The issues all started when I had a module replaced in my vehicle. Approximately time issues began was first week of March 2024. I have videos showing the rattling steering, the haywire gps and the HVAC issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: 1V2MR2CA0LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
- VIN: 1V2LR2CA3LC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Since I purchased this vehicle for my wife, she has repeatedly called me in tears regarding the vehicle turning itself off in school parking lots, stop lights, stopping at stop signs, and in drive through lanes. The car will show error messages such as "START ENGINE MANUALLY" or "AUTO START/STOP FAILURE." This has nearly caused a number of accidents when the car is turned off in the middle of the street. The only option to get the car restarted is to put it into park, then turn the car off and back on again - which at a busy intersection can put you into a panic. I have taken the car to the dealer a few times and told each time that they find nothing wrong since there are no error codes at the time. I spoke with the dealer on 10/10/23 since it was in the shop in early October - I was told that they are experiencing this issue with numerous VW Atlas, it is a known issue, however there is no fix. I was told to reach out to VW North America. I spoke with Nick from VW NA today who told me that my best option is to try a different VW dealer. This has been an ongoing issue with the vehicle since we purchased, but it is happening more frequently - upwards of numerous times per week. There are no signs that the car is going to turn itself off with issue - it has done it even when the AUTO START/STOP system is disabled (this needs to be manually disabled each time the car starts). My wife is at the point that she does not want to drive the vehicle anymore as she is afraid of the safety of the kids.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-16
- VIN: 1V2MR2CA0LC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger side airbag displays Airbag warning, and passenger side seat heater stops working. Both use the same wiring harness. Seems to be the exact same fault as April 2023 recall for 2018-2021 Volkswagen Atlases but my VIN is not included
STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-18
- VIN: 1V2LR2CA6LC
- Components: STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: We own a 2020 VW Atlas SE W/Technology. This vehicle has grossly failed to meet reliability expectations. Of most concern is the repeated failure of the vehicle's electric power steering rack. This component has been replaced 3 times on my vehicle. Each failure has been accompanied by a creak in the front suspension and a clunk in the steering movement. I have asked VW of America to extend the warranty on my vehicle as this failure and it's the history of failures lead me to believe I will encounter this issue again very soon. VWOA has denied my request so far stating that my warranty had already expired. I reminded them that they had already extended my warranty for a separate mechanical issue that I experienced with both this vehicle and my previous vehicle, a 2018 VW Atlas involving the cylinder head. Between the steering rack failure and their handling of a dangerous issue with faulty door harness wiring that caused the vehicle's autonomous emergency braking to engage in traffic, I sincerely believe that NHTSA needs to get involved to mandate additional recall campaigns or warranty extensions on these vehicles to protect consumers.
STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-03
- VIN: 1V2TR2CA1LC
- Components: STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Steering gear feeling loose & making noise going down the road. Steering wheel shake & vibration. No warning lights initially. Few hours later when steering vibration was at it worse, the front end collision warning light with cruise control light came on. Dealer said system needed recalibrated & steering gear needed to be replaced. Stated it is a common, complaint/diagnosis but no recall from VW. $3000 to repair! Car definitely doesn’t feet safe at highway speeds
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-01
- VIN: 1V2TR2CA0LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: We had issues in March 2022 (electronic parking brake engaging while car is moving and driver's window rolling down when attempting to roll it up) that led to the defective door wiring harness diagnosis that was the subject of the national recall. We were without the vehicle for 2 months until late May 2022 when the redesigned replacement wiring harness was installed. We are now having the same problems again (electronic parking brake engaging while car is in motion; driver's window rolling down when trying to roll it up) in addition to the blindside warning lights staying on and flashing with no cars in the vicinity to trigger that. We suspect there are issues with the newly engineered replacement wire harness. The dealership has been slow to respond as well making the issue more frustrating.
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-11
- VIN: 1V2UR2CA6LC
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I want to record my experience with my 2020 VW Atlas. I have experienced the Front Collision alerts and the braking when nothing was in my path. This might have caused an accident as the braking would be similar to a driver stopping short. The vehicle was never brought to a complete stop but felt like the car was not in the driver's control as it slowed. The forward collision light did illuminate during occurrences. Secondly, the airbag light is on and the dealership has advised the part is on backorder. Both of these cause concern for me as this is the main vehicle for my family and I transport three young children in. This vehicle has already had a recall to address the slippage when steering and I feel like that fix did not fully resolve my issue.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-08
- VIN: 1v2dp2ca7lc
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH on local streets, the accelerator pedal was slightly released however, the vehicle immediately stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the destination safely. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed and was informed that an unstated wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 17,049.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-01
- VIN: 1v2dp2ca1lc
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- VIN: 1v2tr2ca4lc
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: We've had our Atlas since 5/2020. Since then, we've had multiple issues similar to what I have seen reported on VW's upcoming recall. I am not sure how VW intends to identify which VIN's are an issue, but ours should probably be included. Here's a list of issues... 1) Emergency braking goes off when backing up, even though there is no risk. 2) Emergency braking goes off at the end of a decline when the road is transitioning from angled to flat. Since you're pointed down, it thinks the upcoming road is another vehicle. 3) Using the remote start feature results in both the radio and cruise control not working. 4) Window buttons on driver's side sometimes don't respond or act erratically (ex: pressing up and the window goes down) 5) GPS is inaccurate. We actually had a part replaced in 2020 that fixed the problem, but we've noticed over the past few months it has started to get lost again. 6) All safety systems (lane assist, emergency braking, etc) need to be disabled when driving in the snow. Otherwise, the vehicle goes crazy with random beeps, warning, and occasionally will hit the brakes. Note that these are an aggregate of problems over the course of owning this vehicle. I provided a date, but the issues aren't limited to just that one date. Fortunately we have had no crashes or injuries related to this problem, but my wife had one very close call when driving in the snow and the brakes engaged while she was on the highway.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-06
- VIN: 1V2WP2CA3LC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Driver door harness malfunction causing many errors to display on dash. It also causes emergency brake to engage before coming to a complete stop basically slamming on the brake. Doors will randomly try to lock while driving even though they are locked and back windows will roll down. The driver window and door controls will not work to roll up/down window or unlock/lock doors. This all started in August 2021 with just the windows rolling down. Then weeks passed and a little more started happening. Then the brakes happened. It was a random occurrence but became an everyday issue and very unsafe especially when the weather became icy.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-27
- VIN: 1V2WR2CA4LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Drivers side door harness is problem- driver door fault, electric parking brake fault, start stop fault, car would automatically engage parking brake This is such a huge problem with Volkswagen that the car has been in shop six weeks waiting on part because of back order due to demand
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-18
- VIN: 1V2GR2CA2LC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: In the beginning of Novemeber 2021 with 7680 miles an alarm stating Error: Driver door contact switch Fault: Electronic parking brake Attention: Engine is running. Error: Start Stop The check engine light/EPC lights were on. Windows do not open or open about an inch by themselves. This issue occurs most times when starting the vehicle. VW was made aware and checked the vehicle stating the driver side door harness needs to be replaced but there is shipping delays. Over the next few months when operating the vehicle under speeds of approximatley 10 to 5 miles an hour the emergenancy parking break activates and slows or completley stops the vehicle while driving. This is a safety issue as a vehicle that suddenly stops while in traffic regardless of speed can be rear ended or cause an accident. VW has claimed that the door harness is at fault and that the parking break activating is because of a faulty door harness. It has been over 2 months and the door harness has still not been replaced. I have spoke to mechanics regarding this issue and they stated a parking break activating while the car is in motion is not related to a faulty door harness. I wish to have this complaint investigated and to have my car issue recalled so VW is forced to fix this issue. I have 3 small children who regularly ride in this vehicle. A emergency parking break activiating while the vehicle is in motion is unacceptable. Thank you.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-08
- VIN: 1V2DP2CA5LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hi please tell me if you can help me or help me find someone who can help me A friend imported from the USA to Romania a car VW Atlas chassis series . In order to register in Romania at the local Vehicle Department, the officer must see a chassis / VIN number carved on steel and compare this number with the VIN number on the windshield dashboard and in the documents. I found only two stickers with VIN: 1) on the doorstep from the driver. 2) another sticker in the area of the spare tire. I didn't find the stamped VIN. In Romania, it is NOT possible to register imported cars that do not have stamped VIN. Does this car have punched VIN? Please help me find the VIN code stamped on the steel frame? I would be grateful if you could send me on the email address pictures of the place where the punched chassis series is. VW Romania told me that this model is not in their database All the best
STEERING,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-18
- VIN: 1V2WR2CA9LC
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: MY 2020 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN APRIL 2020 WITH GREAT HOPES...WE'VE BEEN LOYAL VW CUSTOMERS AND HAVE OWNED 2 OTHER VW VEHICLES PRIOR. ISSUES BEGAN MID-AUG 2020, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND WE BEGAN HEARING A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AND BEGAN SMELLING A BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AT THIS TIME, THE VW SHOP DID THE FOLLOWING: THE ELECTRO-MECHANICAL STEERING WAS REPLACED AND THE ACF VALVE WAS REMOVED & REPLACED. ISSUE PERSISTED. WENT BACK IN LATE AUG 2020 FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUES AS BEFORE; VW SHOP REMOVED AND REINSTALLED THE ACF FILTER ONCE MORE. RATTLING WASN'T ADDRESSED. TAKEN AGAIN TO THE SHOP OCT 2020 FOR RATTLING IN UNDERCARRIAGE, AND THIS TIME WE WERE TOLD THE SWAY BARS WERE CAUSING THE RATTLING NOISE. THOSE WERE REPLACED AND THE RATTLING NOISE SUBSIDED. FORWARD TO BEGINNING OF NOV 2020, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNS ON; SHOP KEEPS THE VEHICLE FOR 13 DAYS, REMOVES AND REINSTALLS AIRBAG SENSOR. TWO DAYS AFTER WE RECEIVE OUR VEHICLE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNS ON AGAIN. SHOP KEEPS OUR VEHICLE FOR 63 DAYS, REMOVES AND INSTALLS THE DOOR WIRING HARNESS. BY END OF FEB 2021, AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AGAIN; SHOP UPDATES THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. WE HAVE NOT HAD AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON AFTER THIS MOST RECENT REPAIR, BUT WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING BRAKE SENSOR ISSUES: WE HAVE HAD A 'APPLY THE BRAKES' ALERT COME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AS WELL AS A 'FRONT COLLISION WARNING' COME ON WHILE THERE ARE NO OTHER VEHICLES REMOTELY CLOSE TO US AT THE TIME. OBVIOUSLY, WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2020 Volkswagen Atlas car reviews
Positive 2020 Volkswagen Atlas car reviews
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The vehicle is both capable as a minivan and solid and safe like an SUV. While gas mileage may not be a top priority for some, it's not bad with a V6 engine of 3.6 liters. With a soft acceleration, it wouldn't be much different from driving an electric car. The spacious interior is impressive, almost comparable to a suburban, but without the expensive V8. Safety features seem to perform well, as evidenced by tests. I hope to never have to deal with an accident, but the warning and brake assistance have saved me from distractions and blind spots, such as when reversing. The suspension is my only concern, as it can only be managed at a car shop. If it's too soft, it won't handle well on the freeway, and if it's too tight, it will affect city driving comfort. This is why other luxury SUVs have airsoft options, but they can be quite expensive. Hopefully, this will improve in the future. My only regret is not getting the 4 motion, which would provide more stable acceleration and better tire wear, requiring rotation every 5k miles. The front is prone to spinning easily if you're in a rush. If you're on a budget, I would suggest the SE V6 4 motion. However, the fake leather seats are very fragile.
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Hello! Thank you for considering our 2019 Atlas with R-Vision, 4-motion, Technology, and light bar on the front bumper. This car is incredibly spacious, perfect for carrying all your cargo, and is sure to turn heads! It accelerates quickly, handles snow well (although it can be a little tricky on unexpected ice), and we absolutely love the lane control and automatic slowing with cruise control use. It took us a few times to get used to the side mirrors showing when a car was in our blind spot, but now we can't imagine driving without this feature. The dealership also gave us an amazing 7/125K warranty instead of the standard 6/72K. We haven't had any issues with the car, except for a rock chip in the windshield which was quickly repaired. The only thing we wish was better is the size of the gas tank (only 18.6) and better mileage, averaging 19.2 (but we live at almost 4,000 feet and it's 35 miles to the closest town; the return half of the trip is all uphill). However, we have owned two Suburbans in the past and the best mileage we ever got was 14/17, and they were FWD, not AWD. Thank you for your time and consideration!
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The competition has more standard features than the Atlas SE, but other than that, it's a great car.
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Comfortable, good looking car, and the cruise control is fantastic. The car is perfect, but I would love it even more with more horsepower. I noticed a noise that other reviews have mentioned, but it's only noticeable with the window down going up a hill. It seems to be coming from the torque converter and sounds like a grinding noise, but it only lasts for a couple of seconds on low gears. Besides this, the SUV is awesome. I'm from North Bergen, New Jersey.
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We were down to our final three choices: the KIA Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and the VW Atlas. After comparing fit, comfort, style, and amenities offered at the SEL trim level for the VW and Hyundai, and the EX trim for the KIA, we found that they were all great. However, what made us choose the VW was the fact that every dealer we worked with for both the KIA and Hyundai wanted a base MSRP PLUS! Some dealers were even selling both the Hyundai and KIA for thousands over MSRP, which we found to be crazy. On the other hand, the VW dealer we worked with gave us a
Other years of Volkswagen Atlas
Are you having problems with your 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?
Rashawn Volkman 2024-11-10
Hey there! I wanted to share my experience with this car that I got 3 months ago. Unfortunately, I've been having some issues with the air conditioning and transmission. I've taken it to the dealership multiple times, but it still hasn't been fixed. I just wanted to give you a heads up so that you can make an informed decision. Thanks for listening!
Arvel Greenfelder 2024-09-04
The torque converter issue that the dealer claims is normal for this vehicle is unacceptable. The grinding noise during low-speed acceleration and rough low gear shifting are clear indications of a problem that needs to be addressed. It is disappointing that VW does not provide adequate support to their customers. If anyone has successfully resolved this issue, please share your experience.
Nat Hilpert 2024-08-26
CONS: The memory seat automatically recalls the opposite position from the driver's needs, and the electronic dashboard is non-intuitive and poorly organized. The surround camera misses the mark in terms of auto-activation, and the voice-activated functionality is amateurish at best. The owner's manual is completely useless, and the videos are misleading. Sharp edges on the doors can be painful, and the mileage ratings are optimistic at best. The Car-Net app functionality is lacking. PROS: This car is a great size and value for families, with wonderful highway manners and convenient adaptive cruise control. The auto up/down window operations are fabulous, and the panoramic moonroof operation is incredible.
Jamil Ritchie 2024-07-27
When I was looking for a 3-row crossover/SUV this spring, I briefly considered the new for 2019 VW Atlas. However, early reviews weren't very strong and I didn't want to risk being a guinea pig in testing this new vehicle. Recently, I had the opportunity to rent one for a week in the SE trim and while there were some aspects that didn't impress me, overall it's a decent option for large families on a budget. The V6 engine has plenty of vigor and pulls strongly through the gears, but it does come at a cost at the pump. The exterior styling is handsome and the vehicle is very spacious, with ample cargo space in the rear and bountiful cabin storage up front. While the SE trim may not be the most luxurious, it's still a great option for those who aren't fussy about upscale interiors or gas mileage. Overall, the Atlas is a solid choice for families who need a lot of space without breaking the bank.
Louie Ziemann 2024-06-19
We recently purchased this car brand new for its spacious 3rd row and ample storage, as well as the peace of mind that comes with a 72k warranty. Unfortunately, we experienced a serious transmission and throttle failure on our first tank of gas, while attempting to merge into 65 MPH traffic. Despite the danger, we were able to avoid a collision and are grateful for that. Volkswagen acknowledged the manufacturing issue and attempted to repair it, but we no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. It's worth noting that VW has reduced their warranty for the 2020 model year to 48,000 miles, compared to the 72,000 miles offered on earlier models. We hope that VW will address these issues and prioritize the safety of their customers. Potential buyers should be aware of these concerns before making a purchase.