2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 453 |
| 2019 | 462 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 442 |
| 2022 | 169 |
| 2023 | 115 |
| 2024 | 157 |
| 2025 | 36 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 20240315
7 of 26 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210406
5 of 26 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210406
4 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes.
4 of 26 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Fuel Injector Leak
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps.
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.
Campaign 22V086000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V152000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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 AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 22V815000 — check if this car was fixed
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.
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.
Campaign 23V215000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Volkswagen Atlas — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V086000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V152000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V815000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V215000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.