2020 Volkswagen Atlas Problems And Complaints

Rating7.2

Ranked #11 in 

Midsize Suv
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$31,545 - $49,195
Starting Price 
$21,991 - $26,309
Starting Market Average
2020 Volkswagen Atlas in Fortana Red Metallic color
Fortana Red Metallic

Users Opinions on 2020 Volkswagen Atlas

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Disliked by Users

  • E

    Edwin

    • 16/06/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... 6-cylinder sport utility. The other main issue is very noisy inside from the front panel and popping noise form steering wheel. I have been to dealer twice and they cannot fix it and the dealer is claiming that all Atlases have this problem. back gate paint has chipped off and the dealer is telling me that it has been hit, but there is no sign of the impact,Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • R

    RG

    • 03/01/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    Many buyers including myself have had issues with the a sluggish jumpy first to second gear and also an screeching noise many times at low speed acceleration. Based on the VW forums and my own mechanic, this is a faulty torque converter. My screeching noise is getting worse andRead More

    Source: edmunds

2020 Volkswagen Atlas SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

18

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating

Updated on: June 17, 2024

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, is a decent affordable mid-size SUV. It is best known for its high level of comfort and adds to its likability with practical cargo space. But the SUV is a bit of an underperformer in the performance department and reliability sections. As of this date, it has 2 recalls and 9 complaints to its name, most of which are concerned with its braking system. However, what are the other issues with the SUV and how does it compare with rivals like the Buick Enclave, the Subaru Ascent, and the Dodge Durango? Let’s find out.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

  • Brakes acting up -. The parking, emergency, and or service braking system were the worst and most common problems in the NHTSA complaint section. On par with the electrical harness malfunctioning, the emergency and/or parking brakes prematurely activate, which can cause potential problems for the drivers. 
  • Steering failure - The mechanical steering failed for one user. The vehicle started to have a burning smell coming from the engine bay. Subsequently, they had to change the mechanical steering system.

Electrical Problems

  • Electrical malfunction - The electrical harness malfunction was the most common problem for the buyers of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The door electrical harness was susceptible to corrosion and as a result, the parts that rely on it like the airbags would not work properly. To deal with the issue, Volkswagen introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 22V152000.
  • Emergency brakes act prematurely - The brakes would come on prematurely for the users causing them to stop abruptly whether it was driving or reversing it. It was a cause of concern for the involved parties as if the situation was different it would have been problematic.

Recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional remarks.

Remedy

1

28th March 2022

22V152000

Delayed deployments of the front airbag.

The door wiring electrical harness might corrode and as a result, might cause the malfunctioning of the airbags during a crash.

Dealerships will inspect and if necessary will change the electrical wiring free of charge.

2

16th February 2022

22V086000

Reduced GVWR rating label missing.

Some of the models do not comply with the FMVS, by not mentioning the additional weights of the “sidestep” along with the GVWR.

The dealership will update the GVWR label free of charge.

Should you buy the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas

Yes there have been only 9 complaints and 2 categories of recalls. But the situation under which they are categorized is dire. Defective actions of the emergency brakes and malfunctioning of the airbags can be a serious potential threat. We would suggest you go with the competition like the 2020 Subaru Ascent or even the 2020 Dodge Durango. If you must, however, be sure that the vehicle has already been inspected for the airbag and parking brakes problem, we would additionally suggest you get a pre-used one, hence there is a reliable history thereof the vehicle working smoothly. Else we again would like you to go for any other vehicle, there are plenty even outside the Ascent and the Durango at the same price range.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

August 1, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11606157

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11606157

Incident Date:
August 1, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
1V2AP2CA2LC

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
I was driving today and an Airbag Error Message popped up with the Airbag Warning Lamp and will not turn ...

May 30, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11591739

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11591739

Incident Date:
May 30, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
1V2LR2CA7LC

Consumer Location:
FRANKLIN, TN

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, ...

April 8, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11581839

Components: 010000 STEERING

NHTSA ID Number:
11581839

Incident Date:
April 8, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
1V2ER2CA9LC

Consumer Location:
SANTA CLARITA, CA

Summary
When turning my vehicle to the left or right at slow speeds, the steering wheel rattles and wants to auto...

March 14, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11577526

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11577526

Incident Date:
March 14, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
1V2MR2CA0LC

Consumer Location:
TRAVERSE CITY, MI

Summary
Navigation system (GPS) does not show correct location and 'reroutes' off the correct path. This could l...

October 9, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11549247

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11549247

Incident Date:
October 9, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
1V2LR2CA3LC

Consumer Location:
GLEN ELLYN, IL

Summary
Since I purchased this vehicle for my wife, she has repeatedly called me in tears regarding the vehicle t...

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