2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,822miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 8% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,822 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at approximately 10-15mph the engine shut off and was forced to come to a stop and restart the engine. The error read Engine start/stop error, manually restart engine. I have been reading that this is a known issue by Volkswagon but they are not addressing. Luckily my car was just going onto an offramp when the engine shut off.”
NHTSA complaint #11534606, filed 2023-07“The vehicle randomly turns off and a message appears that states manually start the vehicle. It’s not the ECO start and stop system. I researched the Atlas online forum and this is a noted problem. The comments were very consistently noting that VW has not properly addressed the issue. There were numerous comments that the dealerships were unable to address the issue leaving the owner with a very dangerous defect. I encourage you to pursue this matter further. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11550954, filed 2023-10“on 11/18/24 Spark plug issues and misfire cylinder causing loss of power and acceleration with engine light check light on ,EPC and tire pressure. Other Issue with navigation system giving false of whereabout and wrong directions/turns. Occasional lost of power while driving on the street. Navigation system has been replaced twice but problem still continue. in 2021 and 2023.”
NHTSA complaint #11626449, filed 2024-11“The contact owned a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, he crashed into another vehicle and within seconds, his vehicle's engine compartment caught fire and exploded twice. The vehicle was engulfed in flames when the fire department arrived on the scene. The contact did not receive medical attention or sustain injuries however, the contact's wife received medical attention for injuries sustained and transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11421699, filed 2021-06, 16,643 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11618215, filed 2024-10Related service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11035774Jul 6, 2026For applicable 2018-2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport 3.6L Settlement Class Vehicles (NA6 warranty key), the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 80% of the…
- 11035773Jul 6, 2026Supporting FAQ for VWP-26-07 Main Engine Wiring Harness Limited Warranty Extension (Class Action)
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the…
- 11027250Dec 4, 2025Update Engine/Motor Control Module J623.
- 11025438Oct 29, 2025Turbocharger repair or replace due to stuck wastegate.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
33 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsForward collision avoidance
15 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology