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EnginePart report

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 2024-10

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025520%
20241616%
2023630%
20222026%
20213320%
202098%

Other parts of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Electrical system
33 complaints
Other or unknown
25 complaints
Air bags
23 complaints
Brakes
18 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
15 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Transmission 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