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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
4%of 108 total for the year
Median mileage
38,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 4% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles.

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.

“car navigation system is inaccurate. There is a severe lag in displaying where the car actually is located versus where the car is displayed on navigation. Navigation then places me in a location a mile or so away from where I am located and then reports that I am off road. The directions are inaccurate as navigation cannot locate my location accurately and in real time.”

NHTSA complaint #11595220, filed 2024-06

“Having issues with the vehicle Power Train, Steering, Steering wheel locked, Suspension, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision, Automatic Emergency Braking are just a few I can remember. After all these dashboard lights started flickering the truck wouldn't turn back on leaving me stranded at least 3 times. I have called the local Volkswagen dealership since my lease is up in a few weeks and they will not take the truck if it isn't running. They advise to have it towed to the dealership to diagnose and give an estimate of the cost to get this fixed. …”

NHTSA complaint #11639317, filed 2025-01

“The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that while driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11772927, filed 2026-10, 38,000 miles

“2020 Atlas Cross Sport SE 4 MOTION. At 15,000, vehicle exhibited unusual and dangerous transmission behavior that compromises the safety and longevity of the vehicle. The vehicle demonstrated severe acceleration lag from stop, revving at high RPM's before moving, harsh grinding gear shifts, start/stop errors , and bucking at lower gears. Car was taken to service center for the first time and diagnosed with a transmission leak due to a faulty gasket, which was repaired. However, problems persisted and worsened. …”

NHTSA complaint #11451543, filed 2022-02

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025728%
202488%
202211%
202132%
202044%

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
Engine
9 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

← 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