2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, 2% of the 165 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Since purchased new on January 29, 2021, I have encountered the same issue. When stopped and about to accelerate, the vehicle will hesitate. This happens with the start/stop engaged and disengaged. As I press the accelerator, nothing happens, then suddenly the car will take off. This happened when I test drove the car (I chalked it up to the start/stop mode), sitting at a light making a U turn to the left.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11425143, filed 2021-07“The Atlas has stalled twice since purchase. Both times I was coming into and out of a parking spot. The second time I was almost rear ended by another car. The car asked me to start manually. Both times Auto start/stop was disabled.”
NHTSA complaint #11606886, filed 2024-08“Driving under 10mphs (in slow moving traffic or parking lot, etc.), the vehicle engine turns off and power steering also shuts down. I reported this issue to VW Service and they were able to reproduce the issue but are unable to find a fix for it. When the issue appeared AUTO START/STOP error flashed on the dash board. I avoided an accident this week when the vehicle turned off in rolling traffic. Vehicles behind me swerved to avoid crashing into me since my car engine and power steering turned off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11602874, filed 2024-07Related service bulletins
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Replacement instruction
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11023844Sep 15, 2025For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized…
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11014950Feb 12, 2025CV Boot replacement
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10250803Feb 29, 2024Bevel box leaking, update to Arteon labor operation numbers.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
54 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsForward collision avoidance
28 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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